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Turkey joins EU's Civil Protection Mechanism

Xinhua, May 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Turkey joined the European Union (EU)'s Civil Protection Mechanism for cooperation in disaster management and emergency response, the European Commission said in a press release Wednesday.

Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, signed the agreement with Fuat Oktay, President of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Turkey.

According to the agreement, Turkey will have access to cooperation opportunities, including joint civil protection trainings and exercises, disaster prevention and preparedness projects, direct communication among European civil protection authorities during emergencies.

"Turkey will be a valuable partner in our common goal to prepare better for disasters and to respond jointly and effectively when a crisis strikes," Stylianides said, adding that "in a world increasingly prone to disasters, we need to act together, each contributing its expertise, capabilities and experience."

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was established in 2001, fostering cooperation among national civil protection authorities across Europe.

The Mechanism currently includes 31 countries: all 28 EU member states in addition to Iceland, Norway and Macedonia.

It was set up to enable coordinated assistance from the participating states to victims of natural and man-made disasters in Europe and elsewhere. Endit