Text · Opinion parliamentary committee
On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response, and repealing Decision No 1313/2013/EU (Union Civil Protection Mechanism)
Full title
On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response, and repealing Decision No 1313/2013/EU (Union Civil Protection Mechanism)
Document DEVE-AD-785433 · COM(2025)0548 – C100174/2025 – 2025/0223(COD)
- Kind
- Opinion parliamentary committee DEVE-AD-785433
- Date
- 26 June 2026
- Committee
- Committee on Development
- Rapporteur
- Barry Andrews
- Dossier
- 2025-0223
More facts (3)
- Formats
- Official page PDF Word
- Subject matter
- PCIV, SANT
- Reference
- COM(2025)0548 – C100174/2025 – 2025/0223(COD)
In short
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The Committee on Development gives its opinion on the proposed regulation replacing Decision No 1313/2013/EU on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and adding health emergency preparedness. It proposes amendments to keep the Mechanism's role in responding to disasters outside Europe and to open participation to more third countries. The amendments would let low-income and lower middle-income countries associate, with contributions partly waived and counted as Official Development Assistance, and would give specific attention to Overseas Countries and Territories and outermost regions. They would strengthen the external dimension of training and capacity building, require context-specific training and duty of care for deployed staff, and require respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law in operations outside the Union. Other amendments address risk assessments, ecosystem-based approaches, civil-military coordination, the Crisis Coordination Hub, medical evacuations, rescEU deployment and the Knowledge Network.
Position. The Committee on Development proposes amendments to the Commission proposal to keep the Mechanism's humanitarian role outside Europe, open association to more third countries including low-income ones, strengthen the external dimension of training and capacity building, and require respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.
Key points
- The proposal would replace and repeal Decision No 1313/2013/EU, integrating the Union Civil Protection Mechanism with health emergency preparedness and a Crisis Coordination Hub.
- The Mechanism would remain a tool to mobilise assistance beyond Europe, respecting humanitarian principles and coordinating closely with humanitarian actors.
- Third countries could participate if they contribute financially and make resources or expertise available; Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine currently participate.
- Association would be opened to countries beyond the immediate neighbourhood, including low-income and lower middle-income countries, and to countries near outermost regions and Overseas Countries and Territories.
- For low-income and lower middle-income countries, association contributions could be partially waived and accounted for as Official Development Assistance in line with OECD-DAC criteria.
- Overseas Countries and Territories and outermost regions would receive specific attention and support in prevention, preparedness and response, and their cooperation with neighbouring countries would be reinforced.
- Training and capacity building under the Knowledge Network would be opened to expertise from outside the EU, with context-specific training for staff deployed outside the EU and duty of care for those deployed.
- Risk assessments would be published and shared with the Commission at least once every four years, and the Commission with the EEAS would obtain information from partner and neighbouring countries on risks originating outside the EU.
- Prevention and resilience measures would address the underlying drivers of disaster risk in developing countries and fragile states, using ecosystem-based approaches and going beyond emergency response and early warning.
- Civil-military interaction would be improved with NATO and coordination with humanitarian actors including UN agencies, NGOs and local responders, and military use would follow international humanitarian law and the Oslo Guidelines.
- The Crisis Coordination Hub would cooperate with the EEAS Crisis Response Centre and respect the Humanitarian Aid Regulation and international humanitarian law; assistance in armed conflict would strictly follow international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles.
- rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union for crises of regional or international concern, in fragile contexts respecting humanitarian principles, and would be available for vulnerable regions including outermost and border regions near war zones.
Who is affected
- Third countries, especially low-income and lower middle-income countries, which could associate with the Mechanism and receive support.
- Overseas Countries and Territories and outermost regions, which would receive specific attention and support and act as vantage points for response.
- Deployed experts, EUCP Teams and volunteers, for whom training, safety, security and duty of care would be strengthened.
- Humanitarian and civil protection personnel, whose safety and security would be a priority, including protection of humanitarian staff in training.
- Member States and associated countries, which would conduct risk assessments and provide guidance on the safety of deployed personnel.
Figures and deadlines
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Short justification
As part of the 2028-2034 MFF package, the European Commission has adopted a proposal that is set to replace and repeal 'Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism'. The Commission proposes to integrate the existing UCPM with a component of health emergency preparedness to improve detection and understanding of emerging health threats, and the supply of medical countermeasures. The proposal also aims to enhance the EU's resilience in the face of cross-sectoral crises, notably by a proposed Crisis Coordination Hub.
For the 2013 UCPM Decision, the Committee on Development was closely involved in the legislative procedure due to the UCPM also playing a complementary, yet also crucial role in responding to humanitarian disasters outside of Europe. This element, and the respect of humanitarian principles and a high level of coordination with humanitarian actors, will remain of critical importance for the Parliament's position on the new proposal and once it enters into force.
It is worth recalling that the countries hardest hit by the increasing number of natural disasters worldwide, often linked to climate change, are to a large extent developing countries with very limited capacity to respond. Your rapporteur therefore welcomes that the Union Mechanism will remain a tool to mobilise assistance from EU Member States and demonstrate the EU's responsiveness to humanitarian needs and its capacity to mobilise a swift, concrete, and effective answer to the urgent needs of victims of natural and man-made disasters, beyond Europe's borders.
As is currently the case, the Commission proposal foresees that third countries and the relevant actors in such third countries may participate in the UCPM (as is the case for many other Union programmes) if they are willing to contribute financially, and by making various kinds of resources or expertise available in a way similar to EU Member States. Currently Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine are participating, and cooperate on disaster prevention, preparedness, and response as non-EU countries within the UCPM.
The Development Committee's rapporteur for Opinion suggests to amend the proposal in a way that would make the participation of third countries, not just as countries potentially requesting assistance, but as countries fully participating in the mechanism, making it possible for countries beyond the immediate neighbourhood. This would include low-income and lower middle-income countries, for instance countries in proximity to the Union's outermost regions or to Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
In addition, we also believe that OCTs, due to their geographical distance from EU countries, require specific attention and support in terms of disaster prevention, preparedness and response. They can provide vantage points for responding to disasters and requests by third countries if their cooperation with neighbouring countries is properly supported and reinforced.
As far as capacity building and training is concerned, for instance through the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network, we believe it is important to strengthen the external dimension in the proposed Regulation and to ensure that expertise from outside the EU can be brought into training and capacity building measures. We also suggest amending the proposal in view of ensuring that staff or experts deployed outside the EU receive training that is adapted to the specific contexts of countries and environments where they are deployed, and that the EU assumes the duty of care for those deployed and provides the highest level of care and support.
