Finland sends 2 civil protection experts to Poland, Slovakia

Finland has sent two experts to Poland and Slovakia to assist in coordinating the humanitarian assistance needed by people fleeing Ukraine, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release on Thursday.

The experts left Finland on Wednesday evening. The Emergency Services Academy Finland is the employer of the posted experts.

By decision of the Ministry of the Interior, Pelastusopisto – Emergency Services Academy Finland sent the experts as part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, through which Poland and Slovakia have requested international assistance.

The experts posted by Finland will work as logistics experts as part of the European Union Civil Protection Team. According to a preliminary estimate, the mission will last about three weeks.

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.