03/09/2020 (Agence Europe) – In response to requests from Montenegro and Kosovo for assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Slovenia has offered surgical masks and disinfectants to both countries, the European Commission announced on Thursday 3 September. The Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) will coordinate and co-finance the transport of these medical supplies. “The coronavirus pandemic is not over and the EU remains committed to helping combat it, both within and beyond its borders”, according to the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, quoted in a statement. In May, 37,000 masks from the RescEU strategic reserve of medical equipment were delivered to Montenegro (see EUROPE 12484/9). The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has coordinated the provision of assistance to 20 countries during the pandemic. (AN)