The Committee on Development submits the following to the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety and the Committee on Public Health, as the committees responsible:
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Having regard to Sauli Niinistö’s Report “Safer Together: Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness”1a. | |
| 1a Niinistö, Sauli: Safer Together: Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness; 2024. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (1) In view of the significant increase in the numbers and severity of natural and human-induced hazards in recent years, the strengthening of cooperation in the field of civil protection at Union level is necessary to create a resilient Union with the capabilities required to anticipate and manage those risks and threats, independently of their nature of origin, to ensure that the citizens of the Union enjoy adequate protection. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (the ‘Union Mechanism’) should fulfil this role by strengthening cooperation and coordination among Member States to enhance the overall ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters and crises. | (1) In light of the growing number and severity of natural and man-made hazards in recent years, both within Europe and outside, the stronger cooperation in the field of civil protection at Union level is necessary to build a more resilient Europe with the capabilities required to anticipate and manage those risks and threats, regardless of their origin and for the Union to adequately address crises inside and outside its own borders in order to complement local efforts and contain their impact as much as possible. This cooperation should respect the leading role of Member States, with Union action focused on providing added value through coordination, support, and practical assistance. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (the ‘Union Mechanism’) should therefore strengthen cooperation and coordination among Member States to enhance the overall ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond effectively to disasters and crises. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (2) This Regulation lays down an indicative financial envelope for the Union Mechanism and the financing of health emergency preparedness and response. For the purpose of this Regulation, current prices are calculated by applying a fixed 2% deflator. Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council3 (the ‘Financial Regulation’) applies to this Regulation. It lays down the rules on the establishment and the implementation of the general budget of the Union, including the rules on grants, prizes, non-financial donations, procurement, indirect implementation, financial assistance, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees. | (2) This Regulation lays down an indicative financial envelope for the Union Mechanism and the financing of health emergency preparedness and response. Union funding under this Regulation should provide clear added value, and remain subject to strict oversight, cost-effectiveness and sound financial management. For the purpose of this Regulation, current prices are calculated by applying a fixed 2% deflator. Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council3 (the ‘Financial Regulation’) applies to this Regulation. It lays down the rules on the establishment and the implementation of the general budget of the Union, including the rules on grants, prizes, non-financial donations, procurement, indirect implementation, financial assistance, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees. |
| 3 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj). | 3 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the resilience of the Union in facing natural and human-induced disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters are by nature unpredictable. Financial resources required to ensure an adequate response can vary significantly from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the budgetary principle of predictability with the necessity to react rapidly to new needs therefore means having to adapt the financial implementation of the work programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and solely devoted to response actions, in addition to the carry-over of appropriations authorised under Article 12(4) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. | (3) While prevention and preparedness are essential to improve resilience against natural and man-made disasters, such crises remain unpredictable in their occurrence, timing and scale. As a result, the resources required for an effective response may differ significantly from one year to another and need to be made available rapidly when needed. To ensure a swift and practical response while preserving budgetary responsibility, a limited degree of flexibility in the implementation of work programmes is justified. Unused appropriations should therefore be allowed to be carried over to the following year on a strictly limited basis and exclusively for response actions, in addition to the carry-over already authorised under Article 12(4) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3a) Prevention and preparedness as integral elements of effective civil protection, both inside the EU and outside, require a whole-of-society approach, including the structured and meaningful participation of local authorities, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and community-based organisations, including faith-based organisations. Special attention should be paid to supporting local and national civil society organisations, which can play a critical role as first responders and in reaching hard-to-access populations. At the same time, clear lines of command and procedures, protocols and management, with clearly identified actors and responsibilities on each level are needed to ensure proper coordination and a timely reaction and response to any major disaster, in particular for emergency response and complementary humanitarian assistance. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (4) In a rapidly changing economic, social and geopolitical environment, recent experience has shown the need for a more flexible multiannual financial framework and Union spending programmes. To that effect, the funding should duly consider the evolving policy needs and Union’s priorities as identified in relevant documents published by the Commission, in Council conclusions and European Parliament resolutions, while ensuring sufficient predictability for the budget implementation. | (4) In a rapidly changing economic, social and geopolitical environment, recent experience has shown the need for a more flexible and transparent multiannual financial framework and Union spending programmes. To that effect, the funding should duly consider the evolving policy needs and Union’s priorities as identified in relevant Council conclusions and European Parliament resolutions, while ensuring sufficient predictability for the budget implementation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) The protection to be ensured under the Union Mechanism should cover people, the environment and property, including housing, critical infrastructure, such as energy and transport or space infrastructure, and cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters. Reference to natural and human-induced disasters should be understood as referring to the consequences of all natural and human-induced hazards. This should include acts of terrorism, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, climate change, marine and inland water pollution, water supply disruptions and water resilience, hydrogeological instability, health emergencies, and other undefined hybrid disasters or emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. Those disasters require cross-sectoral coordination in situations where other Union crisis management mechanisms are also applied. | (6) The protection to be ensured under the Union Mechanism should cover people, the environment and property, including housing, educational and care facilities and hospitals, critical infrastructure, and cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters, many of which require cross-sectoral coordination in situations where other Union crisis management mechanisms are also applied. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6a) The interlinkages between climate change, environmental degradation, conflict and forced displacement are increasingly driving humanitarian needs. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8) To promote consistency in its international action in the field of civil protection, the Union should recognise the key role of intergovernmental organisations through strengthening policy dialogue, exchange of knowledge and best practices as disasters and crises are increasing in scale and scope globally and the risks and threats thereof are shared by the Union. | (8) To promote consistency in its international action in the field of civil protection, the Union should recognise the key role of intergovernmental organisations through strengthening policy dialogue, exchange of knowledge and best practices as disasters and crises are increasing in scale and scope globally which affects the Member States. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8a) In view of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural hazards, the Union Mechanism should contribute to addressing the underlying drivers of disaster risk particularly in developing countries and fragile states that are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Prevention, risk reduction and resilience measures should go beyond emergency response and early warning systems alone. The integration of ecosystem-based approaches should be considered in order to strengthen resilience of communities, especially in developing countries and other disaster-prone regions, to prevent, withstand and recover from disasters. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (9) In order to foster an integrated and comprehensive approach to disaster risk management, the Union action should cover all priorities for action under the Sendai framework. While structural resilience and preparedness measures are addressed horizontally and in relevant Union programmes, the Mechanism should address them in its different phases of the disaster management cycle, namely prevention, preparedness and response, through coordinated planning and action that anticipate and mitigate risks, enhance preparedness and enable effective response while recovery and reconstruction should remain addressed in other Union instruments. The Union should promote the importance of disaster prevention and the integration of preventive measures into governance and sectoral policies, with a view to reducing risks, strengthening the resilience of population, infrastructure and essential services and minimising the impact of disasters, as well as aim to further develop the Union disaster resilience goals established by Regulation (EU) 2021/836 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 . A stronger collective operational response at Union level, together with support for the individual capabilities of Member States through capacity-building measures, is essential to ensure the skills, resources and knowledge needed to manage risks, reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience to future risks and threats. | (9) In order to foster an integrated and comprehensive approach to disaster risk management, the Union action should cover all priorities for action under the Sendai framework, including recovery and reconstruction according to the principle of “build back better”. While structural resilience and preparedness measures are addressed horizontally and in relevant Union programmes, the Mechanism should address them in its different phases of the disaster management cycle, namely prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, through coordinated planning and action that anticipate and mitigate risks, enhance preparedness and enable effective response while recovery and reconstruction should remain addressed in other Union instruments. The Union should promote the importance of disaster prevention and the integration of preventive measures into governance and sectoral policies, with a view to reducing risks, strengthening the resilience of population, infrastructure and essential services and minimising the impact of disasters, as well as aim to further develop the Union disaster resilience goals established by Regulation (EU) 2021/836 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 . A stronger collective operational response at Union level, together with support for the individual civil protection capabilities of Member States, including at local and regional level, through capacity-building measures, is essential to ensure the skills, resources and knowledge needed to manage risks, reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience to future risks and threats. |
