Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU has urged its member states to respond to Lebanon’s request for medical supplies and medicines following the Israeli strikes in the southern part of the country.
EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides and Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič have urged EU member states to deliver medical aid to Lebanon, in a letter addressed to member nations.
How is Lebanon’s healthcare system affected by the conflict?
The letter mentions “the continued hostilities, which have placed a severe strain on medical services in Lebanon.” Since 30 September, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have undertaken a ground operation in southern Lebanon, hitting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The letter highlights that Lebanon’s healthcare system is labouring to cope with the growing number of casualties, with many patients urgently needing specialised medical treatment that is no longer available due to the collapse of healthcare infrastructure.
The European Commission has received an official request for contribution from Lebanese authorities, stressing the urgent need for vital medical supplies, the letter reports. This request is being moved forward through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism launched in 2001, which has enhanced collaboration between EU member states and 10 other participating nations to improve disaster prevention and comeback.
How can EU member states coordinate their response?
Although Lebanon is not a member of the instrument, any country in the world as well as UN agencies, and other international organisations can pursue assistance from the EU and the 10 partners in times of emergency. The EU commissioners recommended member states to “act swiftly and in a collaborative manner,” calling on health ministers and civil protection authorities “to urgently offer further medical aid to Lebanon”.
The contribution is to be coordinated through national civil protection management and directed to the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), the operational hub of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
What role does the EU Civil Protection Mechanism play?
Since its beginning, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has responded to over 700 requests for help globally. In 2023 alone, it was triggered 66 times, responding to situations such as the war in Ukraine, wildfires in Europe, and the earthquake in Syria and Türkiye.
