On 20 April, Ukraine became a Participating State of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism – the European solidarity framework that helps countries overwhelmed by a disaster.
EU Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič visited Kyiv yesterday to formally sign an agreement on behalf of the European Union to grant Ukraine full membership of the Mechanism.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has channelled emergency assistance to Ukraine from across Europe since the onset of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. In its largest and longest running operation, more than 88,000 tonnes of life-saving equipment, food, and medicines, have been sent to Ukraine via the Mechanism.
Most recently, more than 1,000 power generators fully financed by the EU were mobilised to Ukraine from the strategic rescEU energy reserves. Now, by being a full member, Ukraine will also be able to dispatch aid via the Mechanism at a time when another country finds itself in a crisis.
The same day, the EU also allocated a further €55 million in humanitarian funding to Ukraine on top of the €145 million already provided earlier this year. This new humanitarian funding will focus on preparing for next winter.
During his visit to Ukraine, Lenarcic also said the EU will step up another funding for demining this year, “supporting the clearing of mined areas, training specialists, educating citizens and providing assistance to victims”. Last year, the EU allocated nearly €20 million for demining.
Source: euneighbourseast