The first two planes of the European Union air bridge have landed in the Syrian capital, Damascus. On board are relief supplies such as winter-proof tents and shelter and heating equipment for earthquake victims at the beginning of this month. This is what the European Commission announced.

More flights of this type will follow. Aid is being delivered from the EU camps in Dubai and Brindisi in Italy to both government and resistance controlled areas.

Watch here how first aid supplies are removed from aircraft:

The European Commission stated that a total of 420 tons of relief supplies would be delivered. 225 tons of this, worth 1.1 million euros, comes from EU stocks. The European Union has so far supported Syria with around 10 million euros in humanitarian aid.

There are also member states that send aid to Syria separately. Two days after the earthquakes, the government announced that it would provide 10 million euros in aid. 7 million euros is being spent through UN funds, and 3 million euros is being spent through Dutch aid organisations. This includes food, water, blankets and tents.

Last week, EU member states decided to temporarily ease sanctions against the country in order to allow for more aid. Humanitarian organizations do not have to ask for permission for six months to provide assistance to the affected area in Syria.

Since 2011, the European Union has imposed sanctions on Syria because of the civil war. For example, there is a ban on the export of goods that the regime in Damascus could use to suppress dissent.