MEP Lukas Mandl (PPE) has asked the European Commission to detail concrete steps taken to deepen EU-US cooperation on food security, warning that declining contributions to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) threaten its ability to respond to humanitarian crises. In a written parliamentary question dated 18 June 2026, Mandl highlighted that global hunger is intensifying, with serious consequences for children, adults, migration patterns, and radicalisation. He noted that contributions to the WFP from key partners have fallen sharply: the United Nations' contribution dropped from around USD 4.44 billion in 2024 to USD 2.06 billion in 2025, while EU contributions decreased from EUR 550.3 million to EUR 520.1 million, and Member States' contributions fell from EUR 1.65 billion to EUR 1.09 billion over the same period.
The question, addressed to the Commission, contains three concrete asks. First, Mandl requests a list of steps taken since the Commission's reply to a similar 2025 question to deepen cooperation with the United States on food security, addressing root causes of migration and support. Second, he asks whether the EU already has a coordinated strategy with the US to combat hunger. Third, he seeks information on measures being taken to ensure the WFP remains operational in humanitarian crises and to strengthen Europe's role in global food security, given the decline in contributions from key partners.
The question signals a push for greater EU-US coordination and a more robust European financial commitment to global food security. Mandl's focus on the WFP funding gap and the link between hunger, migration, and radicalisation suggests he is advocating for a strategic, security-oriented approach to development aid. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it shares Mandl's urgency and whether it plans to propose new funding or coordination mechanisms with Washington.
The WFP and humanitarian organisations would benefit from increased EU-US cooperation and funding, ensuring operational continuity. EU taxpayers may face higher contributions if the Commission responds with new funding commitments. EU development agencies could see a stronger policy framework for transatlantic food security initiatives. US development partners would be affected by any coordinated strategy, potentially aligning priorities and resources.