EU: Grant of €242m to Finland to tackle chemical and nuclear threats

by

The stockpile will consist of rescue equipment and medical supplies, such as antidotes and radiological countermeasures, to protect rescuers and the civilian population

The European Union granted Finland 242 million euros to establish for the first time stockpiles to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats and for use by all member states, the Finnish government announced today.

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine confirmed the need to strengthen the EU’s ‘CBRN preparedness’announced European Commissioner for Crisis Management Jans Lenarcic.

The stockpile will consist of rescue equipment and medical supplies, such as antidotes and radiological countermeasures, to protect rescuers and the civilian population, according to Finland’s interior ministry.

THE Finland shares a common border with Russia of 1,300 km and is close to the Baltic States, who are also concerned that an escalation of the war in Ukraine could lead to the use of nuclear weapons or a nuclear accident.

“The stockpiles that will be created in Finland will improve the strategic readiness of the European Union to face various types of threats, especially in Northern Europe and the Baltic region”, clarifies in a statement the Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen.

The stocks will be ready for use in 2024 and the aim will be to send them to a crisis zone within 12 hours.

You May Also Like

Recommended for you