Italy and Poland were the first two European Union member states to offer assistance to Bulgaria after authorities in Sofia triggered the European Civil Protection Mechanism on February 7 because of the flood disaster in parts of Bulgaria.
 
Bulgaria requested 80 000 sandbags, 50 tents suitable for winter conditions and 2000 sq m of a textile used to reinforce river embankments and dams.
 
The request followed flooding which resulted after heavy rainfall and melting snow breached the Ivanovo dam, leading to eight deaths, while the deluge put several other dams and lakes under severe pressure.
 
"This rapid response to the Bulgarian distress signal clearly shows European solidarity with our country at this difficult time," said Bulgaria’s European Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva, who holds the humanitarian aid and crisis response portfolio.
 
"Even more impressive is that the offer of support comes at a time when Italy and Poland themselves are struggling with the effects of the severe winter," Georgieva said.
 
She said that at a time when Bulgaria is at risk of serious flooding, the material assistance offered would help to avoid further damage and human suffering.
 
Italy made its offer of tents less than three hours after Bulgaria triggered the request for assistance. Poland offered sandbags and textile soon after.
 
It was expected that other EU countries would also offer assistance, the European Commission said on February 8 2012.

Reportedly, Georgieva told a news conference in Sofia on February 8 that these countries included Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands.