Representatives of the European Commission DG ECHO visited the SES: strengthening cooperation for effective civil protection
The delegation of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO), headed by Deputy Director-General Hans Das, paid an official visit to Ukraine.
Representatives of the European Commission visited the SESU garrisons in Zaporizhia and Dnipro regions. The guests got acquainted with the machinery and equipment transferred under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism that are actively used to eliminate the consequences of emergencies: fires, accidents, enemy shelling of infrastructure, civilians and other challenges.
The delegation got acquainted with the work of pyrotechnic demining units, the functioning of the gas and smoke protection service, equipment for searching for victims in the “moment of silence” and the capabilities of diving teams. The DG ECHO representatives also inspected the power generating equipment donated by the EU to ensure the stability of energy supply in emergency situations in Zaporizhia region.
The Dnipro rescuers shared their experience in responding to radiation and chemical incidents, and demonstrated protective equipment and special equipment for identifying hazardous substances.
In conclusion, the delegation expressed their gratitude to the Ukrainian rescuers for their cooperation and willingness to share their experience. The European partners pledged to support the strengthening of the SESU material and technical base as an integral part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The delegation visit began with a meeting with the SESU leadership and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Oleksiy Serhiyev to discuss areas of further cooperation and challenges in the field of civil protection. After the meeting at the SES, the DG ECHO delegation visited one of the Service units, where they were able to familiarize themselves with the EU ECHO module of the search and rescue team of the SES of Ukraine Mobile Rescue Center of Rapid Response as a heavy urban search and rescue team.
