In response to a request from Ukraine via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Slovakia has offered protective facemasks, disinfectants, blankets, among other items to help the country tackle the coronavirus pandemic. The EU will coordinate and co-finance the delivery of this assistance to Ukraine.
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “The coronavirus pandemic must be tackled on all fronts, all over the world. I am grateful to Slovakia for helping our neighbours in Ukraine. Only together we can overcome this virus. The EU stands ready to channel further offers of assistance.”
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has already coordinated the delivery of assistance to 13 countries during this pandemic.
Slovakia is the nation with the lowest per capita death rate in Europe, and when this pandemic ends is likely to be among those highlighted as a success story. The country’s politicians led from the front, setting an example to their citizens by wearing face masks from the moment the crisis was identified.