European Union signs new $21 million agreement with UNDP to remove debris, restore critical infrastructure in Ukraine

Funds are also to help local authorities prepare for a long winter

The European Commission will contribute US$21 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the removal of debris, which often contains explosive ordnance, from collapsed infrastructure, buildings and housing.

The funds also will be used to identify, map and neutralize urgent environmental threats, and to help repair, restore, and/or procure strategic infrastructure elements in affected areas, such as transformers, heating substations, water pumps, heat and water supply pipes, water decontamination systems, and equipment for supplies of renewable energy.

UNDP interim Resident Representative in Ukraine Manal Fouani highlighted the timeliness of the support of the European Union through this highly needed recovery project, especially in areas hosting large numbers of IDPs and/or families that are returning home.

"Quick repairs to critical basic infrastructure in war-affected areas are of the utmost priority, especially with a harsh winter looming. This project will restore power and water stations and heating utilities. These are essential services that will give residents dignified lives and livelihoods at home. We must work with the government and local authorities to accelerate such recovery efforts."

Ambassador Matti Maasikas, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said ensuring the wellbeing of the Ukrainian people as much as possible is very close to EU´s heart. "Our support to the Ukrainian people in facing unspeakable suffering caused by Russia's aggression is unwavering," he said. "The upcoming winter season will be very harsh and we need to do our utmost to make sure that people and the authorities have the necessary infrastructure operational."

The project is an integrated part of the UNDP Resilience Building and Recovery Programme, launched by UNDP in April 2022 to support the Government of Ukraine to sustain essential governance structures for emergency response management, deliver vital public services, and protect livelihoods.

The project will also strengthen the capacities of relevant authorities to handle debris and decontaminated materials in a sustainable manner and to ensure the restoration essential utility infrastructure meets applicable EU standards and requirements as well as other international obligations in regard to climate change and carbon emissions.