MEPs debate with the Commission the EU’s emergency and humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquake. On 6th of February, a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the south-eastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, followed by a magnitude 7.6 aftershock later the same day. International estimates suggest the devastation caused by the earthquake could claim up to 20 000 lives. It has destroyed tens of thousands of buildings in the region, and left hundreds of thousands without a home. Opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

statement

Strasbourg

EU - Syria (T)

debate

plenary session

EU - Türkiye (T)

natural disasters (T)

LENARČIČ, Janez (SI, EC)

EU response to the humanitarian situation following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria: opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/68601116/1676312627887_I237080Chapters%5BSD-EN%5D.srt

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, And I want to underline that Europe stands with the people of Turkey and Syria. Our civil protection mechanism has been activated and help has and continues to be sent. And this will be debated as the first item of our agenda this afternoon. Right now, our thoughts are with the families of those killed, those trapped, those injured.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, And with all the rescuers fighting the clock night and day to save lives. Once we discuss that this afternoon, I ask you to be present. But before that, I invite you to join me for a minute of silence. In honour of the many victims of this tragic earthquake.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, Few announcements from my sides, dear colleagues, starting with a very serious one last week, a devastating series of earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, causing almost unimaginable destruction. Tens of thousands of people have been killed. Thousands more are injured or still trapped under the rubble.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Madam President, Honourable Members, I wish to start by expressing my heartfelt condolences to the people of Turkey and of Syria who have been hit by the devastating earthquake a week ago. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, the injured, those who lost their homes, and with the first responders working tirelessly to save lives.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Just hours after the earthquake, the European Union mobilised search and rescue teams for Turkey. The European Union's Civil protection has offered 32 search and rescue teams and six medical teams from 21 EU member states and three other European participating states. Our teams arrived quickly and have participated in the rescue effort alongside the Turkish first responders since.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Last Thursday I visited Gaziantep, the scale of destruction is without precedent in recent times. In Turkey alone, more than 14 million people have been affected. Many of them are left homeless in very harsh winter conditions. There is a desperate need for relief materials, including tents and other items to ensure that people have shelter and are protected from the cold.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, That is why I have decided to mobilise rescue the EU's own emergency stockpiles. We have sent 500 temporary accommodation units, 2000 tents and 8000 beds to Turkey from this European strategic reserves. In addition, 16 Member states have already offered various shelter items to help people in Turkey.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, We have also allocated an additional €3 million to humanitarian partners to meet the most urgent needs across the affected locations in Turkey. It is crucial that we also help the people of who have been greatly impacted and the millions of Syrians already dependent on humanitarian aid before earthquake. With almost 3 million displaced in northwest Syria alone, following a request for assistance from the government of Syria, as well as an activation of the union's civil protection mechanism by the World Food Programme.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Nine member states so far, as well as one participating state, have already offered in-kind assistance. Family tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, beds, food items, winter clothes and more. We are working to ensure that this assistance can be delivered rapidly and equitably to all people who need assistance.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, The Commission also allocated an additional €3.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to help our partners address urgent needs in Syria. They are already providing water and sanitation support, distributing blankets, hot meals, tents and hygiene items.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Emergency assistance is also being mobilised through a deployment of the European humanitarian response capacity. These are strategicstocks of emergency items, among others in Dubai and Brindisi, and they will be delivered to Syrians affected by the earthquake, including Winterised tents, heaters, blankets, water, sanitation, hygiene kits and kitchen sets. We will also offer logistical support to deliver assistance.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Honourable Members, the European Union is determined to further scale up support in view of this unprecedented catastrophe. Considering the enormous needs, the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council will host next month the donors conference in support for the people of Turkey and Syria.

SOUNDBITE (English), Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, This is organised in coordination with the Turkish authorities to mobilise international funds, notably for reconstruction and rehabilitation. I look forward to hearing your views in today's debate. Thank you.