In the aftermath of the Russian aggression to Ukraine, on 25 February the Commission launched the first version of the webpage 'EU solidarity with Ukraine', with immediate, strong messages on the measures adopted by the EU in reaction to the aggression, and to express the EU support to Ukraine and its people. The page now continues to provide up-to-date information in all languages to citizens, international partners and the media, adding content and resources around-the-clock, including on:
- The EU assistance to Ukraine: humanitarian aid and civil protection measures, including support to neighbouring countries in providing protection for people fleeing the war.
- Practical information: on how the EU stands with Ukraine (how the European Union, its Member States and Europeans across the continent are mobilised in support of Ukrainians, for example).
- EU sanctions against Russia.
'EU stands with Ukraine' wishes to give concrete help to those in need: to people fleeing the war – how can they prepare to leave, what are their rights when they enter the EU, to which authorities can they turn for protection. But also, very importantly, how can European citizens help by making donations: here, the Commission provides a list of organisations that have mobilised in Member States to support people from Ukraine. We also developed a section on people's stories, giving visibility to testimonials from across the EU.
The information is available in all official EU languages and in Ukrainian. The Commission also provides translations in Russian, to make sure that Russian speakers (in EU countries, other countries and Russia) have access to updated, factual information. The spread of disinformation plays a big role in these events, which is there a dedicated section on Ukraine on the 'EU vs. disinfo' by the European External Action Service was developed.
European citizens are also encouraged to engage online and show their support to Ukraine on social media. The Commission created digital assets (like banners ad badges) that everyone can use on their social media accounts.
Finally the Commission launched a new Helpline on EU Solidarity with Ukraine, to answer questions from citizens, part of the Commission's Europe Direct Contact Centre. The EDCC offers citizens a single entry point for EU-related questions under the free phone number 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from Member States and the number + 32 22 99 96 96 from third countries as well as in writing through an online webform. The enquiries are handled in all 24 official EU languages, and now citizens are able to write to the EDCC and receive and answer in Ukrainian and Russian too.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EDCC has replied to more than 4 000 questions already. Many citizens gave their opinion on EU action, asked how they can help citizens from Ukraine, or had practical questions on rules for temporary protection and travel within the EU.