Finland supports the development of Ukraine’s meteorological and environmental services through long-term cooperation
This week, the second phase of the UFIM project is being launched in Kyiv. UFIM (UHMC-FMI Meteorology Project) is a four-year development cooperation initiative between the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center (UHMC), which strengthens meteorological cooperation.
FMI’s cooperation in Ukraine continues to expand. In addition to the ongoing projects, several new initiatives are under preparation. To support this growing portfolio, FMI is strengthening its presence in Ukraine.
"Our cooperation with Ukraine has expanded significantly in recent years. We are not only implementing ongoing projects but also preparing several new initiatives. A stronger presence in Ukraine will help us support our partners more effectively and work more closely with their stakeholders," says Harri Pietarila, Head of Unit at the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
New Phase to Strengthen Meteorological Cooperation
In its second phase, the UFIM project will continue the cooperation between FMI and UHMC. The focus is on improving weather services, enhancing warning systems, and strengthening meteorological operations. The project will strengthen the capacity of authorities to provide reliable forecasts and warnings. It will also support preparedness for weather- and climate-related hazards.
During the previous phase, the partners improved weather forecasting, warning services and strengthened professional expertise through extensive knowledge exchange.
"The launch of this new project phase in Kyiv demonstrates the shared commitment of Finland and Ukraine to long-term cooperation and to the development of Ukraine’s meteorological services in line with European practices," Pietarila says.
Air Quality Monitoring and Management Advancing Towards EU Requirements
Alongside meteorological cooperation, FMI supports the development of air quality monitoring and management in Ukraine through the UFAIR project (Ukraine-Finland Institutional Cooperation in Air Quality Monitoring). The project supports the development of air quality monitoring and national legislation. It also strengthens the capacity of public authorities in air quality management. The objective is to bring Ukraine’s air quality monitoring, public information services, and air quality management practices in line with European Union requirements.
One of the project’s key achievements is the procurement of two EU-compliant air quality reference monitoring stations. The stations are scheduled to be installed in Ukraine in 2027. The project has also supported Ukraine’s preparations for bilateral screening discussions in the environmental sector as part of the EU accession process. In addition, it has contributed to the development of air quality legislation and improved public access to air quality information in line with European practices.
The UFAIR project is implemented in cooperation with national and local authorities responsible for air quality management. Project partners include the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, UHMC , the cities of Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk, and the regional administrations of Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia.
Further Information:
News release, 13 May 2025: FMI’s cooperation with Ukraine continues, now in the field of air quality
Anne Hirsikko Project Manager, Finnish Meteorological Institute Tel. +358 50 420 5345
Jenni Latikka Project Manager, Finnish Meteorological Institute Tel. +358 50 453 2163
Harri Pietarila Head of Unit, Finnish Meteorological Institute Tel. +358 50 337 8224
Email addresses are in the format: firstname.lastname@fmi.fi.
