First rescEU medical evacuation plane enters into service to help transfer Ukrainian patients

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has taken delivery of a new medical evacuation airplane to address shortcomings in case of emergency needs for patients among Ukrainian refugees affected by highly infectious diseases. 

The airplane has been financed by the EU and is hosted by Norway, a Participating State to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

“This brutal war in Ukraine has forced millions to flee, including vulnerable patients whose lives depend on urgent medical care. With this new addition to the rescEU fleet, the EU ensures that we have an increased capacity to help people across the continent, in today’s and future crises,” said Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.

In addition to the medical evacuations under the rescEU capacity, the EU has transferred chronically ill Ukrainian children from Poland to Italy, Ireland, and Germany.

These evacuations have been financially and operationally supported by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the EU Early Warning and Response System.

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Press release