Statement by President Juncker following the earthquakes in central Italy

It is with great sadness that I learnt this morning of the many people who lost their lives following the latest earthquakes to strike Italy and the hardship caused by severe weather conditions in the affected areas.

My heartfelt condolences go to all the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones.

I want to commend the first responders working tirelessly on the scene.

On behalf of the entire European Commission, let me reiterate our solidarity with the Italian people and with the authorities. We will do all we can to help at this difficult time.

The EU will not leave Italy to face this tragedy alone. The European Union stands fully ready to mobilise all instruments at our disposal. I have asked the Commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid and crisis management, Christos Stylianides, to be in permanent contact with the national authorities to mobilise any support they should require.

An earthquake in Italy is an earthquake at the heart of Europe. In questo momento siamo tutti vicini all'Italia.

STATEMENT/17/106