Ukraine and Team Europe inaugurate Civil Protection Shelter Coalition

On 27 November, the Government of Ukraine and Team Europe inaugurated the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition, a new initiative to help Ukraine protect civilians from Russia’s ongoing missile and drone attacks. The Coalition aims to move the country from ad-hoc shelters toward a country-wide modern civil protection shelter network, prioritising frontline communities and heavily targeted regions. 

The Coalition is led by the Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Emergency Service. It brings together Team Europe partners (Finland, as co-chair, the European Union, Lithuania, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden) and international financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the World Bank.

At the launch, an initial funding of €22 million in grants was announced. Additional commitments are expected from other partners, including Switzerland and Slovakia, alongside support from the EIB and the World Bank.

Ihor Klymenko, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, said that the creation of the Civil Protection Shelter Coalition was “an extremely important decision”. 

“The Coalition, initiated back in May this year, is now moving from the political level to the practical level,” said Klymenko. “The Coalition is not only about financial support. It is about pooling technologies, engineering solutions, and the experience of democratic states that have been investing in the resilience of their infrastructure for decades.” 

“Lithuania stands with Ukraine in building a future where every civilian has access to safety and protection,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Kęstutis Budrys. “By investing in dual-use shelters, we help Ukrainian children return to school and communities regain a sense of stability and hope.”

Over the next decade, Ukraine plans to build thousands of new civil protection shelters and upgrade existing ones where this is feasible and safe. 

The Shelter Coalition will support Ukrainian authorities to map needs, set minimum standards, design inclusive and accessible shelters, and mobilise financing. It will also promote dual-use shelters that serve as schools, health or community facilities in normal times and as safe spaces during air raids.

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Press release