Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001995/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Georgios Aftias (PPE)
Greece’s vast coastline, exceeding 14 000 kilometres, makes it the longest in the European Union. There are approximately 6 000 islands, small islets and rocky islets in Greece. Of these islands, 227 are inhabited, with a population ranging from 100 to 500 inhabitants. Many of these islands do not have fully staffed hospital units. In emergencies, the urgent transport of patients to the nearest island with a hospital presents major problems. The residents of these small islands will get comfort from the existence of a maritime EKAB, as it will transport them immediately and safely to the nearest island with a hospital unit.
On the basis of this data:
- 1.Does the Commission intend to subsidise public bodies in Greece to procure high-speed boats, which will also be equipped with appropriate medical equipment to be used to transport patients from one island to another?
- 2.Can the Commission finance Coast Guard vessels, so that with relevant medical and technological upgrades they can be used to provide medical and pharmaceutical treatment to residents of hard-to-reach areas?
Submitted: 19.5.2025