Moldova joins the EU Civil Protection Mechanism

On 29 September, the EU and Moldova signed the Agreement for Moldova to become a Participating State in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Once the Agreement is ratified by Moldova, it will provisionally apply until the full entry into force on 1 January 2024.

This major step of Moldova joining the foundation of the EU's disaster risk management system was marked with a visit by the Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič, to Chișinău, where he met Internal Affairs Minister Adrian Efros. They both signed the Agreement to grant Moldova membership status in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Lenarčič said: “Today, I am proud to welcome Moldova to the family of European rescuers: 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. 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.”

Moldova has benefitted from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to cope with a large-scale displacement triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, the EU has also deployed 36 power generators to 30 hospitals across Moldova from its rescEU energy reserve. Additionally, the EU has also supported Moldova with EUR 48 million in humanitarian aid since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

As a full member of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Moldova will not only be able to receive immediate support, but can also send assistance to countries affected by man-made or natural disasters through the Mechanism, leading to a stronger and better coordinated crisis response in Europe and in the rest of the world.

The press release is available online.

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