Revision of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism

Key points

The EESC recommends:

• more ambition in terms of addressing disaster risk reduction and prevention, rather than focusing primarily on response capacities. The establishment of an efficient and integrated Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) must include a comprehensive framework for risk reduction policies across the EU, as well as increased focus on cross-sectoral and cross-border disaster prevention, all implemented within a holistic risk management system;
• reducing administrative burdens, eliminating overlaps, upgrading inadequate data and support systems, increasing trained human resources and investing in interoperable capacities based on common standards and training pathways, while ensuring high-quality working conditions as prerequisites for strengthening societal resilience in a whole-of-society approach to crises;
• better anticipation and understanding of disasters and crises, while considering the role of propaganda and disinformation in amplifying social stress;
• strengthening the UPCM through supplementary funding, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups and regions, including the outermost regions and regions in proximity to war;
• ensuring coherence with National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) proposed for the 2028–2034 programming period;
• fostering greater complementarities between existing instruments such as Security Action for Europe, the European Solidarity Corps and the UCPM;
• ensuring sufficient and stable funding for professional firefighters and healthcare personnel to maintain efficiency and rapid response within the UCPM, while strengthening the role of volunteers;
• that the UCPM be built on flexibility to respect the diversity of national disaster management systems, while ensuring cross-border cooperation and coordination for a prompt and effective response to disasters that know no borders, with the full involvement of organised civil society;
• adapting procurement rules to guarantee rapid and effective provision of critical supplies and services in times of crisis;
• establishing a standardised form for reporting disasters to be used by all Member States.