Ukraine: European Commission sets up solidarity mechanism for medical transfers of refugees within the EU

On 8 March, the European Commission set up a dedicated European system for swift transfers of Ukrainians in need of medical care among EU Member States. 

In order to ease the pressure on the health systems of those Member States bordering Ukraine, a special mechanism has been set up within the Early Warning and Response System of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Through this tool, EU Member States can request support for the transfer of patients in need of medical care. The mechanism will help to match the needs of Ukrainian patients in bordering EU countries with offers and capacities for treatment in hospitals in other EU Member States, as well as to securely exchange the information needed.

“In the face of the Russian invasion that is tearing families apart, and causing unimaginable suffering, there are thousands of people fleeing from Ukraine that require urgent treatment and care. This includes casualties from the conflict, and those needing continuity of care, such as cancer patients,” said Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides. “Thanks to EU solidarity in action, we have already 10,000 beds available so far and we will do everything possible to ensure that patients can reach them as quickly as possible.” 

Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said that “the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre is working around the clock to coordinate the unprecedented assistance mobilised across since day one of this brutal invasion of Ukraine”. He added that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is ready to assist with channelling the transfer of patients.

Find out more

Press release