An allocation of 160 billion euros for food aids for "the poorest regions and countries in the world"; the people who directly benefit from such aids have been estimated at 18.7 million. The top yearly budget entry for the EU Executive in this area, announced today by the EU Commissioner Louis Michel, will be sent to sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America. It is the single most substantial allocation ever decided by the EU and intends to "respond to the needs of the most vulnerable populations, the victims of the scarcity of food resulting from natural catastrophes, economic or political crises and armed conflicts". More funds might be allocated during 2008. Michel explained that in the developing countries "the poor populations are also those most exposed to natural catastrophes, conflict, economic recession, all situations which can quickly lead to starvation". Therefore the European Union plays "a key role by bringing urgent aids in the form of victuals as well as by supporting the efforts made to "reinstate the local production of the foods" they need. (continued)
