EU gives €242 million to Finland for setting up stockpiles for chemical, biological, nuclear and other threats
The Finish government has announced €242 millon has been allotted to the country by the European union to set up stockpiles of threats including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear.
According to a report by Reuters on Wednesday, January 18, this is the first time such a stockpile is being set up, which will be used by all member states in case of threats.
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has confirmed the need to strengthen the EU CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) preparedness,” said, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, as cited in the report.
The proposed stockpile will consist of medical supplies, radiation meters and other rescue material.
A statement by Krista Mikkonen Finland´s interior minister, cited in the report said, “They are intended to protect first responders and the civilian population”.
“The stockpiles to be established in Finland will improve the European Union’s strategic preparedness and readiness to respond to different kinds of threats, especially in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea region,” it added, as per the report.
It further continued, “Ready for use from 2024, the reserve aims to dispatch supplies to a disaster or crisis area within 12 hours of an offer of assistance being accepted”.
Reports from Finland also suggest that since the country shares a 1,300 kilometre border with Russia, there are fears about the possibility of an escalation during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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