(BRUSSELS) - The EU's Aid Commissioner called Thursday for urgent action on Zimbabwe's dire humanitarian situation as he announced an extra 10 million euros (14.7 million dollars) of aid.

"I am deeply concerned by the continued dramatic humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. This situation must be addressed urgently," said European Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel.

"This has been recognised by Prime Minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai as one of the top priorities the Zimbabwean authorities have to tackle in the immediate term.

"This is also a priority for Europe and the European Commission is doing its part to help meet these urgent humanitarian needs," he added in a statement.

The fresh assistance comes in addition to 15 million euros of food aid the EU's executive arm made available in Zimbabwe earlier this year.

The aid, is aimed at helping the most vulnerable population groups affected by displacement, epidemics and violence, mainly through providing assistance in the areas of health, water and sanitation.

It is being channelled through the EU Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department.

Earlier this month, European Union foreign ministers said Zimbabwe's new unity government had to prove itself democratically before EU sanctions could be lifted and economic aid resumed, but humanitarian aid has not been stopped.

"The EU's humanitarian assistance is neutral and impartial and not an instrument of politics," said Michel.

"I expect all restrictions on humanitarian operations to be totally lifted as a result of the recent political settlement. This will allow our assistance to reach all those ordinary Zimbabweans with acute humanitarian needs who have no access to basic foodstuffs, clean water, essential household items, hygiene commodities or basic healthcare."

Zimbabwe's economy has been on a downturn for a nearly decade with high unemployment, food shortages and at least 80 percent of the population living below the poverty line.

This has been accompanied by dizzying levels of inflation -- now officially at 11.2 million percent.

Germany said Monday it would double humanitarian aid to Zimbabwe after the country's veteran president Robert Mugabe and the main rival opposition leader Tsvangirai agreed on a deal to share power.

Mugabe and Tsvangirai signed the deal September 15 after months of tough negotiations.

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