Newsletter

Spotlight on European civil protection

From wildfires to floods, epidemics to earthquakes, disasters can take many forms. Protecting people, our society and our environment when disaster strikes, and preventing it from happening whenever possible: that’s what civil protection is all about.

In the European Union, responsibility for civil protection lies primarily with Member States, however, solidarity is at the heart of the EU’s civil protection efforts. This means the EU supports and complements national disaster management efforts, from the preparedness phase through to the response phase, and promotes swift cooperation between national civil protection services.

Preparedness is an essential element of effective civil protection. This is why the EU has put in place several early warning and information systems that can help foresee potential catastrophes, from wildfires to floods, and estimate their potential impact. Additionally, the EU supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen their resilience and crisis response capacity, for example via knowledge sharing exercises. Recently, the European Commission set out the EU preparedness union strategy. It includes actions which aim to bolster Europe’s foresight capabilities, boost the resilience of key societal functions like schools and hospitals, and enhance cooperation between all parts of society to ensure an effective response to crises.

When disaster strikes, an efficient response is essential to minimise damage and save lives. Through the EU’s civil protection mechanism, Member States can avail of coordinated assistance in emergencies. Upon request, the EU’s emergency response coordination centre can pool resources from Member States and other countries participating in the civil protection mechanism and dispatch them to areas in need. The European Union also stands ready to deploy its own strategic reserves, known as ‘rescEU’, which include the EU’s own firefighting planes, field hospitals and energy and shelter items.

The EU’s civil protection actions go beyond the borders of its Member States. For example, if EU citizens find themselves in an emergency while they’re abroad, where their own country does not have an embassy or a consulate, they have a fundamental right to protection from the embassy or consulate of any other EU Member State present in that territory. The EU also stands ready to provide assistance to disaster-stricken zones outside the EU. For example, the EU mobilised hundreds of firefighters to support Canada in tackling the worst wildfires it had seen in 10 years.

Our June newsletter puts the spotlight on European civil protection.

Enjoy the good reads!

Civil protection at a glance PDF/Paper

The severity and frequency of natural hazards and human-induced disasters are on the rise. In this brochure, learn how the EU Civil Protection Mechanism brings 37 countries together to prevent, prepare, and respond to crises, protecting people, the environment, and heritage.

Available in 19 different languages

European civil protection pool PDF

Discover the European Civil Protection Pool's diverse range of response capacities, with over 130 resources available to tackle various disasters. Learn how the Pool enhances disaster response predictability and quality in this informative booklet.

Available in English

EU civil protection PDF

Summary

More than nine in ten Europeans agree that when an EU country faces a disaster that is too overwhelming to handle alone, other EU countries should provide help. How do EU citizens feel about civil protection efforts? This special Eurobarometer survey reveals their awareness, attitudes, and priorities when it comes to disaster response and preparedness. Get insights into what Europeans think about EU support during crises and whom they trust for information.

Available in English

Shock-responsive social safety nets PDF

DG ECHO’s engagement in humanitarian crises

Facing complex crises, we need to address unprecedented needs. Discover how social safety nets and shock-responsive social protection can help vulnerable communities meet basic needs and build resilience. Learn from the European Commission's innovative approaches and successful examples of linking humanitarian response with national social protection schemes and explore the potential of collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.

Available in English