The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has officially ratified an intergovernmental agreement with Croatia on cooperation in mine action, marking another step in international efforts to help Ukraine address large-scale contamination of its territory by explosive remnants of war.
The decision received support from 261 Members of Parliament, reflecting cross-party consensus on the importance of expanding Ukraine’s humanitarian demining partnerships.
Purpose of the Agreement
The agreement establishes a framework for technical, educational, and operational cooperation between Ukraine and Croatia in the field of demining, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and post-conflict rehabilitation of affected territories.
Key areas of cooperation include:
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Exchange of experience and training programs for Ukrainian deminers and technical experts.
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Transfer of Croatian technologies and methodologies for humanitarian demining and risk mapping.
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Joint implementation of projects supported by the EU, UN, and other international partners.
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Coordination of public awareness campaigns on mine risk education and safety standards.
Why Croatia’s Experience Matters
Croatia is considered a European leader in mine action, having cleared tens of thousands of hectares contaminated during the conflicts in the Balkans.
Its Croatian Mine Action Centre (CROMAC) and specialized private sector companies possess advanced detection, mapping, and clearance technologies, as well as strong institutional know-how in post-war reconstruction.
For Ukraine — currently one of the most heavily mined countries in the world — this cooperation offers immediate access to decades of field experience, training capacity, and technical solutions tailored to large-scale demining operations.
Strategic Context
Humanitarian demining has become a national security and reconstruction priority for Ukraine.
According to estimates, nearly 30% of Ukrainian territory may be contaminated by landmines, unexploded ordnance, and other remnants of war — posing a major threat to civilians, agriculture, and infrastructure recovery.
The government aims to accelerate clearance operations through international partnerships and public-private cooperation, with support from the EU, NATO, the U.S., Japan, and the UNDP.
Croatia’s participation adds practical expertise in project management, training systems, and EU-funded demining frameworks.
Outlook
The ratified agreement lays the foundation for joint operations and capacity building, potentially including the establishment of a Ukrainian-Croatian training and coordination center for mine action.
As Ukraine scales up demining activities across liberated territories, Croatian support will help increase safety standards, reduce clearance timelines, and restore agricultural land for economic use.
This partnership reflects a broader European commitment to supporting Ukraine not only in defense but also in reconstruction and humanitarian recovery — ensuring that every cleared hectare brings the country closer to stability and renewal.