| 8 Regulation (EU) 2021/836 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 185, 26.5.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/836/oj). | 8 Regulation (EU) 2021/836 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 185, 26.5.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/836/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10) To ensure a comprehensive and up-to-date overview and understanding of the risk landscape on the national and appropriate sub-national level, Member States should regularly conduct and publish assessments of risks, the information on which they should share with the Commission at least once every 5 years, or where a significant change in the risk landscape requires the updating of such assessments. Those risk assessments, or the summaries thereof, should be used by the Commission and to produce and develop Union level disaster scenarios, plans, risks and threats assessments and risks management measures reports as necessary for a comprehensive understanding of risks affecting the Union, and the capabilities to address them. Such assessments and plans should be consistent and coordinated with other relevant national and Union level processes. | (10) To ensure a comprehensive and up-to-date overview and understanding of the risk landscape on the national and appropriate sub-national level, Member States, taking into account the protection of classified and sensitive information, should regularly conduct and publish assessments of risks, the information on which they should share with the Commission at least once every four years, or where a significant change in the risk landscape requires the updating of such assessments. In appropriate cases, those assessments should also take account of the external dimension and the cooperation with partner countries. Those risk assessments, or the summaries thereof, should be used by the Commission and to produce and develop Union level disaster scenarios, plans, risks and threats assessments and risks management measures reports as necessary for a comprehensive understanding of risks affecting the Union, and the capabilities to address them. Such assessments and plans should be consistent and coordinated with other relevant national and Union level processes. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (10a) Information originating from outside the territory of the EU is also required in order to obtain a horizontal landscape of risks and threats, since many risks to the EU have their origins outside it. The Commission, in cooperation with the EEAS, shall obtain such information from the partner and neighbouring countries, and notify the Council of any problems in relation to obtaining the essential information. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (15) Capacity building programmes as well as uptake and sharing of research and innovation are essential aspects of cooperation in the field of civil protection. To strengthen the collective capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters, to support knowledge sharing within the civil protection community and application of research in all phases of disaster risk management, and to enhance the collaboration and knowledge exchange between civil protection and disaster risk management actors, civil society organisations and research community, it is necessary to maintain and further reinforce the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network (the ‘Knowledge Network’) established by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/19569 . The Knowledge Network should build on the work of and collaborate with existing structures including civil protection practitioners, centres of excellence, universities, researchers and other experts, young professionals and experienced volunteers in emergency management as well as all actors intervening in disaster risk management. The Knowledge Network should also be strengthened in line with the Preparedness Union Strategy10 by incorporating dedicated actions in the areas of population preparedness and public-private cooperation. The Network should be able to facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation with international organisations and, in accordance with Member States’ institutional and legal framework, cooperation with regional and local authorities, ensuring that their role, needs and capabilities are duly considered. | (15) Capacity building programmes as well as uptake and sharing of research and innovation are essential aspects of cooperation in the field of civil protection. To strengthen the collective capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters, to support knowledge sharing within the civil protection community and application of research in all phases of disaster risk management, and to enhance the collaboration and knowledge exchange between civil protection and disaster risk management actors, civil society organisations and research community, it is necessary to maintain and further reinforce the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network (the ‘Knowledge Network’) established by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/19569 . The Knowledge Network should build on the work of and collaborate with existing structures including civil protection practitioners, centres of excellence, universities, researchers and other experts, young professionals and experienced volunteers in emergency management as well as all actors intervening in disaster risk management. The Knowledge Network should also foster the exchange of knowledge and best practices with international partners, in particular with the countries most exposed to the consequences of disasters, with a view to strengthening resilience and response capacities. The Knowledge Network should also be strengthened in line with the Preparedness Union Strategy10 by incorporating dedicated actions in the areas of population preparedness and public-private cooperation. The Network should be able to facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation with international organisations and, in accordance with Member States’ institutional and legal framework, cooperation with regional and local authorities, ensuring that their role, needs and capabilities are duly considered. The Knowledge Network should also be leveraged to provide specific training addressing deployments in fragile third-country contexts. |
| 10 JOIN/2025/130 final | 10 JOIN/2025/130 final |
| 9 Regulation (EU) 2021/836 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 185, 26.5.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/836/oj). | 9 Regulation (EU) 2021/836 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 185, 26.5.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/836/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (17a) The capacity of the Union to enhance resilience and preparedness globally and to respond to requests for support towards disaster relief in third countries should be strengthened as the overwhelming majority of countries which are most severely affected by climate change and fragility are low-income third countries which are also among those worst-affected by loss and costs stemming from climate change-induced and other disasters. The provision of support under the Union mechanism for third countries should take into account distance and the time required to effectively deploy support as well as cost-effectiveness considerations and other international efforts. Particular attention should be given to conflict-affected areas and fragile contexts, where disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and where humanitarian access is often constrained. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18) In response to the increasing frequency and severity of natural and human-induced disasters, enhancing intergenerational societal resilience is essential and a collective responsibility. It requires harnessing the collective resources of youth and civil society organisations, media, education, training and cultural institutions, scientific institutions and academia, public authorities, social partners, the private sector, local networks and communities, and citizens in anticipating, preventing, managing, and recovering from disasters and crises. Effective population preparedness for all, including women and groups in vulnerable situations, children, older persons, refugees, people with a minority racial or ethnic background, such as Roma, and persons with disabilities as well as tourists and those who are temporarily present in the territory of a Member State and may be exposed to cross-border risks, strengthens societal resilience by ensuring that all people, irrespective of their ability, possess the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to protect themselves and support others against potential risks and threats. | (18) In response to the increasing frequency and severity of natural and human-induced disasters, enhancing intergenerational societal resilience is essential and a collective responsibility. It requires harnessing the collective resources of youth and civil society organisations, media, education, training and cultural institutions, scientific institutions and academia, public authorities, social partners, the private sector, local networks and communities, and citizens as well as humanitarian workers and frontline responders, who play a critical role in community-level preparedness, response and recovery from disasters and crises. Ensuring safe, secure and enabling operating environments for these actors is essential. Effective population preparedness for all, regardless of belonging to a particular social group, ethnicity, religion, or nationality, strengthens societal resilience by ensuring that all people, possess the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to protect themselves and support others against potential risks and threats while recognising the specific protection needs of vulnerable groups in crisis situations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18a) Civil protection preparedness and response under the Union Mechanism should therefore be people-centred and ensure non-discriminatory access to information, assistance and protection. Preparedness and disaster risk management should adopt an inclusive approach, mapping vulnerabilities, and using disaggregated data and relevant expertise in risk assessment and planning. Such policies should be grounded in respect for human dignity, gender equality, promote effective support for affected populations, and contribute to strengthened resilience against natural and human-induced disasters, as well as to sustainable recovery. