Press Release: European Commission provides €15 million for emergency food aid in the Horn of Africa

As the international community today marked World Food Day 2008, the European Commission adopted a new emergency funding decision of €15 million for food assistance in the Horn of Africa. The decision aimed at saving lives and relieving suffering in one of the world's most vulnerable regions. The food crisis in the Horn of Africa has been caused by a combination of climatic shocks (in particular drought), local food inflation linked to high international prices, increased costs for fuel, transport and fertilisers, as well as other issues like security. The total amount allocated by the Commission to food assistance worldwide in 2008 has now been boosted by €100 million to more than €323 million.

• Primary Source