Brussels, 17 March 2025 (MIA) – The European Union is showing its solidarity following the devastating fire in Kochani and has responded to the request by North Macedonia to activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, said Eva Hrncirova, spokeswoman of the European Commission (EC) for social rights and skills, preparedness, equality, culture and health.

She said the EU has reacted immediately offering the evacuation of patients with severe burns. Nine European countries, including Croatia, Greece, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Lithuania, Hungary, Luxembourg and Norway made immediate offers of assistance via the mechanism. Additional assistance might follow, according to the spokeswoman.

Hrncirova said several patients have been transported to Hungary, with support from Luxembourg, while others have been transported to Lithuania with Romania’s assistance, MIA’s Brussels correspondent reports.

“Now, we’re coordinating future medical evacuation to other countries and we’re offering treatment,” said the EC spokeswoman.

On Sunday, the European Commission confirmed to MIA that the EU received a request from North Macedonia for assistance with dealing with the consequences from the nightclub fire in Kochani.

“We’d like to offer deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all those affected by the deadly fire in Kochani,” said Hrncirova.

MIA file photo