EU mobilises emergency reserves for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats

Following a request from the Government of Ukraine for medical equipment, protective gear and specialised equipment for public health risks such as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, the European Commission has mobilised its new rescEU emergency reserves.

EU provided equipment includes 300,000 specialised protection suits, 5,600 litres of decontaminants and 850 pieces of equipment for decontamination operations. As hospitals in Ukraine are in urgent need of medical equipment, the EU is also donating patient monitors, infusion pumps and ventilators, together with protective equipment for the medical staff, like masks and gowns.

With total financial value of €11.3 million, this assistance will be delivered to Ukraine from the EU’s emergency stockpiles hosted by Romania, Hungary, Sweden, Germany, Greece and Denmark.

EU preparedness and responses to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats

The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in constant contact with the Ukrainian authorities to provide further assistance based on the specific needs indicated by Ukraine.

Background

Following the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, rescEU provides an extra layer of protection and ensures a faster and more comprehensive response to disasters. The rescEU reserve is 100% EU-financed and the European Commission maintains, in close cooperation with the country hosting the reserve, control of their operation. In an emergency, the rescEU reserve provides assistance to all EU Member States, Participating States to the Mechanism and can also be deployed to EU neighbouring countries.

A Strategic Compass for a stronger EU security and defence in the next decade

To improve the EU’s preparedness and response to public health risks such as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, the Commission has been building strategic reserves of response capacities through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. These include stockpiles that include both medical and CBRN medical countermeasures and equipment.

More information: European Commission – Press release