18/12/2025 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 18 December, the European Commission announced funding of €4.35 million to strengthen the protection of humanitarian workers operating in high-risk areas. This support is part of the EU’s ‘Protect Aid Workers’ initiative, at a time when humanitarian missions are becoming increasingly dangerous, according to the Commission. The funds should be used to support staff facing critical incidents, ensuring their safety and recovery. “Their safety is non-negotiable. Humanitarian workers are our shield against chaos. The EU must be their shield against violence,” said Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness and Management, on Wednesday, on the sidelines of a meeting with the Palestinian Red Crescent, UNRWA, and with humanitarian workers from Afghanistan, Ukraine and Sudan who have benefited from the Protect Aid Workers programme. (BD)