Interim president Ilie Bolojan on Friday sent a message on the occasion of the Civil Protection Day, emphasising that a unified, coordinated and complementary approach is needed from public authorities, civil society, the private sector and citizens, both in terms of increasing awareness of risks and in identifying the most efficient solutions to improve the response capacity in emergency situations.
„Today, we mark 92 years since the establishment of the first civil protection structure in Romania, a basic component of our national security, intended to protect citizens, property and the environment in emergency situations. The way in which civil protection acted in the service of the population has evolved over time, from interventions that took place, to a large extent, only after disasters occurred, to the current development of mechanisms for anticipation, prevention and risk reduction, as well as reconstruction actions after periods of crisis. Thus, through permanent adaptation and evolution, civil protection achieves its fundamental mission of defending some of the most important constitutional values: the life and health of citizens, public and private property, national cultural values and the protection of our communities,” says Bolojan in the message, according to the Presidential Administration.
He emphasises that „we are facing difficult challenges, which imply the need for well-prepared responses, including with regard to the civil protection component.”
„Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, with all the consequences that arise from it, dramatic climate change or tragedies caused by dangerous human actions are just a few levels that require prompt and effective interventions. In such a climate of continuous change and transformation, a unified, coordinated and complementary approach is needed from all actors involved – public authorities, civil society, the private sector and citizens – both in terms of increasing awareness of the risks and in identifying the most effective solutions to improve the response capacity in emergency situations,” says the interim president.
Ilie Bolojan points out that Romania, as a member state of the European Union and NATO, has benefited from immediate assistance from these partners and other countries, but has also provided support to many states in need, the actions of Romanian specialists receiving, on countless occasions, appreciation and recognition at the international level.
„It is commendable that Romania is one of the main providers of operational capacities within the European Civil Protection Mechanism,” says the interim president.
According to the interim president, the Civil Protection Day is an opportunity to highlight the high level of professionalism of Romanian rescuers, the capacity for international cooperation and the assurance of good practice standards, Ilie Bolojan pointing out that it is important that both representatives of state institutions, the media and civil society contribute to discussions that generate a more correct understanding of risks and awareness of the importance of disaster prevention.
„I thank all those who are part of the civil protection system: firefighters, mountain rescuers, pilots, doctors, paramedics, assistants, lifeguards, as well as the technical, administrative staff, volunteers, without whom the rescue missions could not be successfully carried out. I appreciate the courage, solidarity, devotion and professionalism that they show every day, in each intervention or mission, to protect and save those in danger and I assure them of the gratitude of the citizens of Romania,” concludes Bolojan.
AGERPRES
