(Sir Europe – Brussels) - “Solidarity is something we will increasingly need. After Haiti, I have travelled to lots of other places in which earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, draught, volcanic eruptions and landslides broke up the local communities and sorely tried the national capabilities, but quick international response saved lives and reduced sufferings and damage”. With these words, the Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aids and Civil Response Kristalina Georgieva opened the Beijing ceremony for the presentation of the EU-China catastrophe risk management project. Since 1975, the number of catastrophes has increased five times, and the greatest number of victims was recorded in Asia, but no continent can be regarded as completely safe. In Europe, for example, 100 thousand people have died in the last ten years. “I have been impressed at the efficiency and immediate response provided by China to the Haiti emergency, despite its remarkable distance and the lack of diplomatic relations between the two nations, so I am confident in this new partnership between Europe and China, because cooperation against catastrophes and prevention are fundamental responses for our safety and for the future”. The EU-China emergency management institute has been unveiled for the occasion.

15/06/2012 -