BUCHAREST, April 25 (Xinhua) -- The Romanian Air Force on Saturday sent a C-27 J Spartan aircraft with 90,000 FFP2 protection masks to Milan, northern Italy.
These masks are part of the medical supplies purchased by Romania for an anti-epidemic stockpile established by the European Union (EU) in the country, according to a press release from the National Defence Ministry of Romania.
The European Commission announced on March 19 to create a common strategic stockpile of medical equipment. Romania is the first member state that volunteered to purchase and host the reserves, which include ventilators and masks, before they are sent to member countries that need them most.
According to the Commission, it will basically bear the relevant costs, while the hosting state is responsible for the procurement.
Romania has so far received a grant of 10 million euros from the EU, under an agreement signed with the Commission.
Since late March, Romania has sent more than a dozen planes to transport medical supplies from China, South Korea and Turkey. China's Tianjin Airlines is also scheduled to fly in Romania about ten flights by the end of this month, carrying medical supplies. Enditem
