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In the 5 years since rescEU was launched, it has provided vital aid during several unprecedented crises.
2019
rescEU reserve established to guarantee a more effective response to disasters, including 9 firefighting planes and 6 helicopters.
2020
First-ever rescEU medical stockpile created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021
The EU continued deploying masks and personal protective equipment to support the fight against COVID-19.
2022
Power generators, medical items, shelters and other equipment sent to Ukraine.
2023
In response to a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the region, rescEU sent shelters, beds, and medical equipment to help people in Türkiye.
2023
Largest firefighting operation to help extinguish wildfires in Greece.
2024 and beyond
Agreements signed, so that rescEU finances the purchase of 12 new firefighting planes.
Wildfires
When the largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU broke out in Greece in July 2023, rescEU responded with its biggest firefighting operation ever.
At least 20 people tragically lost their lives, 60 firefighters were injured, and homes and land were burnt across Greece.
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre mobilised 13 firefighting planes and 1 helicopter from rescEU reserves that had been stationed in Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy and Czechia.
The response also included 407 firefighters and 62 vehicles from Bulgaria, Germany, France, Malta, Romania and Slovakia that were prepositioned in Greece.
In response to the increase in wildfires, more firefighting resources were added in preparation for the 2023 and 2024 wildfire season. The rescEU fleet now includes:
10 amphibious aircrafts
14 lighter aircrafts
and 4 helicopters
In response to the increase in wildfires, more firefighting resources were added in preparation for the 2023 and 2024 wildfire season. The rescEU fleet now includes:
10 amphibious aircrafts
14 lighter aircrafts
and 4 helicopters
War in Ukraine
Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine started in February 2022, approximately 14.6 million people are in need.
In response, the European Union is running its largest-ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and has deployed assistance under rescEU worth 157 million euros.
This includes the creation of a new rescEU energy hub in Poland that acts as a logistical centre for delivering emergency energy assistance to Ukraine. It helps channel funding from international partners and the private sector and is also being used to deliver power generators to Ukraine.
These generators help the country power hospitals, schools and other vital buildings.
As of now, more than 2,000 generators from the rescEU reserve in Poland have been delivered to Ukraine to help the country maintain its electricity supply.
The EU has also provided 3,000 emergency shelters, 19,750 beds and 40 generators from rescEU reserves hosted by Sweden and Romania, and much-needed medical items: ventilators, masks, ultrasound devices, oxygen concentrators and more.
Earthquakes
in Türkiye
In February 2023, a series of earthquakes devastated Türkiye.
Over 50,000 people in Türkiye died and millions were displaced.
On 6 February, Türkiye asked for help from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In response, rescEU sent 2,000 tents and 8,000 beds from the rescEU reserve hosted by Romania.
500 relief housing units with 2,500 beds were sent from the rescEU reserve hosted by Sweden.
The EU also delivered medical equipment and other assistance from rescEU.
The future
What the EU is doing to build capacity
The EU’s capacity to respond to disasters is constantly being updated. We’re boosting our ability to offer emergency medical support by building the first pan-European field hospital. It will include 3 Emergency Medical Teams, surgery and diagnostic services, intensive care, burn treatment, patient transport, mother and child support, rehabilitation, mental health support, orthopaedic treatment, and a laboratory oxygen supply.
What the EU is doing to build capacity.
The EU’s capacity to respond to disasters is constantly being updated. We’re boosting our ability to offer emergency medical support by building the first pan-European field hospital. It will include 3 Emergency Medical Teams, surgery and diagnostic services, intensive care, burn treatment, patient transport, mother and child support, rehabilitation, mental health support, orthopaedic treatment, and a laboratory oxygen supply.
Through rescEU, 1.65 billion euro has been invested in medical stockpiling to boost European preparedness for future threats.
Through rescEU 1.65 billion euro is being invested in medical stockpiling to boost European preparedness for future threats.
To prepare for disasters that displace people, the EU has allocated 118.4 million euro to Spain, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden and Türkiye to procure and host new rescEU shelter reserves that will be able to accommodate thousands of people.
The EU – and the world – will continue to face disasters like pandemics, earthquakes, floods and wildfires made worse by climate change. By strengthening rescEU, running preparedness activities and working hand in hand, we can be ready to face the future and be better prepared to manage the consequences of any disasters.
The EU – and the world – will continue to face disasters like pandemics, earthquakes, floods and wildfires made worse by climate change. By strengthening rescEU, running preparedness activities and working hand in hand, we can be ready to face the future and be better prepared to manage the consequences of any disasters.
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