In Zakarpattia, EUAM explores how to refocus its activities on the regional level

July 01, 2022

This week, the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) team visited Uzhhorod to explore regional priorities with its counterparts ahead of the upcoming return of all mission members to Ukraine.

“We came to Zakarpattia with a clear message: EUAM continues supporting its Ukrainian partners in the field of the civilian security sector, especially since Ukraine was granted the candidate’s status for EU membership. We aim to explore regional priorities and facilitate relevant support in areas where our interlocutors see genuine added value for EUAM’s support in this difficult period,” noted Hannelore Valier, Head of EUAM Lviv Field Office.

During a four-day visit, EUAM experts discussed strategic priorities – from security challenges and public safety to bottlenecks at the border and integration of IDPs, with Zakarpattia regional authorities, the leadership of law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.

As part of its border support activity, EUAM experts continued fruitful engagement with Zakarpattia customs (following up on a meeting in May). They visited “Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké” Border Crossing Point between Ukraine and Slovakia to assess the state of play and the possibility of renewing reconstruction there.

Ihor Shynkariuk, Deputy Head of Zakarpattia State Military Administration, shared his opinions of the security situation and the successful “Safe Zakarpattia” video surveillance system operating across the region.

Hannelore Valier, Head of EUAM Lviv Field Office, speaks at the donation ceremony of special-purpose uniforms to the National Police of Ukraine.

EUAM discussed support to law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Dmytro Kazak, the Chief Prosecutor of Zakarpattia.

The Head of Patrol Police in Zakarpattia, Valeriy Nayman, explains how patrol police officers adjust to current realities, learning how to fulfil military tasks, such as using heavy machine guns or artillery pieces.

Meeting at the hostel for internally displaced persons in Uzhhorod. The city accommodated 40,000 displaced persons since the start of Russian military aggression on 24 February.