Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine, met with Andreas Papaconstantinou, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). The parties discussed key areas of cooperation for 2025, including winterisation, financial assistance, evacuation and long-term solutions for social support for those most in need.

“In the face of the challenges of war, it is the socially vulnerable who need the most support. Therefore, together with our partners, we are working to make this support more sustainable. Today, the issue of crisis response to evacuate people who cannot do it on their own, including residents of geriatric institutions, is acute. This needs to be addressed immediately,” said Oksana Zholnovych, adding that the Ministry of Social Policy was implementing a programme to pay for geriatric care and provide supported accommodation for these people.

According to the Minister, it is extremely important for Ukraine to ensure deinstitutionalisation, which is a key condition for the development of the social protection system.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to collaborate on sustainable humanitarian programmes designed to develop alternative support forms aligned with the principles of deinstitutionalisation. In particular, attention was focused on creating conditions for assisted living services for the elderly and people with disabilities who cannot evacuate from the frontline areas on their own. The goal is to provide housing adapted to the appropriate needs, where comprehensive social services can be provided.

In his turn, Andreas Papaconstantinou stressed the readiness of the European Commission to respond to the challenges faced by Ukraine.

According to him, the current situation in Ukraine is extremely difficult as russia continues to target critical and civilian infrastructure, emphasising the importance of joint efforts. The humanitarian needs in Ukraine are vast, making it a priority for the European Union to address these issues. The EU is ready to provide sustainable and uninterrupted support focused on the complex challenges. Furthermore, the detailed needs plan prepared by the Ministry of Social Policy is highly appreciated, as it allows for more effective coordination of actions under the new assistance program.

The meeting was an important step towards strengthening international cooperation in the context of the ongoing war, as well as a confirmation of the sustainable partnership between Ukraine and the European Union.