The European Union has appointed the former European Commissioner for Internal Affairs Ilva Johansson as the Special Representative for Ukrainian Affairs. About this reported Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov.
“The creation of this position is another signal of the EU’s unchanging solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The role of the Special Representative is to strengthen coordination, represent the interests of Ukrainians and implement practical support tools, in particular, the development of a network of Unity Centers.” Chernyshov noted.
According to him, Johansson, who previously held the position of European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, “is well acquainted with the Ukrainian context” and has visited Ukraine several times since the beginning of the full-scale war.
A special position related to the issues of Ukrainians within the EU was created to coordinate support measures and implement a long-term strategy for Ukrainian refugees. This decision of the European Union was previously reported by Politico with reference to informed sources.
Johansson is expected to help implement the new policy of support for Ukrainians, among its tasks — “strengthening coordination, representing the interests of Ukrainians and implementing practical support tools” in EU countries.
Ylva Johansson held the position of European Commissioner for Internal Affairs in 2019–2024. She came to Ukraine several times, in particular, she visited refugee camps on the border with Romania. In 2022, she received the Order of Ukraine “For Merit” II degree.
