The European Commission agreed on Monday to boost its aid to Nepal by 16.6 million euros.<br /><br /> That’s nearly quadruple the original commitment of 6 million euros made following last week’s tragedy. Jointly, Brussels and EU member states have pledged 40 million in aid.<br /><br /> EU Commissioner Christos Stylianidis, who’s responsible for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, has just returned from a four day mission in Katmandu.<br /><br /> Read his statement following the trip:<br /><br /> My statement about the conclusions of my mission to #Nepal http://t.co/3QqelrFokk #NepalEarthquake— Christos Stylianides (@StylianidesEU) May 4, 2015<br /><br /> Commissioner Stylianidis said the additional funds would be released this week.<br /><br /> “We have to beat the monsoon season. That’s due in around 3 or 4 weeks and if we’re in the same situation then, the change in the weather will create massive problems,” he added.<br /><br /> The funds have been earmarked for the most urgent needs including clean water, medicine, telecommunications and shelter.
