Earthquake in central Italy: EU stands ready to help

The European Union stands in full solidarity with the Italian people and national authorities. This is what President Juncker and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, underlined today.

Following the earthquake in central Italy, President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote a letter to the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides issued a statement in which they expressed their condolences and sympathy and underlined the EU’s readiness to help.

Commissioner Stylianides also stressed that the Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre is closely monitoring the situation and has already been in contact with the Italian civil protection authorities during the night regarding any help which could be requested.

He said that following a request from the Italian authorities the Copernicus Emergency Management Services will provide damage assessment satellite maps for the affected area.