Romania will host a civil protection hub that will help direct the European Union’s support to Ukraine and Republic of Moldova, the European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday, in a joint press conference with Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis in Bucharest, according to Romania-Insider.
“We will deploy at least EUR 500 million from the EU budget in humanitarian assistance. And, of course, more will come, as we need to brace for the devastating consequences of this atrocious war. We are establishing with you, with Romania, a civil protection hub for Ukraine. I am really grateful for that. This is outstanding because this helps us to direct assistance that we receive from all over Europe, here in Romania, to the specific border crossing points,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
She added: “We are also delivering assistance to Republic of Moldova, which has, indeed, a large number of refugees coming from Ukraine. Republic of Moldova needs shelter capacity, medical aid and energy supplies. And we are providing that with our Member States. And you are at the forefront, here, with the ones who are helping. Many thanks for that.”
The EC president also praised the solidarity shown by Romania and its citizens to Ukraine and the Ukrainian refugees.
Von der Leyen stated that Romania has welcomed almost 150,000 people and provided them with food and shelter.