Brussels, 15 October 2024
The EU Commission announces today a new humanitarian aid package of €21.5 million for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total EU support to almost €95 million in 2024. The new funding will support humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Furthermore, a new EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight taking essential supplies for victims of typhoon Yagi, that left a trail of destruction in the Asia-Pacific region, is being launched and due to arrive in the coming days in Laos.
The announcements come as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is visiting the Philippines and Indonesia this week to reinforce cooperation in disaster preparedness and response with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries in the region.
In this regard, today Commissioner Lenarčič will represent the EU at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, Philippines, where he will highlight the EU’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness and response, both in the EU and beyond. The EU recently supported the Philippines following typhoons Yagi and Gaemi.
New agreement on EU-ASEAN disaster management
Later this week in Jakarta, Commissioner Lenarčič will attend the signature of an agreement on disaster management between the EU’s department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and ASEAN’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
This agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries in preparedness and response to disasters by:
- Exchanging knowledge and best practices between ASEAN and the EU;
- Deploying and exchanging experts;
- Developing training programmes.
Furthermore, during his stay in Jakarta, the Commissioner will mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, recalling the EU solidarity during the response.
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The ongoing monsoon season has been particularly hard in Southeast Asia, where several countries have suffered severe floods and cyclones. As climate-induced disasters become more frequent and intense, it is even more important to reinforce international cooperation for better preparedness and efficient response. I am convinced that this agreement between the EU and ASEAN disaster management bodies will bring many gains, allowing us to learn from each other and better protect our populations.
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management
Statement by Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
15 October 2024
“Check against delivery”
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am honoured to be part of this Ministerial meeting. I would like to thank UNDRR and the government of Philippines for the invitation.
The Asia-Pacific region is the most disaster-prone in the world. In just the last few weeks, we have witnessed the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to affect Southeast Asia in decades. My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones during this disaster.
In the aftermath of disasters like this one, it may be easy to give in to desperation and helplessness. However, yet again this region has demonstrated remarkable resilience. That’s why we are gathered here today. To build on this strength and advance together towards the objectives of the Sendai Framework.
Working on improving preparedness on the ground. Growing awareness within communities. And building local-level resilience.
I am proud to say that the EU is acting to make this a reality in this region. Investing over 85 million euros[1] in disaster preparedness in Asia and the Pacific since 2020. This includes multiple Disaster Preparedness initiatives with regional perspectives and country-level activities, including here in the Philippines.
And as the challenges we are discussing are universal, it is vital that we learn from each other by sharing best practices and lessons learnt.
That is why tomorrow I am flying to Jakarta to sign an Administrative Arrangement to strengthen our already longstanding EU-ASEAN partnership on disaster preparedness and response.
Climate-induced disasters do not respect boundaries – and so neither should our cooperation.
As many of you know, my mandate as Commissioner for Crisis Management is drawing to a close. As I look back at these past five years, I have witnessed far too many disasters, but also incredible examples of resilience and efforts to build back better.
To conclude: the risk of disasters may be high. But this region’s vulnerability does not determine its destiny. Together, we can forge a more sustainable and resilient future across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Thank you.
Source – EU Commission