Finland sends expert to Greenland to support disaster preparedness 

Denmark and Greenland have requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for an advisory mission in Greenland. The mission aims to help Greenland prepare for potential natural disasters and support the preparedness efforts of the Greenlandic authorities. As the climate warms, the Arctic is undergoing rapid change and is particularly vulnerable to environmental risks and other impacts.

Finland has responded to the request by sending a trained expert to lead an EU team of international experts. The team will review the organisation of rescue and civil protection operations in Greenland, including administration, operational capabilities and host nation support. The team will make recommendations following the mission.

Finland is active in providing expert assistance

In international civil protection operations, assistance is provided under international treaties and legislation. Operations are undertaken, for example, when natural or human-induced disasters and incidents overwhelm a country’s own capacity to respond.

Finland participates in international civil protection operations through the European Union and international organisations. Any country can request assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism if it faces a crisis that it cannot handle alone. Requests are coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), operating under the European Commission. Assistance provided through the Civil Protection Mechanism is drawn from national resources. It may include specialised rescue teams, experts or material assistance.

The Ministry of the Interior decides on the provision of international assistance related to rescue services and civil protection. The Emergency Services Academy Finland is the employer of seconded experts and bears responsibility for their training, recruitment and logistics, as well as for the practical implementation of operations.