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (18b) Volunteers and civil society representatives involved in rescue operations, play a key role in preparing for and responding to disasters and also in reconstruction efforts. This Regulation should promote the Member States’ efforts to ensure they have the appropriate resources and conditions to support anti-crisis actions effectively. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (20a) Particular attention should be paid to border regions, islands, outermost regions and rural or remote areas, which may face specific vulnerabilities in cross-border crises, including limitations in transport connectivity, emergency medical access, energy resilience, communications interoperability and surge capacity. Prevention, preparedness and response measures under the Union Mechanism should take those territorial specificities into account, in particular with a view to improving cross-border coordination, operational readiness and timely assistance to affected populations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (20b) The Union Mechanism may be used to support the provision of food assistance in the context of humanitarian aid. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (21a) Health emergency preparedness and resilience need to take into account the interconnection between human health, animal health and environmental health and measures under this Regulation should therefore promote coordination across relevant sectors, including public health, veterinary and environmental authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (24) The Union should be prepared for large-scale, cross-sectoral incidents and crises, including the potential for armed aggression affecting one or more Member States. Typically, national civil authorities bear primary responsibility in most crisis situations. However, in an increasing number of cases, such as health emergencies, extreme weather events, and hybrid or cyber-attacks, civilian authorities require military support. In the event of armed aggression, military forces would need civilian assistance to ensure the continuous functioning of the state and society. Therefore, there is a need to improve interaction between civilian and military actors, without undermining their respective competences and in full cooperation with Member States. As follow-up to the Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission and the High Representative should develop arrangements for civil-military preparedness. Those arrangements should clarify the roles, responsibilities, and priorities of Union institutions, bodies, agencies, and Member States in preparing for and responding to incidents and crises. | (24) The Union should be prepared for large-scale, cross-sectoral incidents and crises, including the potential for armed aggression affecting one or more Member States. Typically, national civil authorities bear primary responsibility in most crisis situations. However, in an increasing number of cases, such as health emergencies, extreme weather events, and hybrid or cyber-attacks, civilian authorities require military support. In the event of armed aggression, military forces would need civilian assistance to ensure the continuous functioning of the state and society. Therefore, there is a need to improve interaction between civilian and military actors such as NATO, as well as coordination with humanitarian actors, including UN agencies, NGOs, and local responders, without undermining their respective competences and in full cooperation with Member States, particularly when Union Mechanism capacities are deployed in external or complex crises. As follow-up to the Preparedness Union Strategy, the Commission and the High Representative should develop arrangements for civil-military preparedness. Those arrangements should clarify the roles, responsibilities, and priorities of Union institutions, bodies, agencies, and Member States in preparing for and responding to incidents and crises. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (25) The use of military means under civilian lead as a last resort may constitute an important contribution to disaster response. Where the use of military capacities in support of civil protection operations is considered to be appropriate, cooperation with the military should follow the modalities, procedures and criteria established by the Council or its competent bodies for making available to the Union Mechanism military capacities relevant to civil protection and should be in line with the relevant international guidelines. | (25) The use of military means under civilian lead as a last resort may constitute an important contribution to disaster response. Where the use of military capacities in support of civil protection operations is considered to be appropriate, cooperation with the military should follow the modalities, procedures and criteria established by the Council or its competent bodies for making available to the Union Mechanism military capacities relevant to civil protection and should be in line with International Humanitarian Law, and the relevant international guidelines, including where applicable the Oslo Guidelines on the Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief and the Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies, as well as the European Union Guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law. The use of military resources should in particular aim at protecting civilians, minimising the consequences of humanitarian disasters and supporting rescue activities and reconstruction, inter alia in the context of enhancing the resilience of crisis-hit communities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (27) The multifaceted nature of cross-sectoral crises demands a comprehensive and integrated approach to their management, necessitating close and efficient cooperation to effectively navigate the challenges they present. National civil protection authorities should remain the primary competent authorities supporting the Union Mechanism. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure coordination, monitoring and support of cross-sectoral operation at the Union level, in support of national efforts. For this reason, a Crisis Coordination Hub (the ‘Hub’) should be established. The Hub shall operate in synergy with the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and complement its function, making use of the existing structures and expertise of the ERCC. The ERCC will continue its mandate supporting the Union Mechanism, and to provide a central point for operational coordination with Member States authorities, including entities authorised by the Member States, Union institutions and bodies, as well as Commission services. To maximise these efforts, rules should be put in place allowing the scaling up of Union support to Member State action, to accurately reflect the demands and the urgency of the needs. In order to link external action with internal crisis response more effectively and avoid duplication of efforts, the Hub should cooperate with the European External Action Service (EEAS), and in particular its Crisis Response Centre, in respect to the role and competences of the High Representative. | (27) The multifaceted nature of cross-sectoral crises demands a comprehensive and integrated approach to their management, necessitating close and efficient cooperation to effectively navigate the challenges they present. National civil protection authorities should remain the primary competent authorities supporting the Union Mechanism. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure coordination, monitoring and support of cross-sectoral operation at the Union level, in support of national efforts. For this reason, a Crisis Coordination Hub (the ‘Hub’) should be established. The Hub should provide clear added value by enhancing strategic coordination, improving information sharing, and enabling faster and more coherent Union-level responses across internal and external dimensions of crises. The Hub shall operate in synergy with the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and complement its function, ensuring that the Hub provides added value. The ERCC will continue its mandate supporting the Union Mechanism, and to provide a central point for operational coordination with Member States authorities, including entities authorised by the Member States, Union institutions and bodies, as well as Commission services. To maximise these efforts, rules should be put in place allowing the scaling up of Union support to Member State action, to accurately reflect the demands and the urgency of the needs. The functioning of the Hub should fully respect the principle of subsidiarity and not aim to replace national crisis management structures, or those existing at NATO. In appropriate cases, the Hub should also promote cohesion between the Union’s external and internal actions, in particular as regards early warnings, crisis prevention and the strengthening of resilience. In order to link external action with internal crisis response more effectively and avoid duplication of efforts, the Hub should cooperate with the European External Action Service (EEAS), and in particular its Crisis Response Centre, in respect to the role and competences of the High Representative. The Hub and the ERCC should also ensure coordination with field-level actors, including local responders and humanitarian coordination systems, to strengthen complementarity between civil protection, preparedness and humanitarian response efforts. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (30) Rules should provide that requests for assistance under the Union Mechanism may be made by the affected country, whether it is a Member State or a third country, as well as by the United Nations and its agencies or an international organisation specifically identified for this purpose. Such requests for assistance should be allowed to identify the kind of civil protection or relief needed to address the emergency, including where the request is for dual-use assets. | (30) Rules should provide that requests for assistance under the Union Mechanism may be made by a Member State or the affected country, whether it is a Member State or a third country, as well as by the United Nations and its agencies or an international organisation specifically identified for this purpose. Such requests for assistance should be allowed to identify the kind of civil protection or relief needed to address the emergency, including where the request is for dual-use assets. The request should be made in way that helps to guide a needs-based decision-making approach, prioritising the most vulnerable populations. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (32) Temporary allocation of any response capacities under the Union Mechanism should be possible for situations of increased risk of disasters in a Member State or third country. It should involve the temporary deployment of resources and response teams in anticipation of natural or human-induced hazards. | (32) Upon request, temporary allocation of any response capacities under the Union Mechanism should be possible for situations of increased risk of disasters in a Member State or third country and should involve the temporary deployment of resources and response teams in anticipation of natural or human-induced hazards. