Corona crisis: ensuring aid and protection for those in need

22 Apr 2020 11:13 AM

To ensure that the most vulnerable continue to get the help they need, Parliament has adopted changes to the rules on the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived.

The Covid-19-crisis has made getting aid to the most vulnerable members of our societies more challenging. To better protect people at risk of poverty or social exclusion and to ensure continuity of support at a time of social distancing, Parliament approved changes to the rules for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived on 17 April 2020.

National authorities will be able to adjust their aid schemes to reduce the risk of contamination. For example, food aid and basic material assistance can be delivered through electronic vouchers or vouchers in any form. Where needed, those delivering aid should be provided with the necessary protective equipment.

The Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived

• The fund was created in 2014 to help alleviate the worst forms of poverty in the EU: food deprivation, child poverty, homelessness
• It provides essentials for those in need, food and basic items such as clothes, shoes and toiletries, but also promotes social inclusion through psychological support, language courses etc.
• Assistance is provided through partner organisations and can be adapted to local needs, so EU countries can set their own priorities.
• The EU contribution to the fund for 2014-2020 is more than€3.8 billion. EU countries co-finance at least 15% of the costs of their programmes

 Click here for the full press release