Migration: EU mobilises support to Greece via Civil Protection Mechanism

The Commission is working at all levels to support Greece as it deals with increased numbers of refugees and migrants at its external borders. Already 14 European countries have offered nearly 70,000 items of assistance to Greece via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said “The EU and its Member States are not leaving Greece alone to deal with the situation at its borders. I am proud of the generous support European countries have shown towards Greece. I thank Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Sweden, who have offered immediate support. We stand ready to help further.” Greece requested in-kind assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on 2 March. The assistance offered so far consists of sleeping bags, blankets, power generators, tents, and other shelter, sanitation and health items. Further EU support from other countries can be channelled. The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre is coordinating the aid deliveries and will co-finance the costs to transport the assistance to Greece. This assistance comes as part of the Commission’s Action Plan for immediate financial and operational measures to provide critical support to Greece in managing the extraordinary situation at the external borders.