EU Humanitarian Response and Immediate Measures
Commissioner Hadja Lahbib addressed the European Parliament on 7 October 2025, outlining the European Union's immediate response to the devastating earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on 31 August 2025. The earthquake caused nearly 2,000 deaths and widespread destruction across Nangarhar and Kunar provinces. In response, the EU mobilized 01.5 million euros in emergency funding, six humanitarian airbridge flights delivering 450 metric tonnes of aid, and deployed a specialized Emergency Medical Team including trauma physiotherapists.
Focus on Vulnerable Populations and Gender-Sensitive Aid
Lahbib stressed the EU’s prioritization of women and children, who are the most vulnerable and face heightened protection risks amid displacement in a restrictive social context. The aid programs are described as gender-sensitive, with maternal and reproductive health care integral to health support, food security, and nutrition interventions. This approach aims to address gender-specific vulnerabilities and protect the rights and well-being of women and girls in the affected regions.
Policy Orientation and Institutional Collaboration
The Commissioner highlighted collaboration with local organizations, civil society, and institutions such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) and the Afghan Red Crescent Society. This local engagement is intended to improve needs assessments and program effectiveness. The speech pointed to a continuation of existing EU humanitarian activities adapted for the disaster context, focusing on food, shelter, water, sanitation, health, and protection.
Stakeholder Impacts and Political Significance
The proposals emphasize increased humanitarian intervention without creating new institutional structures or setting explicit quantitative targets beyond immediate funding and resource deployment. National Afghan authorities and local NGOs are positioned as critical implementers, benefiting from increased operational support. EU humanitarian bodies experience an expansion of resource allocation and logistical activity. Donor EU taxpayers may see financial commitments for emergency aid but no long-term budget outlines were provided.
The political significance lies in reaffirming the EU's role as a global humanitarian actor, prioritizing vulnerable groups amid crisis, and adapting existing frameworks for emergency response rather than advocating for expanded EU sovereignty or regulatory changes. Thus, the speech reinforces a stance of external humanitarian solidarity with gender-sensitive programming tailored to context-specific challenges.