Strenghtening civil protection with cities and municipalities

Context

As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, large parts of Ukraine were cut off from their essential public services.

The war of aggression triggered the largest movement of refugees since the Second World War not only within Europe, but within the country itself. This has stretched the Ukrainian municipalities that received refugees to their limits – much of their basic infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged and/or is overloaded.

The enduring conflict and its economic and social consequences are creating an increasingly critical humanitarian situation. Access to municipal infrastructure and adequate essential services is insufficient. The municipalities cannot guarantee appropriate standards of civil protection.

Objective

Partnerships between German and Ukrainian municipalities foster civil protection in Ukraine.

Approach

The project uses a survey, various discussions with the municipalities and requirements analyses to identify what support the Ukrainian municipalities need in terms of civil protection.

It collates procurement packages by topics such as equipment for road and park maintenance, vehicles, medical equipment or solar lighting. It also procures equipment and materials and supplies these to the German municipalities.

The project also collects information and offers exchange formats to give German partner municipalities the logistical capability to forward equipment and materials to the Ukrainian partner cities. It also provides information for the Ukrainian municipalities on how they can deploy the equipment and materials over time.

The project cooperates with the Association of German Cities (DST), German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), German Association of Rural Districts (LKT) and the Service Agency Communities in One World (SKEW).

Last update: August 2023