“Given the harsh winter conditions many refugees are facing along the Western Balkans route, this additional humanitarian aid will provide people in need with key essentials such as temporary shelter, food, health, water and sanitation. It will help reduce the pressure on the over-stretched capacities of the most affected countries,” said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.

The new funding has been made available following the decision of the European Parliament, which is set to be formally approved by the Council next week. The funding will top up humanitarian aid already provided to the Western Balkans in 2015.

The total EU humanitarian aid to the Western Balkans now stands at €21.74 million