In a joint statement, leading MEPs express their condolences with the many victims and their families, and support the immediate response of the European Union.
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, DE), the Chair of the Committee on Development, Tomas Tobé (EPP, SV), and the Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Isabel Santos (S&D, PT), said:
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the terrible devastation caused by the powerful earthquake (7.8 magnitude) in southern Türkiye and northern Syria on Monday, killing thousands of people. Our thoughts and condolences are with the many victims and their families.
We applaud and support the immediate response of the European Union, which has mobilised search and rescue teams for Türkiye, following the government’s request for the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the activation of the EU's Copernicus satellite system to provide emergency mapping services.
Aware of the years-long critical humanitarian situation in northern Syria, we stand ready to back further EU action to support the people affected, particularly through the provision of EU humanitarian aid.”
For further information, please contact:
Office of Mr David McAllister, tel. +32 2 284 51 30, e-mail: david.mcallister@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Mr Tomas Tobé, tel. +32 2 284 55 57, e-mail: tomas.tobe@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Ms Isabel Santos, tel. +32 2 284 52 31, e-mail: isabel.santos @ep.europa.eu
Contacts:
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Snježana KOBEŠĆAK SMODIŠ
Press Officer -
Eoghan WALSH
Press Officer -
Viktor ALMQVIST
Press Officer