EU provides EUR 3 mln for satellite imagery support to OSCE SMM in Ukraine
The European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, has today renewed its strong support for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in Ukraine, under its recently extended mandate, for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements - funding will be provided in the amount of EUR three million in the field of satellite visual reconnaissance.
"The use of satellite imagery allows for more in-depth monitoring of the situation in areas where regrettably monitors still do not have access to, and also for a more efficient deployment of monitors in general. This fresh support again underlines the European Union's strong commitment to the full respect of the Minsk agreements, which offer the best chance for moving towards a peaceful, sustainable solution to the conflict in Ukraine based on respect for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and our determination to accompany and support the work of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission," the EU representation in Ukraine quotes High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini as saying.
The embassy noted that satellite visual reconnaissance is an extremely important analytical and planning mechanism, especially given that it allows the OSCE SMM to identify broad areas to which mission monitors do not have access. With this mechanism, you can also receive information about the damage to the infrastructure, the presence or movement of manpower and equipment.
This funding will be distributed through the European Union's Satellite Center. The center will search for the necessary images and, at the request of the OSCE, provide the mission with the results of the analyses.
Since the beginning of its activities (April 2014), the OSCE SMM in Ukraine has received support from the instrument to promote stability and peace in the amount of EUR 30 million, the representative office recalled.
The mandate of the OSCE SMM was extended until March 2018.
