Press Release: European Commission contributes EUR 14 million to WFP Tsunami appeal

Following the destructive tidal wave on Asian coasts at the end of December 2005, the World Food Programme issued an emergency appeal to help the victims of this disaster to recover and reconstruct their lives. The European Commission released €14 million in response to this appeal, as an immediate reaction to the most pressing food needs. It is estimated that with local and regional procurement the contribution of the Commission could allow the provision of 30.000 tonnes of cereals to the victims of the tsunami. The €14 million was part of a proposed package of up to €450 million from the EU community budget to respond to the catastrophe. Taken with pledges from EU Member States, Europe's contribution as a whole was expected to amount to €1.5 billion, making Europe the biggest donor.