The EU will fund up to €25 million to support Ukraine’s de-mining operations. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, announced this on Friday 3 February in Kyiv, alongside the EU/Ukraine summit.
This funding, referred to in the summit’s joint statement as “support for humanitarian mine action”, is in addition to the €145 million for conventional humanitarian aid from the new €450 million assistance package for Ukraine for 2023 announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen the day before (see EUROPE 13113/1, 13113/2).
“A large quantity of mines and other explosive ordnance are being found in the territories liberated by the Ukrainian armed forces. We will supply up to €25 million to support demining efforts in these endangered areas. Protecting civilians and their livelihood is a priority”, said Borrell during a visit to a de-mining site near Kyiv with acting Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and MP Mary Akopian.
Adding: “Unexploded ordnance threatens returning civilian populations and the revival of economic activity, especially in the transport, and agricultural sectors. Demining is therefore very important so that the reconstruction can proceed safely”.
These funds from the EU budget, dedicated to a de-mining support programme in Ukraine, will finance essential equipment for de-miners and support the capacity of the Ukrainian authorities to effectively manage the de-mining sector.
In 2022, the EU and its Member States disbursed €527 million to provide emergency assistance in kind through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and €485 million in humanitarian aid, notes the joint statement adopted at the end of the EU/Ukraine summit. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)