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (38) rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in case a natural or human-induced hazard reaches a significant scale and is of international concern. Such deployment should be considered where the Union has an interest to respond to the emergency or where a crisis has the potential to impact the Union, including where the crisis threatens Union citizens, requires urgent intervention, and was notified under other Union instruments or international response mechanisms. | (38) rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in case a natural or human-induced crisis reaches a significant scale, is of regional or international concern, and may not be adequately addressed by the affected countries domestic response, or where it complements humanitarian assistance or where a crisis has the potential to impact the Union, including where the crisis threatens Union citizens, requires urgent intervention, and was notified under other Union instruments or international response mechanisms, and while taking into account the most cost-effective solutions, expertise and proximity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (43) In recent years, the Union Mechanism has been activated repeatedly to conduct medical evacuations from disaster-affected third countries whose health-care systems were overwhelmed, notably in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and, following the nightclub fire in North Macedonia, ensuring the safe transfer and treatment of patients in Member States and other countries associated to the Union Mechanism that volunteered to provide such support. Therefore, in large-scale operations, the Union should support series of actions allowing to coordinate the transfer of patients from the requesting country to the treating Member State; Such actions can include deployment of an assessment team, and short term transit in a local medical facility or specifically established medical evacuation related hub; therefore, common rules should specify which activities are considered part of a medical evacuation operation and the conditions and procedures for setting up and operating hubs dedicated to facilitating medical evacuation. | (43) In recent years, the Union Mechanism has been activated repeatedly to conduct medical evacuations from disaster-affected third countries whose health-care systems were overwhelmed, ensuring the safe transfer and treatment of patients in Member States and other countries associated to the Union Mechanism that volunteered to provide such support. Therefore, in large-scale operations, the Union should support series of actions allowing to coordinate the transfer of patients from the requesting country to the treating Member State or a third country. Such actions can include deployment of an assessment team, and short term transit in a local medical facility or specifically established medical evacuation related hub; therefore, common rules should specify which activities are considered part of a medical evacuation operation and the conditions and procedures for setting up and operating hubs dedicated to facilitating medical evacuation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (43a) The Union should cooperate with international partners in its preparedness efforts, including through a global health perspective, due to the complexity and interconnectedness of risks that have a global nature, such as pandemics, climate change, supply chain disruptions or hybrid threats. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (44a) Disaster risks are increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected settings, where vulnerability is further heightened by protracted crises, weak governance and insecurity, therefore particular attention should be paid to such contexts, which require tailored and context-sensitive approaches to disaster risk management, including by strengthening the linkage between emergency response under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and long-term development cooperation, in order to address the root causes of fragility. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (44b) The participation of third countries within the Union Mechanism should be based on their willingness and capacity to contribute meaningfully towards the objectives of this Regulation and be subject to the appropriate association agreements. Association should also be available to countries beyond the immediate neighbourhood, including to low-income and lower middle-income countries, in particular, but not limited to, those with proximity to the Union's outermost regions and to Overseas Countries and Territories. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (44c) The Union shall promote the exchange of expertise and innovative approaches to disaster risk management and response, including by proactively drawing lessons from third countries with extensive experience in disaster risk management. Cooperation and partnership with third countries, including least developed countries, is not only an expression of solidarity and the commitments under the UN Sendai Framework, but a necessity to reinforce the Union’s own preparedness and a way to invest in mutual capacity building and knowledge exchange. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (44d) Disaster preparedness of third countries should be supported in a consistent manner, including through external cooperation and development instruments such as the Global Gateway initiative, which can promote preparedness and integrate early warning systems, the strengthening of regional disease surveillance capacities, and the facilitation of technology transfer and local manufacturing capacities for vaccines and medicines within long-term cooperation frameworks. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (49) Where assistance under the Union Mechanism contributes to a Union humanitarian response, particularly in complex emergencies, actions receiving financial assistance under this Regulation should adhere to the humanitarian principles and the principles on the use of civil protection and military resources set out in the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid. These actions should also take into consideration other humanitarian emergency response funded by the Union, ensuring alignment with established guidelines and objectives. The Union Mechanism should replace the Union Civil Protection Mechanism established by Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council18 . | (49) Where assistance under the Union Mechanism contributes to a broader humanitarian response, actions receiving financial assistance under this Regulation should adhere to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence and the principles on the use of civil protection and military resources set out in the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and the Oslo guidelines on the use of military and civil defence assets. These actions should also take into consideration other humanitarian emergency response funded by the Union, ensuring alignment with established guidelines and objectives, and coordination with relevant humanitarian actors, including the United Nations, the components of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and other relevant civil society actors. In the context of natural disasters, technological and environmental as well as health emergencies, the Union Mechanism can provide an important contribution to humanitarian actions based on its speed, specialisation, efficiency and effectiveness, especially in the early phase of relief response. |
| 18 Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 924, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2013/1313/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (49a) The safety and security of humanitarian and civil protection personnel should be a priority. The Union should promote measures to protect humanitarian workers including through training, risk mitigation, mental support, duty of care and advocacy for respect of IHL. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (49b) The Union's outermost regions and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) require specific attention and support in terms of disaster prevention, preparedness and response, but can also provide a vantage point for responding to disasters and requests by third countries. The cooperation of outermost regions and OCTs with neighbouring countries in this regard should therefore be supported and reinforced. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (49c) The Union Mechanism should replace the Union Civil Protection Mechanism established by Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council1a. | |
| 1a The Union Mechanism should replace the Union Civil Protection Mechanism established by Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (b) actions in third countries, relating to the mobilisation and dispatch of experts and European Union Civil Protection Teams (‘EUCP Teams’) that provide advice on prevention and preparedness measures, as well as cooperation on training, and sharing of knowledge and experience under the Knowledge Network, and | (b) actions in third countries, relating to the mobilisation and dispatch of experts and European Union Civil Protection Teams (‘EUCP Teams’) that provide advice on prevention and preparedness measures, |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (ba) cooperation on training, capacity building and sharing of knowledge and experience under the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network, |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 7. Where applying the prevention, preparedness and response measures under this Regulation, the special needs of isolated, outermost and other regions or islands of the Union in terms of prevention, preparedness and response. | 7. Where applying the prevention, preparedness and response measures under this Regulation, actions shall reflect the specific needs of isolated, outermost and other regions or islands of the Union and of Overseas Countries and Territories, including their need for close cooperation with their most proximate neighbouring third countries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 8. Response under this Regulation shall take into account the special needs of the overseas countries and territories in terms of response. | deleted |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (2a) ‘armed conflict’ means an international or non-international armed conflict as defined under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and, where applicable, their Additional Protocols; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (3) ‘sector’ means a specific area of interlinked societal, governmental and economic activity, in particular health, environment, transport, energy, security, and other areas of activity vulnerable to disasters. | (3) ‘sector’ means a specific area of interlinked activity with specific societal, public, or economic functions with specific or common vulnerabilities to disasters; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (4) ‘assistance’ means experts, modules, other response capacities or technical assistance and support teams, together with their equipment and in-kind assistance, including relief materials or supplies, as well as offers by Union institutions, agencies and bodies and other capabilities needed to mitigate the immediate consequences of a disaster or a crisis; | (4) ‘assistance’ means experts, modules, relief materials or supplies, technical assistance and support teams, equipment and in-kind assistance, as well as any kind of support by Union institutions, agencies and bodies and other capabilities needed to mitigate the immediate consequences of a disaster or a crisis; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (5) ‘preparedness’ means a state of readiness and capability of human and material means, structures, systems, communities and organisations enabling them to ensure an effective rapid response, obtained as a result of action taken in advance; | (5) ‘preparedness’ means a state of readiness and capability of human and material means, infrastructure, structures, systems, communities and organisations enabling them to ensure an effective rapid response, obtained as a result of