Ministry for Communities and Territories Development and European Commission strengthen resilience of community lifeline systems

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba held a meeting with European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib on the sidelines of the European Preparedness Conference.

The key topics discussed included the protection of energy facilities, ensuring stable water and heat supply amid ongoing attacks, and the implementation of fast-track financing tools for communities.

The parties discussed expanding Ukraine’s participation in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the use of rescEU reserves. This is the EU’s only solidarity system that allows Ukraine to rapidly receive critical assistance – equipment, generators, and other infrastructure – from EU countries.

It is also important to launch fast-track financing mechanisms for the rapid restoration of lifeline systems after attacks. These civil protection tools should be taken into account in the new EU financial support program – Ukraine Support Loan 2026–2027.

“Cooperation with the EU in the field of civil protection is not just about immediate humanitarian aid; it is about systemic resilience of our communities. We need rapid solutions and flexible financing to restore electricity, water, and heat to Ukrainian homes as quickly as possible. European investments in Ukrainian resilience are a contribution to the security of all of Europe,” emphasized Oleksii Kuleba.

The Ukrainian side expressed gratitude to European partners for their unwavering support. Both sides confirmed their readiness for continued close coordination to respond promptly to humanitarian challenges.