Finland sends experts in international civil protection to Moldova

The Ministry of the Interior has decided to send three experts to Moldova to assist in coordinating the humanitarian assistance needed by people fleeing Ukraine. The experts left Finland on Friday morning.

By decision of the Ministry of the Interior, Pelastusopisto – Emergency Services Academy Finland sent on 4 March three experts to Moldova as part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, through which Moldova has requested international assistance. The purpose of the expert group sent through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is to act as part of the multinational coordination team deployed by the EU. 

One of the experts sent by Finland will work as part of the operational coordination of the assistance activities, and two will work as part of the technical assistance and support team, which will support the coordination team of the Civil Protection Mechanism. According to a preliminary estimate, the mission will last about three weeks. The Emergency Services Academy is the employer of the posted experts.

Finland is an active provider of expert assistance

International civil protection operations refer to the provision of assistance to other countries and reception of assistance in Finland under international treaties and legislation. Such situations include natural or man-made disasters and incidents when the affected country lacks adequate resources. Finland participates in international civil protection operations through the European Union and international organisations, as well as in accordance with bilateral and multilateral international treaties. 

The Ministry of the Interior decides on the provision of international assistance in the field of rescue services, that is civil protection. The Emergency Services Academy Finland is responsible for the training, recruitment and logistics of experts and the practical implementation of international civil protection operations.

Inquiries:

Jari Korpela, Head of Training, Pelastusopisto – Emergency Services Academy Finland, tel. +358 29 545 3480 (operational details related to the mission and international civil protection operations)

Pekka Tiainen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 50 456 4477 (international civil protection operations)