Spain has announced a humanitarian contribution of EUR 10 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to address worsening food insecurity linked to conflict and the ripple effects of the escalation in the Middle East. Approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers on 14 April and channelled through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the package will provide urgent support in fragile contexts.
Of the total, EUR 7.05 million has been allocated to Lebanon, Palestine, Mali, and Niger. This funding will help WFP respond to severe humanitarian crises, including the impact of regional instability on food security in the Middle East and the Central Sahel. Disruptions to maritime traffic are compounding these challenges by delaying essential agricultural inputs needed for the upcoming planting season.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares emphasized that the contribution comes at a critical time of growing humanitarian needs. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain highlighted that the support will enable emergency food assistance in countries where conflict and economic shocks are pushing families to the brink, stressing that timely action is vital when planting seasons and supply chains are at risk.
The geographical allocation includes EUR 500,000 for Palestine, EUR 700,000 for Lebanon, EUR 2.8 million for Mali, and EUR 3.05 million for Niger. The remaining EUR 2.95 million will be allocated later.
This partnership underscores Spain’s commitment to humanitarian action and WFP’s role as the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for communities affected by conflict, disasters, and climate change.
