The civil protection mechanism to the rescue of Moldova
(B2) Austria has just supplied Moldova with large electric generators and water heaters. These have just arrived in Chisinau on 12 January. They will mainly be deployed in hospitals, orphanages and other public services in need. Faced with the gas crisis and the rigors of the winter, the Moldovan authorities had requested EU assistance. The country - one of the poorest in Europe - is totally dependent on Russian gas imported from Ukraine. And more than 50 people were left without a gas supply (and therefore heating). The European Commission therefore activated its civil protection mechanism on 000 January. A team of experts from Sweden, the Czech Republic and France, and a European liaison officer are coordinating the operation. This is partly financed by the Community budget.