Ukraine: EU strengthens solidarity with people fleeing war

The Commission set outwhat very important support IS being given TO THE EU to help refugees from the war in Ukraine as well AS THE EU countries they receive. In the context of the unprovoked and unjustified Russian military invasion in Ukraine, Europe is jointly and severally helping people and providing them with direct humanitarian aid, emergency civil protection assistance, support at the border, and a clear legal status which enables refugees to receive immediate protection in the European Union from the war.

The available help includes the listed.

• Humanitarian aid. As announced by the President of the Commission Urzula von der Leienaat least EUR 500 million from THE EU budget are allocated to mitigate the tragic humanitarian consequences of war both in and outside Ukraine. From this amount, EUR 90 million ARE already allocated to humanitarian aid, of which EUR 85 million FOR Ukraine and 5 million EURO for Moldova, to provide food as well as water, health care, shelter and help to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable. In response to the emergency situation, THE EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated at an unprecedented scale and millions of items have already been provided under this mechanism, including vehicles, medical kits, tents, blankets and sleeping bags, to persons in Ukraine who were required to do so. Assistance is also provided to Ukraine's neighbouring countries, Moldova, Poland and Slovakia, to support all people who flee the war.
• Support for border management. The Commission has issued operational guidelinesaimed at helping border guards of Member States effectively manage migratory flows at borders with Ukraine and reduce waiting times and maintain a high level of security at the same time. EU agencies also provide additional staff and expertise in support of Member States, such as the EU and Ukraine and the Moldovan and Ukrainian border are located 49 Frontexstaff, in addition to 162 employees of this agency, are located in Romania. Moldova will also receive an additional 15 million EURO to help it manage the situation.
• Protection for those who flee and support for reception capacity. IN the EU record, unanimously agreed to activate Interim Protection Directiveto ensure clarity and security for people in difficulty by offering welfare support, access to the labour market and education. This approach is based on solidarity between Member States. The Commission will coordinate a “solidarity platform” where Member States will be able to exchange information on reception capacities. In addition, Member States will be able to receive substantial additional resources from the Home Affairs Fund 2021-2027 to ensure adequate reception centres and effective asylum procedures. The Commission also proposes extend the implementation period for funds available to Member States from the Home Affairs Funds 2014-2020. This would provide additional aid of around EUR 420 million. On the Commission website Europa publish information to help citizens and the private sector ensure that their support from war refugees can be provided through reliable organisations and meet needs.
• Cohesion policy action in support of refugees in Europe. The Commission also adopts legislative proposal “Cohesion Action in Support of Refugees in Europe” (CARE). This will provide additional flexibility to finance various measures to support people fleeing Ukraine from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Aid Fund for the Most Deprived (EIOPA). For example, these cohesion funds can be used for investment in education, employment, housing, health and childcare services and for EAFVP, for the provision of basic material assistance such as food and clothing. In order to continue to support Member States, the co-financing rate of 100 %, which was exceptionally applied in response to a pandemic, will be applied for a further year. In addition, the cohesion and European areas of the Recovery Assistance Initiative (REACT-EU) eur 10 billion ARE already available for the 2022 funds, which can also be used to finance activities in support of persons running from Ukraine.

What the college members say

High Representative and Vice-President Juzeps Borrell said: 

We are experiencing darker times in Europe since the Second World War. From Putin's pointless war against Ukraine, civilians suffer first. THE EU will support and protect people who flee Russian aggression, regardless of their nationality and origin. In addition, THE EU will mobilise all its tools to help those who receive these people.

Vice-President of the Commission on our European Living Margaritis Shins said: 

At the borders we experienced incredibly moving scenes when public officials, civil society and simply citizens provided assistance to people coming from Ukraine. The European Union supports these efforts through full use of our instruments, staff and funding. The activation of the Temporary Protection Directive is a clear and very tangible expression of the war in support of the refugees in Ukraine. In addition, we are mobilising additional funding today to support Member States in these efforts.

Commissioner for Home Affairs Ilva Julhansson added: 

The solidarity that Europeans and European Member States show in these difficult times to people who flee war in Ukraine is an important comfort. I saw this solidarity in the Romanian city of Sireta and Medical village in Poland, but it is seen throughout THE EU. By doing together we act effectively to protect people who flee war in Ukraine. Europe shows itself from the best: we provide the necessary temporary protection and funding for its delivery.

Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarchich said: 

The most of this brutal military aggression is innocent people living in Ukraine. THE EU, together with its Member States, is working day and night to provide emergency aid to Ukraine and countries whose influx influences directly. At the same time, we provide life-saving aid to our partners in the field of humanitarian aid to reach people in difficulty. It is very important that this aggression be interrupted because the humanitarian situation becomes more critical every day.

Enlargement and Neighbourhood Commissioner Olivers Varheji said: 

With the invasion of Russia in Ukraine, unfortunately, war has returned, and in these dark hours we must help Ukraine as well as the affected Ukrainian neighbours. Our first emergency aid is already being provided. As part of the €500 million package, we urgently prepare a 330 million EURO package to provide assistance to both people in Ukraine and those forced to escape, especially children and older people. We are working on long-term targets ranging from energy security to economic recovery and resilience.

Context

On 24 February, Russian armed forces launched a large-scale invasion in Ukraine. As a result of this unprovoked and unjustified aggression, significant parts of the Ukrainian territory have become war zones, many of which are fleeing. Increasing humanitarian aid in Ukraine as well as financial and operational support to Member States and Moldova, THE EU and its Member States provide protection to people fleeing war in Ukraine. THE EU has also responded quickly and decisively to Russia's aggression and adopted strong sanctions which will have serious consequences for Russia.

THE EU will continue to be united in solidarity with Ukraine and its citizens. The Commission will continue to provide support, including a proper level of preparedness and will focus on enforcement in all Member States and Moldova in the long term so that they are prepared to meet the needs of them.