By KYIV. Nov 15 (Interfax-Ukraine) – With the ratification by the Verkhovna Rada of the Agreement on Ukraine’s participation in the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, Ukraine has become a fully-fledged participant to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, benefitting from the same rights and obligations as other EU countries the EU Delegation to Ukraine said.
“The Agreement enables Ukraine to collaborate seamlessly with the EU in the realm of civil protection and disaster risk management, allowing for enhanced coordination and response in times of emergencies. The Agreement is expected to facilitate the mobilisation of assistance to Ukraine under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism,” according to the statement.
It is noted that as a full-fledged participating country, Ukraine can now also offer assistance via the Mechanism to affected populations in various crises and benefit from EU co-financing for transport and operational costs. Ukraine can also benefit from other tools via a more structured cooperation in disasters prevention and preparedness, such as via training and exercises under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
“I highly welcome the Verkhovna Rada’s ratification of the Agreement on Ukraine’s participation in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Mechanism has played an essential part in our support to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion – and before. Ukraine’s full-fledged participation is another testament to our ever-closer relations,” EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová said.
The EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism is recognized as the world’s largest system of coordinated international assistance during emergency situations. Comprising EU Member States and ten close EU partners as Participating States, including Ukraine, the Mechanism stands as a testament to the commitment to collective action and support in times of crisis.
