Ukraine and Finland have established a joint network of civilian emergency shelters for collaborative disaster response and protection.
Ukraine and Finland are collaborating to establish an International Civil Defense Shelter Coalition, aimed at supporting Ukraine's infrastructure in constructing and modernizing civil defense shelters. The alliance will coordinate international efforts, exchange best practices, and secure funding for the construction of these vital facilities.
The coalition's primary objective is to construct approximately 5,300 new shelters by the year 2030. Currently, Ukraine has over 62,000 existing shelters, but many need renovation or modernization. To meet these goals, the coalition aims to attract around €14 billion in resources for shelter construction.
The launch of the coalition follows talks between Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and his Finnish counterpart, Petteri Orpo. The parties signed a declaration on May 28, committing to coordinating efforts, exchanging best practices, and developing financing mechanisms for the construction of civil defense facilities.
Finland is playing a significant role in this initiative, providing expertise and support based on its own civil defense systems. The coalition welcomes international participation, inviting other countries to join and contribute to the development of protective facilities in Ukraine.
The coalition plans to utilize various funding mechanisms, potentially including the European Union's Ukraine Facility program, to raise substantial funds for the ambitious shelter construction targets. The involvement of international partners will be crucial in achieving these goals.
Challenges faced by the coalition include securing broad international support and ensuring sufficient funding. Nonetheless, the coalition offers a platform for Ukraine to enhance its civil defense capabilities and for international collaboration in humanitarian efforts.
The International Civil Defense Shelter Coalition, with Finland actively participating, aims to secure €14 billion for shelter construction, primarily through various funding mechanisms like the European Union's Ukraine Facility program, to help meet their target of constructing 5,300 new shelters and modernizing existing ones in Ukraine. The coalition invites all countries to join and contribute, recognizing the importance of international partnerships in overcoming financial challenges and achieving these goals.
