Ex-post evaluation of the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism (including RescEU)

Context:

This evaluation report provides an analysis of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, including RescEU. The report is based on discussions with civil society representatives and public authorities in five countries (SE, EL. RO, FR, BE)  using fact-finding missions and an online questionnaire. The report focuses on the effectiveness, relevance, and inclusion of civil society in the mechanism.

Key points:

The Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment ( NAT) has adopted a report: Ex-post evaluation of the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism (including RescEU)

In the report, the EESC:

1.  Underlines that in crisis management, it is crucial to respond promptly. To achieve this, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) team, in collaboration with national agencies, should appoint a single authority responsible for managing each crisis. This authority will make decisions regarding the effective allocation and deployment of available forces.
2.  Believes that to improve the operational capacity of the mechanism, it is important to expand pre-positioning beyond firefighting in all stages of civil protection (prevention, preparedness, and response). This expansion should be seen as a catalyst for enhancing operational capacity.
3. Suggests that a legal framework should be established to enable the participation of volunteers (both individuals and organizations) in providing assistance during severe crises. Additionally, compensation and insurance schemes should be implemented to provide coverage for accidents, private property losses, health risks, and other hazards that volunteers may encounter.

Section:

Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment ( NAT)

Rapporteur: Panagiotis GKOFAS (Civil Society Organisations-Group III / Greece)

Reference: Information report

Date of the section meeting:  1 June 2023

Results of the section meeting vote: 44 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention.

Date of adoption at the EESC plenary session:  15 June 2023

Results of the plenary session vote: 150 in favour, 0 against, 2 abstentions ( votes for transmission the doc to the institutions with 154 votes).