Rada passes European Solidarity's shelter bill in first reading

The Verkhovna Rada has approved in its initial reading the legislation amendment bill, which aims to ensure citizens' safety during a special period by constructing shelters. The bill, numbered No. 15397, was initially presented by members of the European Solidarity faction. According to the parliamentary website, 296 MPs voted in favor of the bill, with no votes against and only one lawmaker abstaining. Thirty-nine MPs did not cast a vote.

The bill draws inspiration from Finland's approach to shelter access. In addition to emphasizing the need to enhance accountability among central and local authorities for building shelters and allocating funds for their development, the legislation focuses on providing guaranteed and unobstructed access to protective structures during martial law, establishing clear requirements for shelters' readiness and technical equipment, conducting regular inspections of their condition, strengthening accountability for their maintenance, and promoting the expansion of the shelter network, including modular structures.

Co-chair of the European Solidarity faction, Iryna Herashchenko, highlighted the importance of considering this bill shortly before the commencement of the budget process. It should be noted that the European Solidarity faction originally submitted a bill on shelters back in 2023, which was not passed. Bill No. 15397 is a revised version of that earlier proposal. The parliamentary Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management unanimously approved the bill on August 18.