action taken in advance; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (6a) ‘ecosystem-based approach’ means utilisation of natural systems to reduce risks and to help people and communities adapt to climate change; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (9) ‘early warning’ means the timely and effective provision of information that allows action to be taken to avoid or reduce risks and the adverse impacts of a disaster, and to facilitate preparedness for an effective response; | (9) ‘early warning’ means the timely and effective provision of information that allows action to be taken to avoid, mitigate or reduce risks and the adverse impacts of a disaster, and to facilitate preparedness for an effective response; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (16) ‘risk management capability’ means the ability of a Member State or its regions to reduce, adapt to or mitigate risks (impacts and likelihood of a disaster), identified in its risk assessments to levels that are acceptable in that Member State. Risk management capability is assessed in terms of the technical, financial and administrative capacity to carry out adequate risk assessments, risk management planning for prevention and preparedness, and risk prevention and preparedness measures; | (16) ‘risk management capability’ means the ability of a Member State or its regions, or an associated country or third country, to reduce, adapt to or mitigate risks (impacts and likelihood of a disaster), identified in its risk assessments to levels that are acceptable in that Member State. Risk management capability is assessed in terms of the technical, financial and administrative capacity to carry out adequate risk assessments, risk management planning for prevention and preparedness, and risk prevention and preparedness measures; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (21) ‘operational costs’ means all the costs of running a capacity or deploying an expert or EUCP Team during an operation. Such costs may include costs related to personnel, international and local transport, logistics, security, consumables and supplies, maintenance, as well as other costs necessary to ensure the effective use of such capacities; | (21) ‘operational costs’ means all the costs of running a capacity or deploying an expert or EUCP Team during an operation. Such costs may include costs related to personnel, international and local transport, logistics, security, consumables and supplies, maintenance, as well as other costs necessary to ensure the effective use of such capacities; operational costs may also be incurred after the conclusion of a deployment, for instance for the reinstatement of the functionality or the repair of equipment damaged during operations; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (23) ‘associated country’ means a third country that has signed an agreement with the Union to participate in actions under this Regulation under the same conditions as Member States. Reference to Member States shall be construed as including associated States, unless otherwise specified; | (23) ‘associated country’ means a third country that has signed an agreement with the Union to participate in actions under this Regulation. Reference to Member States shall be construed as including associated countries, unless otherwise specified; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 1. The general objective of this Regulation shall be to strengthen cooperation between the Union and the Member States to prevent, prepare for and respond to all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters with a view to consequence management, and serious cross-border threats to health, that may occur inside or outside the Union, as well as situations where they impact several sectors simultaneously. | 1. The general objective of this Regulation shall be to strengthen cooperation between the Union and the Member States, and where applicable associated countries, to prevent, prepare for and respond to all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters with a view to consequence management, and serious cross-border threats to health, that may occur inside or outside the Union. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) strengthen the understanding and anticipation of disaster risks and threats, including those linked to climate change and public health, and work proactively to prevent or mitigate their potential impacts; foster prevention and preparedness; and enhance collaboration between civil protection, health and other relevant authorities; | (a) strengthen the understanding and anticipation of disaster risks and threats, including those linked to climate change and public health, as well as those stemming from land-use change, deforestation, ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss and unsustainable natural resource management practices which particularly affect developing or least developed countries, and work proactively to prevent or mitigate their potential impacts; foster prevention, resilience and preparedness; and enhance collaboration between civil protection, health and other relevant authorities, local communities, volunteers, academics, non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) facilitate, notably through the Knowledge Network, capacity building at Union and Member State level, in particular by fostering and increasing the uptake and use of research and innovation results in disaster and crisis, by providing and conducting capacity building programmes such as training and exercises, peer reviews, deployment of experts and EUCP Teams that provide advice on prevention and preparedness measures, as well as other expertise, as well as technical and financial assistance to support strategies, plans and investments, foster prevention, preparedness and resilience; | (b) facilitate, notably through the Knowledge Network, capacity building at the appropriate level, in particular by fostering and increasing the uptake and use of research and innovation results in disaster and crisis, by providing and conducting capacity building programmes such as training and exercises, peer reviews, deployment of experts and EUCP Teams that provide advice on prevention and preparedness measures, as well as other expertise, as well as technical and financial assistance to support strategies, plans and investments, foster prevention, preparedness and resilience, respecting the diversity of national crisis management systems. In appropriate cases, those actions may also support the exchange of experience and capacity-building measures in partner countries, in particular those most exposed to the consequences of disasters; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (c) enhance preparedness at Member State and Union level, including all levels of society, to respond to disasters, in particular (i) with the support of the ERCC and the Hub, and their communication and information structures for coordination and situational awareness among authorities of the Member States and existing EU crisis management structures, (ii) by supporting the development and maintenance of effective early warning systems to detect and communicate imminent threats of disasters, allowing for timely action to be taken to prevent or mitigate impacts, (iii) by developing and maintaining response capacities, strengthening their interoperability and considering their potential dual use in case of crisis, (iv) by promoting the integration of disaster risk prevention and preparedness considerations into policies and financial frameworks at national and Union level, with the aim of strengthening long-term resilience, (v) by facilitating preparedness and resilience among all actors and stakeholders, including all levels of government, civil and military authorities, civil society, the private sector, and the provision of vital societal functions with a view to strengthening overall population preparedness and societal resilience; | (c) enhance preparedness to respond to disasters, in particular (i) with the support of the ERCC and the Hub, and their communication and information structures for coordination and situational awareness among authorities of the Member States and existing EU crisis management structures, (ii) by supporting the development and maintenance of effective early warning systems to detect and communicate imminent disasters, emergencies and health threats allowing for timely action to be taken to prevent or mitigate impacts, (iii) by developing and maintaining response capacities, strengthening their interoperability and considering their potential dual use to manage the effects of a disaster, (iv) by promoting the integration of disaster risk prevention and preparedness considerations into policies and financial frameworks at national and Union level, with the aim of strengthening long-term resilience, whereby in appropriate cases those actions may also help to foster resilience and response capacity in partner countries, in particular those most exposed to risks, including through the exchange of experience and best practices, (v) by facilitating preparedness and resilience among all actors and stakeholders, including all levels of government, civil and military authorities, civil society, including voluntary civil protection bodies, the private sector, and the provision of vital societal functions with a view to strengthening overall population preparedness and societal resilience; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (e) to support Member States’ and Union preparedness and response to cross-sectoral crises, in particular by upscaling assistance to address their intensity and impact, as well as by supporting response to crises initiated under other Union crisis response or risk management instruments where required, including through the Hub, and by supporting the cooperation and coordination between relevant civil and military actors, in particular by supporting the establishment of comprehensive civil-military preparedness arrangements; | (e) to support Member States’ and Union preparedness and response to cross-sectoral crises, inside and outside the European Union, in particular by upscaling assistance to address their intensity and impact, as well as by supporting response to crises initiated under other Union crisis response or risk management instruments where required, including through the Hub, and by supporting the cooperation and coordination between relevant civil and military actors, in particular by supporting the establishment of comprehensive civil-military preparedness arrangements; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (fa) ensure that actions, in particular in third countries, support the Union’s climate adaptation and mitigation objectives and biodiversity objectives, and shall, where relevant, contribute to strengthening ecosystem resilience as a means of disaster risk reduction. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| (b) develop arrangements to clarify roles and responsibilities and lay down priorities for preparing and responding to disasters and crises within the Union as well as Union-wide scenarios to form the basis of Union-level training and exercises, best practices, including standard operating procedures, and mechanisms for effective cooperation and communication in crisis scenarios. | (b) develop, in close cooperation with the Member States, arrangements to clarify roles and responsibilities and lay down priorities for preparing and responding to disasters and crises within the Union as well as Union-wide scenarios to form the basis of Union-level training and exercises, best practices, including standard operating procedures, and mechanisms for effective cooperation and communication in crisis scenarios, ensuring that civil-military coordination is conducted in compliance with applicable international humanitarian law (IHL). