Austria signs agreement to strengthen Mental Health Support in Ukraine’s Civilian Security Sector under EUAM Ukraine’s “Blue Haven for Ukraine” Project
December 12, 2025
Austria is going to strengthen the second phase of EUAM Ukraine’s “Blue Haven for Ukraine” project (Blue Haven II), an initiative that reinforces mental health support for Ukraine’s law enforcement community through a peer-to-peer approach.
The agreement was signed today between the Government of Austria, represented by Ambassador to Ukraine Robert Müller, and by Head of Mission Rolf Holmboe, representing EUAM Ukraine.
Police officers, border guardsmen, national guardsmen, and emergency responders work daily in conditions of constant danger either at the front or in war-affected areas, exposed to high levels of psychological strain.
Under the first phase of the Blue Haven for Ukraine project, three Blue Haven centres in Lviv, Rivne and Vinnytsia for the National Police are already established, with four more on the way, alongside the delivery of 13 mobile Psychosocial Support Stations (PSS). A total of 177 NPU psychologists and social workers have so far been trained in key mental health peer-to-peer methodologies.
However, other key agencies – the National Guard, the State Emergency Service, and the State Border Guard Service – also require such support. Austria’s support will allow the Mission to provide additional mobile PSS that can operate in high-risk areas where fixed facilities cannot function safely.
“Those who protect Ukraine face multiple pressures most of us can barely imagine. They work through fear, loss and exhaustion, yet continue to serve their communities every day,” said Ambassador Robert Müller, who signed the agreement on behalf of Austria. “Austria supports Blue Haven II because every officer, every rescuer, and every affected family deserves access to proper psychological care. This is a concrete way for us to stand with Ukraine and support the people particularly exposed to the horrific ravages of this war.”
“Trauma, stress and exhaustion influence every decision an officer makes, affecting readiness, safety and the way institutions serve their communities,” said Head of Mission Rolf Holmboe. “We are grateful to Austria for joining EUAM Ukraine and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in this project. Their support helps us reach not only law enforcement officers and emergency responders, but also veterans, their families and the families of fallen heroes. They all carry a heavy burden, and they all deserve timely access to professional psychological support,” he added.
Austria’s contribution will accelerate the expansion of this support system across Ukraine and ensure that those serving under the toughest conditions receive timely, professional psychological care.
