Ukraine provides aid to an EU member state for the first time through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism

For the first time in history, Ukraine used the EU Civil Protection Mechanism as a provider of aid, according to Eurointegration.

This was reported by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, writes "European Pravda".

On July 31, a Ukrainian firefighting team consisting of 70 people departed for France to help combat wildfires. Interior Minister Ivan Vygovsky announced that this support is provided within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Von der Leyen specified that this is the first time in history that Ukraine provides assistance through this mechanism.

"While defending itself against Russia's war of aggression, Ukraine simultaneously helps save lives across Europe. This is European solidarity. Every day Ukraine proves that its place is in our Union", the EC President wrote.

As a reminder, the Verkhovna Rada ratified the agreement on Ukraine’s accession to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in November 2023.

The European Union Civil Protection Mechanism is described as the world’s largest coordinated system for providing international assistance during emergencies. It includes EU member states and the EU’s close partners: Norway, Iceland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine.