Ukraine joins EU disaster solidarity framework

BRUSSELS

Ukraine has joined the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, becoming its 36th member, the European Commission has announced.

EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic signed the official agreement on Ukraine's accession to the EU’s disaster solidarity framework during his visit to Kyiv on Thursday, the EU executive body said in a statement.

With Ukraine’s membership, 27 EU member states and nine partner countries participate in the mechanism that provides immediate assistance in case of natural disasters and emergency situations.

Under the framework, Ukraine has already received over 88,000 tons of life-saving equipment, food, and medicines since the beginning of Russia’s "special military operation" last year in February.

“As a full member, Ukraine will now also be able to provide the same solidarity to other countries and people affected by crises," Lenarcic said.

"The Ukrainian civil protection authorities have already demonstrated their unwavering resilience as they fight against time to help restore what Russia has destroyed, while also to showing solidarity with Türkiye following the devastating earthquakes in February."

The EU also announced another €55 million ($60 million) in humanitarian assistance to war-hit Ukraine to prepare the country for the next winter.​​​​​​​