Because attempts to establish contact with the two Ukrainian regions, with which Styria has had partnerships for many years, have failed since the beginning of hostilities in the country, the state of Styria is approaching its two partner regions in Poland, which are located directly on the border located to Ukraine. Partnerships with Russian regions have been suspended since the beginning of the war.
Hardly any contact to partner regions possible
A cooperation agreement with Styria has existed since 1998 with the western Ukrainian region of Lemberg. Cooperation in recent years has extended in particular to the areas of education, science, environmental technology and culture. A cooperation agreement was also concluded with the Kirovohrad region in 2011. The main topics of cooperation are education and public administration.
Since the fighting began, no contact has been possible with the administrations of the two regions. There is also no information about the welfare of Ukrainian partners – politicians and officials. However, there is a connection to project-level partners in the Lviv region in the scientific and cultural fields. On March 2, 2022, the transport and accommodation of nine women and children from Lemberg to Styria could be coordinated – more on this in Aid convoy takes Ukrainian women and children (2.3.2022).
“Relieve Humanitarian Disaster”
Most Ukrainian refugees in Poland have found shelter in the regions directly bordering Ukraine: the Subcarpathian and Lublin Voivodeships. Both voivodeships have also been partner regions of Styria for almost 20 years. “We are approaching our two Polish partner regions to clarify how Styria can support the care of the Ukrainian refugees in the partner regions of the Subcarpathians and Lublin,” explains State Councilor for Europe Christopher Drexler (ÖVP).
According to Drexler, the aim is to work together with the Polish partner regions to help alleviate the effects of the war and the humanitarian catastrophe for the people in Ukraine.
Energie Steiermark wants to help through subsidiaries
In connection with the Ukraine crisis, Energie Steiermark has now also offered help. The Styrian energy supplier wants to support the construction and operation of emergency refugee shelters via a subsidiary in Slovakia and from now on will help with infrastructure and financial resources. Where necessary, the heat required for heating will be made available free of charge. In addition, participation in bus transports from the Ukrainian-Slovakian border into the interior of the country is being offered, according to Energie Steiermark today.
In Styria, the state government decided on a comprehensive package of measures at a summit on Wednesday to help arriving refugees. Among other things, refugee quarters are to be sought in the greater Graz area – more on this in Ukraine: Country prepares refugee center.
Messe Graz as a possible organization center
Armin Egger, President of Messe Graz, can imagine that rooms for administrative processing could be made available at Messe Graz: “You have to split that into two. On the one hand, we are in close contact with those responsible for this in the state and city and are holding talks. We are ready for the area that is planned. However, not as a refugee camp in that sense, but as an administrative contact and implementation point.”
The big halls are already booked. But if smaller halls were available that could be cleared and adapted, says Egger.