Brussels, 12/09/2001 (Agence Europe) - In the context of the assistance that the Union is ready to provide to the United States following the recent terrorist attacks, Margot Wallström, European Environment Commissioner, activated DG Environment's Civil Protection unit 24h/24h alert system.
Belgian, French, Swedish, Irish, Spanish and Dutch experts are already on stand-by ready to intervene if American authorities so request. Ten Belgian experts have also left Belgium and are currently in Iceland, awaiting instructions from the United States.
The Commission's Civil Protection Unit identified the resources that may be mobilised - teams trained for search and rescue operations in rubble, medical teams, psychological assistance teams and teams for the identification of victims - via the Community mechanism that coordinates assistance by specialists posted by the Commission or by the Member States.