Finland has made significant humanitarian assistance decisions in 2025, prioritising support to Ukraine, major refugee crises in Africa, and the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. By the end of July, Finland had provided around EUR 97.5 million in humanitarian aid, nearly EUR 18 million of which went to Ukraine. Funding has also been directed to Sudan, where famine was detected last year, and to Myanmar, which continues to recover from an earthquake. About one tenth of this assistance was implemented through Finnish civil society organisations.
Despite growing global humanitarian needs, funding for the international aid system is shrinking, forcing rapid reforms. Finland remains committed to providing life-saving support and backing system reforms to ensure aid continues to reach those most in need. According to Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio, Finland’s humanitarian assistance is expected to exceed EUR 100 million this year, with a focus on flexible funding that allows organisations to respond quickly to crises and shifting needs.
Ukraine is the largest recipient of Finland’s humanitarian aid. Of the EUR 18 million directed there, EUR 16 million has been channelled through UN humanitarian agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, with nearly EUR 2 million delivered via Finnish civil society groups. Finland’s contribution has been particularly impactful in supporting the World Food Programme, enabling food and cash assistance for 1.1 million Ukrainians in July alone. The ongoing conflict has left around five million people food insecure, with support helping the WFP adapt resources to shifting front lines and displacement.
Alongside Ukraine, Finland has prioritised support to Africa and the Middle East, where food insecurity and displacement are escalating. In Sudan, Finland provided over EUR 3.2 million through WFP operations and CSO projects. In Gaza, more than EUR 3 million supported WFP and Finnish civil society work. Myanmar received over EUR 4 million for humanitarian aid and recovery through the Red Cross and local CSOs. These interventions highlight Finland’s focus on addressing both immediate crises and long-term recovery needs.
Finland has also allocated EUR 2 million to the WFP and UNHCR to strengthen disability inclusion in humanitarian responses, recognising that people with disabilities are often among the most vulnerable but hardest to reach. In addition, EUR 4 million has been granted to expand WFP school meals programmes, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, where food insecurity disproportionately affects children. Finland has also continued providing core funding to multilateral humanitarian organisations to ensure their stability and capacity to respond globally.
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