“The Ukrainians pay for their freedom with their blood, we pay with our euros”, introduced Renaud Muselier (ex-LR), the president of the Paca region. Meeting in an exceptional permanent committee, the regional assembly voted without difficulty this Thursday an emergency plan of four million euros for “the humanitarian emergency” and “the sectors affected by the crisis”. In seven parts, this plan focuses on different regional skills, ranging from high schools to transport and culture.
Free transport on the regional network for Ukrainian refugees
Ukrainian refugees proving their nationality by means of an identity card, passport or residence permit will be able to travel free of charge on the ZOU network. It has some 200 intercity bus lines and 16 regional express train lines. The SNCF had also already announced that its trains would be free for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
High schools and boarding schools open for accommodation
The high schools and boarding schools in the region provide the accommodation available for Ukrainian families. Their meals will also be covered by the regional solidarity fund for catering.
An exceptional aid of 500 euros for students
This aid concerns Ukrainian, but also Russian and Belarusian students who could find themselves in difficulty for the continuation of their studies in the region. The community will also pay for the 1-euro rest system set up by the Crous.
Support for artists in exile
A subsidy of 50,000 euros in favor of the association “ studio of artists in exile was voted on. This national association, which has opened a branch in Marseille, has set itself the “mission of identifying artists in exile of all origins, all disciplines combined and to accompany them”. A proposal which did not receive unanimity, the elected members of the Rassemblement national group having abstained from voting on it, denouncing an “extreme left” association which uses “inclusive writing” and works for the defense of LGBT minorities.
380,000 euros for humanitarian aid
Various associations that operate in Ukraine or in neighboring countries will receive grants of up to 250,000 euros. The “Firefighters of France” endowment fund will be supplemented with 100,000 euros, while the National Civil Protection Federation has been provided with 30,000 euros to transport equipment to Ukraine. In addition, a humanitarian convoy of six 33-tonne trucks will leave Toulon for Ukraine on Monday.
Reactivation of regional Covid-19 measures for businesses
At first sight, the war in Ukraine and the sanctions taken against Russia have “a moderate impact” on the regional economy, estimated the regional president. But while waiting for a more complete report, the Region has reactivated certain mechanisms deployed at the height of the health crisis, such as the one to help companies that depend on imports from Russia or, conversely, to help those that exported to this market to find new outlets.