On 30 December, following a request for assistance from Croatian authorities, Lithuania allocated EUR 100, 000 for humanitarian aid to the country in the aftermath of an earthquake.

The European Commission has announced today an additional €3.5 million in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina facing a humanitarian disaster. More than 1,700 refugees and migrants remain without appropriate shelter and support in Una Sana canton. After the closure of the reception centre in Lipa, which was not winter-proof and which also suffered a fire, 900 people are currently on the former campsite. In addition, a further 800 refugees and migrants are staying outdoors in harsh winter conditions, including children.

The situation facing more than 900 migrants in Lipa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is dire. They are without adequate shelter in severe winter conditions. This morning I spoke with Zoran Tegeltija, the Chair of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This followed a conversation yesterday evening with Mustafa Ružnić, PM of the Una-Sana Canton.

President Gitanas Nausėda extended congratulations to President Guy Parmelin of the Swiss Confederation on assuming the office.

The European Union (represented by President of the European Council, Charles Michel and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen held a leaders' meeting with China (represented by President Xi Jinping) via videoconference on 30 December 2020.

The European Commission has found €73.02 million of Italian support in favour of Alitalia to be in line with EU State aid rules. This measure aims at compensating the airline for the damages suffered on 19 routes due to the coronavirus outbreak between 16 June and 31 October 2020.

Yesterday, the European Commission adopted a package of €70 million under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA II) to help fund the access of Western Balkans partners to COVID-19 vaccines procured by EU Member States.

Statement by the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli and the Head of Parliament's UK Coordination Group David McAllister on the agreement reached on future EU-UK relations.

President Gitanas Nausėda brought together Latvian, Estonian, Czech, Polish, Romanian and Slovakian leaders to express support for the democratically elected President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, who is inaugurated today. In a joint statement, the Presidents of seven EU member states express support to Maia Sandu’s efforts to follow the path of European integration and consolidate the implementation of reforms based on democratic values, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

The European Commission has extended two humanitarian flagship programmes in Turkey until early 2022. These programmes help over 1.8 million refugees meet their basic needs and will help over 700,000 children to continue their education.