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 1. Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties, may make additional financial or non-financial contributions under this Regulation. Additional financial contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d), or (e) or Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. | 1. Member States, Union institutions, bodies and agencies, third countries, international organisations, international financial institutions, or other third parties, including private law entities, may make additional financial or non-financial contributions under this Regulation. Additional financial contributions shall constitute external assigned revenue within the meaning of Article 21(2), points (a), (d), or (e) or Article 21(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509. Any such contribution shall be published on a regular basis by the European Commission on the website dedicated to the Union Mechanism. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 1. The association under this Regulation may be opened to the following third countries through full of partial association, in accordance with the objectives laid down in Article 4 and in accordance with the relevant international agreements or any decisions adopted under the framework of those agreements and applicable to: | 1. The association under this Regulation may be opened to the following third countries through full or partial association, in accordance with the objectives laid down in Article 4 and in accordance with the relevant international agreements or any decisions adopted under the framework of those agreements and applicable to: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) members of the European Free Trade Association which are members of the European Economic Area, as well as European micro-states; | (a) members of the European Free Trade Association, as well as European micro-states; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| For the purpose of point (b), the association of low-income, and lower middle-income countries may be facilitated by taking into account their limited fiscal capacities and the contribution may be partially waived, with this being accounted for as Official Development Assistance in alignment with OCED-DAC criteria. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| For the purpose of paragraph 1, points (c) and (d), when considering an application for association the Commission shall duly consult the European Parliament and the Council prior to entering into negotiations for an association agreement to assess the value to the Union to associate a third country under the Union Mechanism. The applicant country shall substantially contribute to the Union Mechanism as required for other associated countries as set out in paragraph 2, and shall demonstrate alignment with the values and interests of the Union and with international law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| In order to promote an effective and coherent approach to prevention and preparedness within the Union Mechanism, Member States shall: | In order to promote an effective and coherent approach to prevention and preparedness within the Union Mechanism, Member States and associated countries shall: |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| Where appropriate or required for the overall objectives under Articles 2 and 4, the capacity building measures, and assistance mentioned in the above paragraph may also be extended to include third countries which are not associated countries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 1. The Knowledge Network shall aggregate, process and disseminate knowledge and information relevant to the Union Mechanism and to support collaborative initiatives of civil protection and disaster risk management actors within the Union, including civil society organisations, local and regional authorities, private sector and the research community and based on a multi-hazard approach. | 1. The Knowledge Network shall, in coordination with representatives of national civil protection authorities, aggregate, enhance, process and disseminate knowledge and information relevant to the Union Mechanism and to support collaborative initiatives of civil protection and disaster risk management actors, including civil society organisations, local and regional authorities, private sector and the research community and humanitarian actors such as United Nations agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, non-governmental organisations and local responders, in accordance with a multi-hazard approach. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ii) the set-up and management of a training and exercise programme, and an exchange of experts programme for civil protection and disaster and crisis management personnel covering the prevention, preparedness and response. The programmes shall focus on and encourage the exchange of best practices in the field of civil protection, disaster and crisis management, and include joint courses. The exchange of expertise in the area of disaster and crisis management shall include exchanges of professionals and experienced volunteers. The training and exercises and the exchange of experts programmes shall aim to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Member States and the Commission in the field of civil protection, disaster and crisis management and to enhance the coordination, compatibility and complementarity of capacities referred to in Articles 20 and 21, and to improve the competence of experts as referred to in Article 33; | (ii) the set-up and management of a training and exercise programme, and an exchange of experts programme for civil protection and disaster and crisis management personnel covering the prevention, preparedness and response. The programmes shall focus on and encourage the exchange of best practices in the field of civil protection, disaster and crisis management, protection of humanitarian staff and include joint courses. The exchange of expertise in the area of disaster and crisis management shall include exchanges of professionals and experienced volunteers and may include such professionals and volunteers from non-associated third countries. The provision of training and exercises tailored to fragile and conflict-affected countries shall be ensured, including context-specific training for experts prior to their deployment. The training and exercises and the exchange of experts programmes shall aim to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Member States and the Commission in the field of civil protection, disaster and crisis management and to enhance the coordination, compatibility and complementarity of capacities referred to in Articles 20 and 21, and to improve the competence of experts as referred to in Article 33. The training, exercises and exchange of experts programmes shall also cover safety, security and duty-of-care standards for deployed personnel and volunteers, including modules on staff protection, security risk management and safe operating procedures in complex or high-risk environments, as well as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS); |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (b) strengthen the dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results in all phases of civil protection and disaster risk management, and stimulating interaction between research and innovation results, the private sector, and Member State authorities. | (b) strengthen the dissemination and uptake of research and innovation results in all phases of civil protection and disaster risk management, and stimulating interaction between research and innovation results, the private sector, civil society organisations and Member State authorities. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| This action shall include, where appropriate, lessons learnt from interventions outside the Union with regard to exploiting links and synergies between assistance provided under the Union Mechanism and humanitarian response; | This action may also involve research and analysis carried out by external actors, including academic and research institutions, and strengthen the capacity of operational actors to conduct applied and operational research themselves, thereby improving evidence-based practices in disaster management. This action shall include, where appropriate, lessons learnt from interventions outside the Union with regard to exploiting links and synergies and enhancing coordination between assistance provided under the Union Mechanism and humanitarian response; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 8. The Commission shall strengthen cooperation on capacity building, uptake of research and innovation results, and shall promote the sharing of knowledge and experience, between the Network and international organisations and third countries, in particular in order to contribute to meeting international commitments, particularly those in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. | 8. The Commission shall strengthen cooperation on capacity building, uptake of research and innovation results, and shall promote the sharing of knowledge and experience, between the Network and international organisations and third countries, in particular in order to contribute to meeting international commitments, particularly those in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Where appropriate, such cooperation shall include coordination with humanitarian partners and frontline responders to ensure that research, innovation and capacity-building activities are needs-based and operationally relevant. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 8a. In line with the principles of solidarity and the commitments set out in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, in its cooperation with third countries, including developing or least developed countries, the Knowledge Network shall promote reciprocal, knowledge-based partnerships, and ensure the active participation of local actors and community-based organisations in order to contribute to context-specific, sustainable and inclusive capacity-building, while strengthening disaster risk management systems in partner countries. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Commission shall support Member States in raising disaster risk awareness of the population. | 2. The Commission shall support Member States and associated countries in raising disaster risk awareness of the population. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
