The European Union Strengthens Technical Capacity of the State Migration Service of Ukraine
The Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine handed over six minibuses to the territorial bodies of the State Migration Service (SMS) of Ukraine. The vehicles will serve the SMS departments in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Zakarpattia, Odesa and Poltava regions, as well as in the capital.
“Today, the EU is handing over specialized equipment worth over €300,000 to the State Migration Service of Ukraine,” said the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova. “These vehicles will help teams on the ground register and identify migrants with care and respect — in line with EU standards and with full regard for human dignity.”
“Managing migration efficiently and humanely is about more than just systems — it is about people. And it is also an important part of Ukraine’s journey toward EU membership, grounded in our shared values,” added Ambassador Mathernova.
The Head of the State Migration Service of Ukraine Nataliia Naumenko emphasized that after granting Ukraine the candidate status for EU membership and launching a respective roadmap, the Migration Service received a number of crucial tasks, specifically to align Ukrainian legislation with the European standards, primarily with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
“This work will require significant efforts and resources, thus there are issues that require further joint efforts of the SMS and development partners,” she added.
Ukraine's progress towards EU accession involves the gradual alignment of national legislation and institutional practices with the European Union standards. The adoption in May 2024 of the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum set new benchmarks and challenges, particularly for Ukraine as a candidate country for EU membership. Strengthening the institutional capacity of the State Migration Service of Ukraine is an important aspect of preparation for joining the European Union.
The EU-provided specialized vehicles are an important contribution to fostering the SMS’s institutional development. Modern minibuses will enable the State Migration Service to promptly register, identify, and transport migrants while respecting their fundamental rights. This will promote effective management of migration processes, ensure respect for human rights, and fulfil Ukraine's international obligations.
During the event, guests had the opportunity to inspect specialized vehicles and interior equipment, enabling the work of the SMS staff.
Communications Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
