The Republic of Moldova joins the EU civil protection mechanism as a participating state. Thus, Moldovan firefighters and rescuers are joining the most powerful international network for cooperation in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and crisis management. The Agreement for accession to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was signed today, in Chisinau, by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Adrian Efros, and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.
Through this Mechanism, the European Union provides a framework for coordination and cooperation in assisting in natural, man-made and health emergencies by improving the prevention, preparedness and response capacity of the EU Member States and other participating countries, such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The accession of Moldova to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism brings an added level of security and safety to its citizens, as well as to the environment, in relation to the risks associated with both natural and man-made disasters.
Minister Efros said during the press briefing: ‘Joining the Civil Protection Mechanism will increase both the quality of life and the services provided by the internal affairs system to our citizens. The Republic of Moldova demonstrates, by signing this agreement, that it has a European capacity to intervene and is already integrated into the EU as regards civil protection. We express our gratitude to the European Union for reconfirming that Moldova has a family and that our citizens matter to the European Union’.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “Today I am proud to welcome Moldova to the family of European rescuers: the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This step comes five months after I presented Moldova with a pathway document on next steps for joining the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. While Russia’s brutal attack against Ukraine resulted in thousands of Ukrainians fleeing from the war, Moldova proved itself to be a reliable partner, hosting and sheltering many. I want to thank the Moldovan civil protection authorities for their hard work. By Moldova joining the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, we can significantly enhance our emergency preparedness and build a more resilient disaster risk management system in Europe. We are stronger together.”
For Moldova, coordinating civil protection activities with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism Member and Participating States means an important contribution to improving its national civil protection system, aiming at further improvments of response time to emergency and exceptional situations, a decrease in material damage, and safer conditions for the country’s economic development. Depending on the nature of the disaster, support from partners within the Mechanism can take various forms, such as rescue operations, extinguishing forest and urban fires, the deployment of medical personnel, medical equipment and medicines, emergency temporary shelters, and more.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism includes preventive measures to reduce the potential impact of emergencies or disasters. Additionally, when an emergency situation surpasses the response capacities of a country in Europe – but not only – Moldovan firefighters and rescuers will be able to provide support through the Mechanism, alongside their European counterparts. Moldova will also benefit from EU co-financing of transport and operational costs.
The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) is the Moldovan institution designated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) as the competent authority for implementing the provisions of the signed Agreement. It will serve as the national contact point.
Background
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is an European initiative of solidarity aimed at supporting countries in times of crisis and disasters. The Mechanism aims to strengthen cooperation between the 27 EU countries and 10 participating states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine) on civil protection to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters. When an emergency overwhelms the response capabilities of a country in Europe and beyond, it can request assistance through the Mechanism. The European Commission plays a key role in coordinating the disaster response worldwide. Since its inception in 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated for 700 emergencies and crises inside and outside the EU.
On April 28, 2023, during his visit to Chisinau, Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, presented Moldova with a pathway document for joining the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Agreement for Moldova to join the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is signed today. It will fully enter into force as of 1 January 2024.
Moldova has benefitted from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and EU humanitarian assistance to cope with large-scale displacement triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Throught the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, 18 EU Member States and Norway have offered in-kind assistance to Moldova. It includes shelter items, medical aid, food and energy supplies. Once the country has officially joined the Mechanism, it will also be able to offer solidarity and assistance to others in need through this channel ensuring fast and well coordinated European response, while being reimbursed for the costs occured.
Furthermore, the EU has allocated EUR 48 million in humanitarian assistance since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. EU-funded humanitarian cash assistance helps refugees and host families meet their basic needs. Additionally, EU humanitarian partners have been providing protection assistance, warm clothes, transportation services, medical care, and psychosocial support to vulnerable people on the move.
