According to the European Commission, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib praised Romania on Thursday for its robust contributions to the European Civil Protection Mechanism, noting that the country has deployed assistance to states affected by disasters 49 times over the past decade while requesting aid only 10 times. The acknowledgment highlights Romania’s role in continental emergency response, spanning wildfire deployments in France and Greece to hosting a rescEU helicopter.
Romania’s Decade-Long Disaster Response Record
Over the past ten years, Romania has established a pattern of providing cross-border support during major crises. According to European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, the country requested help from the European Union 10 times during this decade, while stepping up to answer external requests 49 times. The official emphasized how Romania has built a powerful emergency response system and placed it at the disposal of other nations.
Wildfire Deployments in France and Greece
Ahead of an early and intense wildfire season that began in late April, the European Union pre-positioned nearly 800 firefighters from 14 countries in high-risk zones. Romania supplied 200 of these personnel, representing more than a quarter of the total European pre-positioned force. Out of this contingent, 80 firefighters deployed to France, with 40 actively managing incidents in Bordeaux upon the activation of the European mechanism. Concurrently, 120 Romanian firefighters operated in Greece alongside local teams.
Did you know? Approximately one in every four firefighters pre-positioned by the European Union for the wildfire season came from Romania.
Medical Evacuations and Cross-Border Aid
Beyond firefighting, Romania’s disaster response footprint extends to complex medical evacuations. Official figures show that the country assisted in transporting over 180 patients from Gaza, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Switzerland to hospitals throughout Europe. This total includes 57 children evacuated directly from Gaza. Furthermore, the first aircraft from the new rescEU fleet—a specialized helicopter based in Romania—has officially entered active service, undertaking missions such as supporting Serbia following a formal request through the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Romania provided aid through the European Civil Protection Mechanism?
According to European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, Romania has answered calls for help from other states 49 times over the past decade, while requesting assistance for itself 10 times.
What specific firefighting deployments did Romania make recently?
Romania sent 200 firefighters to support European efforts against early-season wildfires, including 80 personnel pre-positioned in France and 120 deployed to Greece.
What is the rescEU helicopter based in Romania?
It is the first apparatus from the new European rescEU aviation fleet stationed in Romania, which has already begun participating in cross-border missions, including operations to assist Serbia.
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