The European Union (EU) will increase its humanitarian help to Afghanistan to more USD 236 million, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced. This humanitarian aid will come on top of Member States' contributions to help the people of Afghanistan," she said.

"At today's G7 Leaders call, I will announce an increase in humanitarian support for Afghanistan's, in and around the country, from European Union budget from over 50 million to over 200 million," von der Leyen said in a tweet on Tuesday.

According to European Commission chief spokesperson Eric Mamer, the 200 million euros will come on top of 57 million euros already-allocated humanitarian assistance, according to reports. To make sure that the money is utilised to help those who require humanitarian assistance, a robust contractual engagement is made with partner organisations, including reports on how funds are used on the ground, Mamer said. All European Union employees have been evacuated from Afghanistan, Mamer said, noting that a core presence is still maintained at the airport. Despite the withdrawal of the NATO troops and personnel from Afghanistan, most NGOs were continuing to operate in the country, the spokesperson added.

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