Since the beginning of the Russian Federation’s invasion on February 24, 2022, the influx of refugees leaving Ukraine to reach neighboring countries has led to a massive increase in humanitarian needs. The European Commission is working in all directions to provide emergency assistance to Ukrainians in need, including supporting countries such as the Republic of Moldova in strengthening their response to the flow of refugees. In addition to the financial humanitarian aid provided by the European Union, in the Republic of Moldova, through the European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC), a new humanitarian action was launched. It aims to improve the EU’s emergency response and support active humanitarian partners.
The action consists in setting up a warehouse in Chisinau that will be made available to partners for the storage of humanitarian aid and for the delivery of over 1200 tents and 4000 blankets for people displaced due to the war. This aid reaches the Republic of Moldova along with the implementation of three actions of humanitarian air bridges transporting humanitarian goods. The storage of humanitarian aid is fully funded by the EU.
Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management: “While the Russian military aggression against Ukraine is taking place in a devastatingly brutal way, the humanitarian needs of the people affected are growing exponentially. In order to be able to provide a lifeline to all those in need, all available capabilities must be mobilized. That is why the EU – in addition to providing financial assistance to humanitarian partners – also offers concrete operational support. By mobilizing the European Humanitarian Response Capacity and operating it in the Republic of Moldova, the EU reaffirms its support for the countries hosting refugees fleeing the horrors of this conflict. “
Context
The war in Ukraine has already forced more than 4.3 million people to flee to neighboring countries such as Moldova, Romania, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, most of them women and children. This is the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.
Earlier this year, the EU allocated an additional € 3 million in humanitarian assistance to Moldova, in addition to the € 5 million already provided in the early stages of the crisis. The funding aims to provide emergency support at border crossings and transit points, minimum living conditions in accommodation centers and cash financial assistance for vulnerable displaced persons so that they can cover basic needs in the Republic of Moldova.
At the same time, 18 EU Member States and Norway provided assistance to the Republic of Moldova through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUSR). This includes, but is not limited to, shelter, health care, food, and energy supplies. Given the magnitude of the needs, the European Commission has also mobilized medical equipment from rescEU medical stocks in Germany, Hungary and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.