Brussels, 12 April 2022
Since the start of Russia’s invasion on 24 February, the refugee influx of civilians fleeing Ukraine to reach neighbouring countries has resulted in skyrocketing humanitarian needs. The Commission is working on all fronts to provide emergency assistance to people in need, including by supporting countries like the Republic of Moldova in strengthening their response. On top of already provided EU humanitarian funding, a humanitarian operation in Moldova is also being rolled out this week through the European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC) to enhance the EU emergency response and support humanitarian partners already active in the field.
The operation consists of the set-up of a warehouse in Chisinau for humanitarian partners and the delivery of over 1,200 EU-owned tents and 4,000 blankets for people displaced by the conflict. This delivery is reaching Moldova thanks to the implementation of three EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operations transporting the humanitarian cargo. The warehouse and deployment of humanitarian supplies are fully funded by the EU.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said:
“With Russian military aggression on Ukraine unfolding in a devastatingly brutal way, the humanitarian needs of the civilians affected are growing exponentially. In order to be able to provide a lifeline to everyone in need, all the capacities available must be mobilised. This is why in addition to EU funding for humanitarian partners on the ground, we are also enabling them with concrete operational support. Through the mobilisation of the European Humanitarian Response Capacity and its operation in Moldova, the EU reaffirms its support also to those countries hosting refugees who are fleeing from the horrors of this conflict.”
Background
The war in Ukraine has already forced more than 4.5 million people to flee to neighbouring countries like Hungary, Moldova, Poland and Slovakia, the majority of them being women and children. This is the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.
Earlier this year, the EU allocated an additional fund of €3 million for humanitarian assistance in Moldova, on top of the €5 million already contracted at the early stage of the crisis. The funding aims to provide emergency support at border crossing points and transit points, basic living conditions in accommodation centres and multipurpose cash assistance for vulnerable displaced people to cover their basic needs in Moldova.
Moreover, 18 EU Member States and Norway have offered in-kind assistance to Moldova through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). It includes amongst others, shelter items, medical aid, food and energy supplies. Given the magnitude of needs, the Commission has also mobilised medical equipment from the rescEU medical stockpiles based in Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands.
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