Finland delivers medicinal products from EU emergency stockpile to Ukraine

Finland has delivered medicinal products to Ukraine from an EU-funded rescEU stockpile, which is hosted by Finland. The value of the delivery is about EUR 151,000. The need for assistance stems from Russia's war of aggression, and the delivery is part of EU support for Ukraine.

rescEU stockpiles are located in several EU countries, and they are used following a decision by the European Commission when a country has insufficient resources to cope with a specific situation. The stockpiles are primarily intended for the EU Member States. However, they can be made available to ten other countries that participate in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This group largely consists of the EU's neighbouring countries, such as Ukraine.

In Finland, stockpile maintenance and the procurement of supplies are carried out by the following authorities under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior: the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the National Emergency Supply Agency, and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is responsible for storing medicinal products and preparing their deliveries, and the National Emergency Supply Agency is responsible for logistics arrangements. 

Delivery of medicinal products requires careful planning and cooperation

“Delivering such materials calls for careful planning and seamless coordination between different actors,” says Pharmacist Minna Manner-Lehtinen from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Finland hosts two kinds of rescEU stockpiles. The rescEU CBRN project stockpiles materials used to prepare for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. The rescEU Medical project in turn stockpiles medical supplies, medicinal products and radiation meters for major accidents. 

“Cooperation between Finland and the European Commission is close and effective. rescEU projects are a good example of how national expertise and European cooperation can improve national preparedness and resilience across Europe,” says Project Manager Piia Ollila from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Finland has received a total of EUR 305 million in funding from the European Commission for the creation of these stockpiles. Assistance from the rescEU stockpiles located in Finland has been sent to Ukraine on four separate occasions. rescEU stockpiles form part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, for which the Ministry of the Interior serves as the national contact point.

Inquiries:
Ilona Hatakka, Project Manager, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 295 488 224, [email protected]
Piia Ollila, Project Manager, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 112, [email protected]