Slovenia and Spain have benefited from an effective cooperation with the European Commission in civil protection in recent years. They have now given awards to the Commission in recognition of these efforts.
The Ministries of Slovenia and Spain have awarded the Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) with high honours for its service and support during natural disaster crises.
ECHO received the Slovenian Civil Protection Award on 1 March - Slovenian Civil Protection Day - for helping to strengthen international cooperation during natural disasters, and for building a stronger and more resilient EU. Jerneja Jug Jerše, Head of the Commission's Representation in Slovenia, accepted the award on behalf of ECHO staff.
In a video address, ECHO’s Director-General Vivi Michou said she was honoured and privileged to receive the award in recognition of ECHO’s commitment to international cooperation and life-saving assistance.
‘Today I know I'm speaking to people who know well what managing crises means,’ Ms. Michou said. ‘To people who understand the implications of all kinds of emergencies. To people who are always ready to act as members of the wider European civil protection community.’
‘Your own contribution, such as rescEU protective equipment in Slovenia, but also your assistance to Ukraine, is tangible European solidarity, and you should be proud of it.’
ECHO, the Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DEFIS), and its Joint Research Centre (JRC) were also awarded the Spanish Civil Protection Merit Silver Medal for emergency support delivered following La Palma’s volcanic eruption.
When the Cumbre Vieja volcano erupted, the Commission produced satellite images and provided detailed information to Spanish Civil protection authorities, helping them forecast risks for people living on the island. Spanish authorities were also given information on lava flow and forecasted damage to buildings, emergency routes and infrastructure.
Peter Billing, Deputy Director of Emergency Management and rescEU for ECHO, accepted the award at a ceremony attended by King Felipe VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
These awards highlight the Commission’s commitment to provide aid, support and technology to prevent and alleviate the effects of natural disasters.
