Illustrative image. Photo: UnsplashLatvia’s Ministry of the Interior reports having received EUR 7.8 million from the European Commission to finance efforts to enhance migration management system and to support Ukrainian refugees in the country.
The ministry proved to the European Commission that other the course of the last year Latvia has provided considerable aid to Ukrainian citizens fleeing the Russian-Ukrainian war and Ukrainian services. For example, the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) supplied Ukraine with equipment (helmets, pressure guns, muzzles, firefighter’s outfits), personal hygiene goods, as well as sleeping bags, blankets, beds and mattresses. Ukraine’s Emergency Service was also supplied with search and rescue equipment and 20 000 l of extinguishing foam concentrate and other vital equipment.
With assistance from municipal civil protection committee Latvia has successfully provided accommodation to 11 494 Ukrainian citizens since the start of the conflict.
37 810 Ukrainian refugees have been provided with residence documents (humanitarian visas and residence permits) with employment rights.
European Commission’s Deputy Director-General for Home Affairs Beate Gminder appreciated the aid provided to Ukrainian civilians. On the 2nd of December said at the closing event of the European Union’s home affairs funds for 2014-2020 and the opening event of the 2021-2027 period that this support volume is truly important.
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