Two new EU initiatives launched to provide aid to Ukraine

Two new initiatives, School buses for Ukraine and Generators of hope, have been launched to provide practical aid to the people of Ukraine who are suffering from the damage and destruction caused to their infrastructure from Russian attacks.

School buses for Ukraine

School buses for Ukraine is a solidarity campaign to donate buses to Ukrainian schools. It is estimated that 5.7 million school-aged children in Ukraine have been impacted by Russia’s unjustified aggression, and over 2,800 schools and facilities have been damaged.

The Commission is calling on public and private entities in the EU and beyond to join forces over the coming months, and donate buses that are essential to bring Ukrainian children safely back to their schools. Potential donors can do this through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), which has already been critical in channelling vital support to Ukraine and its people, including -shelter, food, hospital equipment, ambulances, fire trucks, and much more.

If you are a public entity or a private company based in the EU and wish to donate buses, you should contact the national EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) focal point: UCPM focal points in EU countries

You may also contact the EU Commission Representation in the country that can provide you with additional information.

For more information see here.

Generators of hope

Generators of hope is a campaign that aims to help the people of Ukraine by providing power generators. It was launched jointly by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Dario Nardella, President of Eurocities. More than 30% of Ukraine's power stations have been damaged or destroyed from Russian missile strikes and drone attacks, leaving 10 million Ukrainians without electricity. As winter approaches and temperatures plummet even further, access to electricity and gas is urgently needed.

Roberta Metsola said: “I call on all cities towns and regions across Europe to join the Generators of Hope campaign. Together we can make a real difference.”

In particular, the Ukrainian government has signalled the need for high-voltage electrical equipment, especially transformers, and large-capacity generators, to be the top priority to allow Ukraine to restore its damaged energy system.

Coordination will be conducted across 200 major cities to donate and deliver the generators so that they can restore the energy system in Ukraine. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism will be used to connect cities via national authorities and provide the logistical means to transport the generators from cities to one of three EU hubs for Ukraine.

For more information, see here.