Finland sends expert to Greenland to support disaster preparedness

Finland decided to send an expert to Greenland to support potential natural disasters and preparedness efforts, said the Ministry of the Interior in a press release on Thursday.

The decision was taken responding to the request from Denmark and Greenland to support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for an advisory mission in Greenland.

Finland will send a trained expert to lead an EU team of international experts. The team will review the organisation of rescue and civil protection operations in Greenland, including administration, operational capabilities and host nation support. The team will make recommendations following the mission.

Finland participates in international civil protection operations through the European Union and international organisations.

Any country can request assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism if it faces a crisis that it cannot handle alone.

Requests are coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), operating under the European Commission. Assistance provided through the Civil Protection Mechanism is drawn from national resources. It may include specialised rescue teams, experts or material assistance.

The Emergency Services Academy Finland is the employer of seconded experts and bears responsibility for their training, recruitment and logistics, as well as for the practical implementation of operations.