Wednesday 23 April 2008

European Commission plans to provide a further €117.25 million for food

The European Commission plans to provide a further €117.25 million for food assistance as a tesponse to the impact of the increase in food prices on the world's most vulnerable people. Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said:

"The rise in basic food prices is a worldwide humanitarian disaster in the making. Ongoing humanitarian food programmes are under enormous pressure with less food available for people already on the brink of starvation. Millions more, who were just about coping before, now risk going hungry. Addressing food price issue is a global challenge requiring long-term solutions but the emergency is now. We have an obligation to act – and act quickly."
Reference:
Commissioner Louis Michel announces €117.25 million food aid boost.
Related:
International Hearld Tribune 22/04: EU: rising food prices call for trade deals that encourage more food output
EU Observor 22/04: EU fears food price rises will lead to 'spiral of protectionism'