Another contingent of protective medical equipment reached Montenegro through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. A total of 18 aid packages were donated by Estonia containing: 4,000 packs of 500ml hand sanitizers, 1,000 liters of surface disinfectant concentrates, 300 sets of bedding and 300 bed covers.
The donation is part of Estonia’s broader aid project, helping countries in need tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. Apart from Montenegro, aid packages were also sent to North Macedonia, Georgia and Ukraine.
“Estonia wants to show solidarity with its friends and partners in the Western Balkan countries even during these trying times, when we are all affected by the pandemic and we all need a friendly shoulder to lean on. Therefore, my government has decided to respond positively to the request for assistance sent to us by the governments of Montenegro and Northern Macedonia through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We are happy to be able to provide hospitals and health care centres with items they need the most, and not only during, but also after the crisis,” non-resident Estonian Ambassador to Montenegro Kristi Karelsohn said.
Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Aivo Orav, says that the assistance coming from Estonia is yet another confirmation of solidarity that the EU and its member states have shown in the fight against the corona virus.
“A difficult period is behind us. It has shown us that solidary and sincere cooperation do exist and just how important they are for the well-being of all of us. The European Union has stood by Montenegro from the very beginning of the crisis, allocating a total of €53 million in aid. The Member States also provided support both through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism as well as bilaterally. “I am sure that the Montenegrin people see the EU as an established friend, who continues to help even now when the situation, fortunately for all of us, is under control,” Orav said.
The Government of Montenegro pointed out how important is the support of friends and partners from Europe, in these challenging times and how important it is for us all to be united.
“On behalf of the Government of Montenegro and the National Coordination Body, I express my gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Estonia for the help they sent to Montenegro and for the solidarity expressed. This donation also confirms the importance of coordination within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the readiness of all member states to support each other in overcoming crisis situations. Montenegrin citizens recognize that and appreciate the EU’s contribution to the successful fight against the coronavirus,” said Interior Minister Mevludin Nuhodzic.
In addition to Estonia, Montenegro has so far received assistance from Austria and Romania through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. All combined, they delivered 110,000 gloves, 1,680 litres of hand sanitiser, 720 disposable bedding and 1,800 towels. Croatia, Hungary and Bulgaria provided assistance to Montenegro bilaterally. Croatia donated 50,000 surgical masks, 2,000 litres of rubbing alcohol, 2,000 face visors and 1,000 pieces of protective medical goggles, Hungary provided 50,000 surgical masks and 2,500 protective medical suits, while Bulgaria donated equipiment to the Special Hospital for Lung Diseases in Brezovik worth nearly 35,000 euros and 200 sets of protective medical equipment. Poland donated ten tons of medical aid within the NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). The Netherlands logistically and financially help delivery of seven tons of protective medical equipment, bought by the state of Montenegro, also trough EADRCC. The European Union and its member states announced that they will continue to help Montenegro in the coming period.