Finland sends rescue material to Lithuania to handle refugees

The Ministry of the Interior has decided to send material assistance to Lithuania through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to handle the refugees arrived in the country via Belarus.

A record number of refugees have arrived in Lithuania via Belarus in recent weeks.

Lithuania has requested international assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, where Finland is a member, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release on Tuesday.

Finland will send hall tents and blankets to Lithuania. The Lithuanian authorities have requested material assistance from other EU countries.

The material assistance will be delivered through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism as part of the European Union’s joint assistance mission.

The Ministry of the Interior has cooperated with the National Emergency Supply Agency and the Finnish Red Cross in the procurement and transport of supplies.

The European Commission supports the Member States that are sending material assistance in their transport costs.