Ukraine: EU and Norway are hosting a high-level meeting to discuss humanitarian challenges

Today, the EU is hosting a Humanitarian Senior Officials Meeting in Oslo, Norway. Bringing together key humanitarian partners, donors and institutions operating in Ukraine, the meeting will focus on how to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian aid for the most vulnerable affected by the war.

The EU as a major donor in Ukraine has been leading the coordination efforts on humanitarian response in the country.

European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič is participating at the meeting in Oslo where he will be highlighting the importance of sustaining humanitarian funding, partnership with local actors, humanitarian mine action, and the articulation between humanitarian aid and recovery.

During his mission, the Commissioner will also hold bilateral meetings with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and Norwegian Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl.

Stressing on the relevance to bring together humanitarian organisations ahead of the upcoming winter, Janez Lenarčič said: “We are in the second year of this horrendous war that keeps bringing suffering to the Ukrainian people. As a leading humanitarian donor in Ukraine, the EU has invited key humanitarian stakeholders to discuss the most pressing needs of Ukrainian people. Last year we witnessed how the harsh winter conditions affected the people as Russia relentlessly attacked Ukraine’s energy infrastructure."

“With our partners we are already preparing for another difficult winter. Today here in Oslo I also want to recognise Norway – not only for hosting this meeting with us but for being one of the EU’s key partner in providing aid to Ukraine. Norway’s expertise and support has been crucial in establishing a smooth and coordinated medical evacuations scheme for Ukrainian patients whose access to medical treatment has been put at risk by Russia’s invasion. Together, we are saving lives," Lenarčič explained.

Norway has been a crucial partner for the EU in providing medical emergency assistance to Ukraine. Notably, Norway is supporting the EU’s medical evacuations scheme with pre-planned flights from the EU’s MedEvac Hub in Rzeszow to destinations across Europe.

More than 2,600 Ukrainian patients, approximately 40% transported by Norway, have been transferred for treatment to hospitals in 22 European countries. The medical evacuations of Ukrainian patients will continue given the immense medical needs.