The request comes after severe weather conditions in Italy have caused floods and landslides in the past days, affecting particularly the northern-central region of Emilia Romagna. On 21 May, the Italian authorities activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The request for assistance concerns high-capacity pumping equipment from the European Civil Protection Pool. 

The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been in constant contact with the Italian authorities, who are currently assessing the offers, and the EU stands ready to provide further help if needed. 

The EU's Copernicus service has also provided emergency satellite mapping of the affected areas, following a request from the Italian civil protection authority on 16 May.