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| 5a. Member States shall provide appropriate guidance and measures to ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of deployed personnel and volunteers in the performance of their duties, in line with Duty of Care principles. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. The European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP) shall consist of a pool of voluntarily committed response capacities of the Member States and include modules, other response capacities, categories of experts and technical assistance and support teams (TAST). The Commission shall lay down rules for the identification of Member States experts, modules and other response capacities as well as operational requirements for the functioning and interoperability of modules and deployment in an implementing act adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2). | 1. The European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP) shall consist of a pool of voluntarily committed response capacities of the Member States and include modules, other response capacities, categories of experts and technical assistance and support teams (TAST). The Commission shall lay down rules for the identification of Member States experts, modules and other response capacities as well as operational requirements for the functioning and interoperability of modules and deployment in an implementing act adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2). Those operational requirements shall also include provisions ensuring the safety, security and duty of care of deployed personnel, including the application of security risk management and safe operating procedures, in particular during high-risk or cross-border operations. Where appropriate, coordination with humanitarian partners shall be promoted to ensure complementarity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6a. The Commission, in coordination with the Member States, shall ensure that the rescEU capacities are available for particularly vulnerable regions, including the outermost and border regions, especially those located close to war zones. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 10. rescEU capacities shall be available for response following a request for assistance through the ERCC in accordance with Article 28. The decision on their deployment and demobilisation, and any decision in the event of conflicting requests, shall be taken by the Commission, through the ERCC, in close coordination with the requesting Member State and the Member State hosting the response capacity. | 10. rescEU capacities shall be available for response following a request for assistance through the ERCC in accordance with Article 28. The decision on their deployment and demobilisation, and any decision in the event of conflicting requests, shall be taken by the Commission, through the ERCC, in close coordination with the requesting Member State(s), or requesting third countries, and the Member State hosting the response capacity. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 12. The Member State on the territory of which rescEU capacities are deployed shall be responsible for directing response operations. In the event of deployments outside the Union, Member States hosting rescEU capacities shall be responsible for ensuring that rescEU capacities are fully integrated into the overall response. | 12. The Member State on the territory of which rescEU capacities are deployed shall be responsible for directing response operations. In the event of deployments outside the Union, Member States hosting rescEU capacities, while being supported by and cooperating with the ERCC, shall be responsible for ensuring that rescEU capacities are fully integrated into the overall response through close cooperation and consultation with the UN. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 16. Subject to the operational needs within Member States, rescEU capacities may be deployed in response to disasters and crises outside the Union that have a significant impact on the Union or on Member States or are of an international concern. | 16. Subject to the operational needs within Member States, rescEU capacities may be deployed in response to disasters and crises outside the Union, including those that have a significant impact on the Union or on Member States or are of an international concern, based on a needs assessment and taking into account the added value and availability of rescEU capacities. Deployments outside the Union, particularly in fragile contexts, shall be carried out in full respect of humanitarian principles and the Humanitarian Aid Regulation. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Hub shall closely cooperate with the EEAS Crisis Response Centre in the external dimension of cross-sectoral crises, with respect to its roles and competences. | 2. The Crisis Coordination Hub shall closely cooperate with the EEAS Crisis Response Centre in the external dimension of cross-sectoral crises in order to avoid duplication of efforts, with respect to its roles and competences, and it shall work to ensure full respect of the Humanitarian Aid Regulation and applicable rules of International Humanitarian Law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. Where assistance is provided in situations of armed conflict, it shall be carried out in strict conformity with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 9. Interventions outside of the Union under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by United Nations and its agencies and shall respect their leading role. In the case of human-induced disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles. | 9. Interventions outside of the Union under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by United Nations and its agencies and shall respect their leading role. In the case of human-induced disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 11. Coordination of assistance to third countries made through the Union Mechanism shall affect neither bilateral contacts and assistance between Member States and the affected country, nor cooperation between Member States and the United Nations and other relevant international organisations. Such bilateral contacts and assistance may also be used to contribute to the coordination through the Union Mechanism and transmission to the ERCC of information about any bilateral contacts and assistance delivered to the affected country. | 11. Coordination of assistance to non-associated third countries made through the Union Mechanism shall neither impede bilateral coordination and contact with nor assistance between Member States and the affected country, nor cooperation between Member States and the United Nations and other relevant international organisations. Member States shall undertake to make any such action in a way which supports and facilitates the coordination through the Union Mechanism and transmission to the ERCC of information about any bilateral contacts and assistance delivered to the affected country. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 12. Assistance may be offered by other Union institutions, agencies, and bodies and coordinated as part of response under this Article. | 12. Assistance may be offered and provided by other Union institutions, agencies, and bodies and coordinated as part of response under this Article. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 6. The Commission shall, through the ERCC, support experts and EUCP Teams that have been selected, appointed or deployed under this Article in the preparation of a security and safety plan, by sharing its own security assessment and by providing a security briefing as part of the mission briefing. The Commission shall support the experts and EUCP Teams in the preparation of additional mitigation measures and other necessary measures before or during deployment. | 6. The Commission shall, through the ERCC, support experts and EUCP Teams that have been selected, appointed or deployed under this Article in the preparation of a security and safety plan, by sharing its own security assessment and by providing a security briefing as part of the mission briefing. The Commission shall support the experts and EUCP Teams in the preparation of additional mitigation measures and other necessary measures before or during deployment. In cases involving fragile and conflict-affected countries, the Commission shall provide support to deployed experts where necessary. Responsibility for the duty of care for deployed experts, particularly those participating in the EUCPT, shall be shared between the Member States and the Commission. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (a) supporting data collection, information exchange, early warning and surveillance systems; | (a) supporting data collection, information exchange, early warning and surveillance systems with the aim of achieving rapid development and deployment of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, and containing or reducing the propagation; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (d) support actions for the development, implementation and monitoring, including through cooperation between national authorities and with stakeholders, and the development and deployment of the necessary tools and infrastructures, including IT infrastructures. | (d) support actions for the development, implementation and monitoring, including through cooperation between national authorities and with stakeholders, and the development and deployment of the necessary tools and infrastructures, including IT infrastructures, while taking into account, where appropriate, measures to strengthen the preparedness and protection of first responders, in line with Duty of Care principles. |
Back matter, 1
Parts that accompany the text rather than belong to it: explanatory statement, annexes, opinions appended by other committees. Collapsed.
Annex: declaration of input 4 blocks
Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the Chair in his capacity as rapporteur for opinion declares that he included in his opinion input on matters pertaining to the subject of the file that he received, in the preparation of the opinion, prior to the adoption thereof in committee, from the following interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from the following representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies:
| 1. Interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register |
| Save the Children |
| CEPI - Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations |
| 2. Representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies |
The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the Chair in his capacity as rapporteur for opinion.
Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the Chair in his capacity as rapporteur for opinion declares that he has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament's Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.
Procedure pages and committee votes
How the committees handled the text and how their members voted on it. Collapsed.
Procedure – committee asked for opinion 1 block
| Title | Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response, and repealing Decision No 1313/2013/EU (Union Civil Protection Mechanism) | |
| References | COM(2025)0548 – C10-0174/2025 – 2025/0223(COD) | |
| Committee(s) responsible Date announced in plenary | ENVI 23.10.2025 | SANT 23.10.2025 |
| Opinion by Date announced in plenary | DEVE 23.10.2025 | |
| Rapporteur for opinion Date appointed | Barry Andrews 5.11.2025 | |
| Discussed in committee | 14.4.2026 | |
| Date adopted | 25.6.2026 | |
| Result of final vote | +: –: 0: | 14 1 3 |
Final vote by roll call by the committee asked for opinion 3 blocks
14 · For
- EPP
- Niels Geuking, Reinhold Lopatka, Lukas Mandl, Liudas Mažylis
- Renew
- Barry Andrews, Petras Auštrevičius, Valérie Devaux
- S&D
- Robert Biedroń, Murielle Laurent, Marit Maij, Leire Pajín, Marco Tarquinio
- Greens
- Katrin Langensiepen, Ana Miranda Paz
Connections
The dossier, the decisions on this text and its other versions.
No connections found for this item.
Sources & citation
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- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
- Retrieved
- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response, and repealing Decision No 1313/2013/EU (Union Civil Protection Mechanism)”. Text, 26 June 2026. docId DEVE-AD-785433. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/DEVE-AD-785433 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/DEVE-AD-785433 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-deve-ad-785433,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response, and repealing Decision No 1313/2013/EU (Union Civil Protection Mechanism)}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-06-26},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/DEVE-AD-785433}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/DEVE-AD-785433},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId DEVE-AD-785433. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}