EU gave emergency assistance following floods in Ukraine

Sweden, Italy, Denmark and Slovakia immediately provided assistance to help Ukraine manage the consequences of the floods and prevent further damage, according to the press release from the EU Delegation to Ukraine. The transport of materials was coordinated and co-financed via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This assistance was mobilized in response to one of the largest flooding events over the last 50 years in Ukraine’s west, with several casualties and damage to hundreds of homes.

“Civil protection capacities have been under extreme pressure in the past months. Nonetheless, the European Union has kept up its commitment to help when climate disasters strike. I warmly thank the four Member States who have demonstrated their solidarity with Ukraine through this immediate response,” EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said.

The assistance was requested by Ukrainian authorities through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on 25 June. As of 6 July, the following aid was provided:

• Sweden sent technical experts, flood barriers and hoses.
• An airplane from Italy delivered pumping equipment, personal safety material, chainsaws, power stations and tents.
• Denmark delivered rescue helmets, headlamps, rescue ropes and drones.
• Slovakia provided tents, pumping equipment, generators, lighting sets, chainsaws, and wooden pallets.

In addition to this material assistance, the European Commission is providing mapping services of the affected areas through the EU Copernicus satellite system.

The European Union’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in constant contact with the Ukrainian authorities to closely monitor the situation and channel further EU assistance on request.

The European Civil Protection Mechanism is activated regularly to respond to floods and earthquakes, forest fires and other disasters inside and outside Europe. It also played a crucial role in the EU response to the COVID-19 crisis.