Croatia, France and Poland are to join Finland in stocking disaster response equipment, the European Commission announced on Monday.

A statement said the reserves are to be made available to other European Union (EU) countries in case of a chemical, biological or radiological emergency.

The supplies worth €545.6 million ($583.2 million) include antidotes, antibiotics, vaccines, sedatives, and prophylactic treatments, as well as equipment like detectors and decontamination supplies and protective gear, including gas masks and protective suits.

The commission said the potential use of the equipment included responding to a chemical plant leak, nuclear power plant incidents, the spread of an infectious disease or to a terrorist attack.

Russia’s war against Ukraine further stressed the need for strategic stockpiles to protect citizens in case of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attacks or accidents, a statement read.

Additionally, the commission launched a call for proposals to respond to pathogens with pandemic potential, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats and antimicrobial resistance worth €636 million.

Last year, the European Commission agency for health emergencies identified the three areas as the biggest public health threats that require measures by the EU. 

(dpa/NAN)