The European Commission has decided to allocate €3 million to respond to humanitarian needs in Libya and neighbouring countries. This emergency funding will provide medical and food aid, shelter and mattresses, blankets and hygiene kits for both Libyans and Libya-based refugees who are crossing into neighbouring countries to flee the violence. European relief aid will also be provided for potential humanitarian needs inside Libya, once the security situation in the country allows a proper assessment.

"The situation in Libya evolves by the hour. With this emergency decision, the European Commission is responding to the immediate needs on the ground," said Commissioner Georgieva. She underlined that Libya's neighbours are so far coping with the influx of their returning citizens and refugees from Libya; "however, it is crucial that we are ready for possible massive displacements within the country and for the potential influx of tens of thousands of refugees to neighbouring countries in the days and weeks to come. By allocating and pre-positioning our aid through partners, we work on relief of suffering and saving lives," the Commissioner said.

The European aid will be implemented by partners with the capacity to provide immediate relief assistance: UN agencies, the ICRC/IFRC (Red Crescent societies) and international NGOs in the field. The Commission continues to actively monitor the situation through its network of experts deployed to the crisis areas, and remains in close contact with humanitarian partners and Member States, to assess needs and take further steps.