The European Union on Monday activated the integrated political crisis response group in response to the situation in Turkey and Syria, where a series of earthquakes this day has already claimed more than 2,600 lives and injured more than 11,000 others.
In a brief communiqué from the Council of the European Union, the Swedish Presidency confirmed the activation of this mechanism (known as IPCR) following a coordination meeting and in order to «coordinate EU support measures».
The IPCR is formed by the EU-27 and supports decision-making in the event of terrorist attacks or other crises, as occurred with the coronavirus. After Monday’s meeting, European sources have indicated that the situation will be closely monitored, leaving the door open to further meetings.
They also urged member states to provide assistance to Turkey through the Civil Protection Mechanism, and to support those affected in Syria through targeted humanitarian assistance.
Earlier some fifteen EU member states, plus Montenegro, have mobilized to assist Turkey with emergency earthquake relief.
About 2,600 people have been killed by the succession of earthquakes recorded on Monday in southern Turkey, near the border with Syria, according to data provided by the authorities of both countries and the ‘white helmets’ serving in Syrian opposition areas.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
