Western Balkans: EU & UNICEF, partners for children

EU & UNICEF, partners for children. Credits: EU

European Commission supports UNICEF with €2 million to assist refugee children in the Western Balkans.

The European Commission has today unlocked financial support for UNICEF, providing €2 million to assist 170 000 infants, children and mothers with 24/7 operational child-friendly spaces in which families can rest, receive first aid and essentials for the winter months such as clothes and blankets.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the most vulnerable at this critical time. Many refugee children and their parents need food, hygiene, warm clothes and protection in the Western Balkans, as the winter months set in. Our humanitarian aid will get crucial support to families in Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

The funding is part of the over €8.74 million in humanitarian aid provided by the Commission in 2015 to help Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia cope with the refugee influx.
This funding follows the Commission's commitments agreed at the Leaders' Meeting on the Western Balkans Migration Route and the 17-point action plan.

Since January 2015, over 322 000 migrants and refugees are estimated to have crossed the Western Balkans, the vast majority through the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia.