The visit began with a groundbreaking Pilot Training Course and table Tope Exercise (TTX) on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) National Implementation. The course was conducted at State Service of Emergency Situations of Ukraine Institute of Public Administration. The course participants included the representatives of central and,  via VTC, regional and local units of State Service of Emergency Situations of Ukraine. This marked the first European training focusing on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) for Ukrainian emergency services. Given its success, more regional and local training is planned, and there are intentions to develop an international UCPM program for non-EU members.

A core part of the ICCSS delegation's visit was the strategic meeting with the leadership of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES). This meeting laid the groundwork for future collaborations focused on improving emergency preparedness and response in Ukraine. At the core of the discussion was the continuation of the Pilot Training Course centered around the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). This course is groundbreaking in that it marks the first such European training tailored for Ukraine’s emergency services. The meeting concluded with an agreement to further extend these training programs to regional and local authorities, aiming for a comprehensive national implementation of UCPM.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to formalize the budding relationship between SES, ICCSS, and the Polish Volunteer Fire Service Association. The MoU outlines the mutual commitments to improve civil protection measures and crisis management, providing a structured pathway for SES and ICCSS to collaborate on practical elements involving the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The meeting with SES not only served as an endorsement of ICCSS’s efforts in Ukraine but also highlighted SES's commitment to adopting international best practices in emergency management and civil protection. It solidified the roadmap for collaborative initiatives that will ultimately bolster Ukraine's resilience against a range of threats, from natural disasters to CBRN incidents.

A significant portion of the visit involved discussing the Whole Country Program for Ukraine with theMinistry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development. This program aims to build resilience in local communities, focusing on safety, security, public health, environmental protection, and the development of European integration centers. The program's mission aligns well with that of ICCSS, strengthening the partnership between ICCSS and Ukrainian institutions. As part of this, a draft plan for Ukraine's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) and Climate Security Risk Mitigation for 2023-2028 was presented. These discussions led to the Ukrainian Government pledging its support for a draft program developed earlier in Warsaw. Plans are underway for a joint conference in late autumn 2023 to internationalize this program.

ICCSS and Ukraine partners also discussed future projects, including the joint development of cybersecurity training programs targeting CBRN infrastructure. This step is particularly relevant given the evolving cyber threat landscape and its implications for critical national infrastructures.

The ICCSS delegation also made a poignant visit to the town of Irpin, near Kyiv, to witness firsthand the devastating effects of Russian occupation and terror.

The ICCSS visit to Kyiv and Lviv paved the way for expansion of cooperation to assist Ukraine re-constructure efforts and integration with the EU through the following ouctomes:

1. MoU Basis: The Memorandum of Understanding signed during the visit is a pivotal step in streamlining efforts between Ukrainian emergency services and ICCSS. This document will serve as the operational guide for further training programs on CBRN preparedness and the national implementation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). With an agreed-upon framework in place, both entities can move swiftly to set the agenda for upcoming training courses and exercises.
2. Program Advancement: The Whole Country Program for Ukraine, discussed extensively during the visit, is now entering a phase of accelerated development. This program aims to establish robust mechanisms for safety and security at a national level. It will tackle crucial aspects such as public health, environmental protection, and climate change resiliency, providing a comprehensive approach to fortifying Ukraine's local communities.
3. New Centre Initiated: The visit led to concrete plans for establishing a European CBRNE Civil Protection Academy/Centre at Lviv State University of Life Safety (LSULS). This center will serve as an important hub for CBRNE risk mitigation, staff development, and technological advancements. It aims to position Ukraine as a European leader in addressing CBRNE threats.
4. Cybersecurity Training: Both parties recognized the growing need for bolstering cybersecurity measures, particularly concerning CBRN infrastructures. An agreement was reached to co-develop a specialized training program focusing on this area, emphasizing the need to equip Ukrainian authorities and organizations with the necessary skills to thwart cyber threats.

In summary, the ICCSS delegation’s visit has resulted in actionable steps that will advance Ukraine’s capabilities in safety, security, and emergency response, with key partnerships such as the one with NGO Poruch playing an instrumental role.

Overall, the visit served to strengthen ICCSS's engagement in Ukraine and its collaboration with key partners including NGO Poruch, thus fostering a resilient and secure environment in the country.

For more inquiries, please contact: k.paturej@remove-this.iccss.eu or d.czerw@remove-this.iccss.eu