EC says Croatia showing solidarity by sending fire-fighting planes to Bosnia

(Hina) - Croatia, the European Union's newest member, has shown exemplary solidarity with Bosnia and Herzegovina by sending two fire-fighting planes on Wednesday to put out a wildfire near Jablanica, the European Commission said on Thursday

(Hina) - Croatia, the European Union's newest member, has shown exemplary solidarity with Bosnia and Herzegovina by sending two fire-fighting planes on Wednesday to put out a wildfire near Jablanica, the European Commission said on Thursday.

"Yet again, European cooperation in civil protection is proving its practical value. Croatia, our newest Member State, is showing exemplary solidarity with its neighbour," said Kristalina Georgieva, European commissioner for international cooperation, humanitarian aid and crisis response.

The Commission said that thanks to quick coordination by its Emergency Response Centre, "two fire-fighting planes, offered by Croatia, are already deployed in the affected area" in Bosnia.

"We must remain vigilant – the forest fires season is in its midst. The Emergency Response Centre is in regular contact with the countries in the highest risk. We are ready to help if other fires overwhelm the national capacities," Georgieva added.

The Croatian government made two water-bombing airplanes available to put out a wildfire near Jablanica in Bosnia on Wednesday at the request of the Bosnian Council of Ministers. The fire was contained on Wednesday evening but broke out again this morning. Bosnian media reported that Croatia's assistance will be requested again.

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