EU eyes €500m for African countries to help offset lost food from Ukraine

The EU has warned that severe food shortages could trigger a major migration wave into Europe from Africa and the Middle East

About three-quarters of Ukrainian harvests are typically sold abroad, and it’s a key exporter to Africa, Asia and the Middle East as well as Europe.

The EU is considering a proposal to channel about €500m to African countries to help tackle the continent’s food crisis as the Russian invasion of Ukraine cuts off vital supplies, according to people familiar with the matter.

EU leaders meeting in Brussels discussed using untapped reserves from the European Development Fund to boost aid to the continent, said the officials who declined to be named about confidential talks.