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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 REGI-AD-784245 · (COM(2025)548 – C100174/2025 – 2025/0223(COD)

Kind
Opinion parliamentary committee REGI-AD-784245
Date
28 May 2026
Committee
Committee on Regional Development
Rapporteur
Vladimir Prebilič
Dossier
2025-0223
More facts (3)
Subject matter
SANT, PCIV
Reference
(COM(2025)548 – C100174/2025 – 2025/0223(COD)
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In short

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The Committee on Regional Development proposes amendments to the proposed regulation on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response. It calls for a permanent, interoperable European preparedness framework, "rescEU 2.0", with standing cross-border capacities, harmonised standards and stronger prevention duties. The opinion asks for a reinforced and predictable budget, more funding for prevention and rapid deployment, and alignment with cohesion policy and regional development funds. It amends many articles to give regional and local authorities a formal role as first responders, to recognise volunteers, and to address the needs of least favoured territories such as islands, outermost, border and mountain regions. It adds rules on civil-military cooperation under civilian leadership, on early warning, evacuation and public warning systems, and on medical countermeasures and stockpiling. It shortens risk assessment and reporting cycles from 5 to 4 years and sets a first reporting deadline of 31 December 2028.

Position. The Committee on Regional Development proposes amendments to the lead committees, calling for a permanent European preparedness framework ("rescEU 2.0"), a reinforced budget, a stronger role for regional and local authorities, and enhanced cooperation in civil protection.

Key points

  1. Calls for a political shift to "rescEU 2.0": a permanent, interoperable European civil protection preparedness framework with standing capacities and harmonised operational standards.
  2. Says voluntary coordination between Member States is no longer sufficient and that enhanced cooperation under Articles 20 TEU and 326–334 TFEU should be used.
  3. Asks for additional and predictable funding, with priority for prevention, readiness and rapid deployment, and for a significantly reinforced financial envelope for 2028–2034.
  4. Amends the legal basis to Articles 168(5), 196, 322(1)(a) and 349 TFEU, and adds a reference to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
  5. Requires Member States to conduct and publish risk assessments in cooperation with regional and local authorities and share them with the Commission every 4 years instead of 5.
  6. Adds new recitals on least favoured territories, public awareness, local preparedness plans, volunteers, workers' rights and preparedness by design using digital tools and space systems.
  7. Requires civil-military cooperation to remain under civilian leadership and coordination, comply with international humanitarian law, and use military means only as a last resort.
  8. Establishes a Crisis Coordination Hub that complements the ERCC without taking over operational command, and requires structured communication with regional civil protection authorities.
  9. Adds definitions for civil-military cooperation, response, multi-hazard and ecosystem-based approaches, public warning, emergency evacuation and evacuation hubs, and local and regional authorities.
  10. Requires the Commission to develop Union disaster resilience goals with local, regional and national authorities and to report every 4 years on risks, capacities and gaps.
  11. Requires the Knowledge Network to involve regional and local authorities, support training and exercises, and promote public awareness and volunteer retention.
  12. Sets co-financing of up to 85% for outermost regions for actions under Article 4(2)(d) and Article 21(2), and up to 75% for other actions.

Who is affected

  • Regional and local authorities, recognised as first responders and given a formal role in planning, risk assessment and preparedness.
  • Least favoured territories, including outermost regions, islands, rural, mountain, border and sparsely populated areas, which get specific attention and funding.
  • Volunteers and volunteer organisations, including firefighters, whose training, equipment and social protection are to be supported.
  • Member States, which must conduct risk assessments, share summaries with the Commission and respect workers' rights in civil protection actions.
  • Persons with disabilities, older persons, children and other vulnerable groups, who must have non-discriminatory access to information, assistance and protection.

Figures and deadlines

  • Risk assessments to be shared with the Commission at least once every 4 years, instead of 5.
  • First summary of risk assessments to be made available by 31 December 2028.
  • Commission reports on disaster risks and on response capacities to be produced once every 4 years, instead of 5.
  • A dedicated report on vulnerable regions, including islands and outermost regions, to be produced at least once every 5 years.
  • Union support may cover up to 85% of costs for outermost regions under Article 4(2)(d) and Article 21(2).
  • Actions under Article 4(2)(d) may be funded at a rate of up to 75%, and up to 85% for outermost regions.
  • Member States may trigger the Union Mechanism in a four day period before an extraordinary weather event.
  • The transitional period for the Union-level reserve of capacities is to be prolonged until 2034.

Legal basis. Articles 168(5), 196, 322(1)(a) and 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

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Short justification

Europe is no longer facing isolated disasters; it is facing a structural climate emergency. From megafires to catastrophic floods, crises are becoming more frequent, more intense and increasingly simultaneous across borders. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism has demonstrated its value, but voluntary coordination between Member States is no longer sufficient for the scale of risks we confront. The Treaties already provide the legal foundation for stronger action. Article 196 TFEU establishes civil protection as a shared competence supporting cooperation between Member States, and Article 20 TEU together with Articles 326–334 TFEU allow for enhanced cooperation where collective ambition exceeds the minimum common denominator. The time has come to use these tools decisively.

This report therefore calls for a political shift towards “rescEU 2.0”: a permanent, interoperable, and genuinely European civil protection preparedness framework. Solidarity must evolve from ad hoc assistance to structured, standing capacities, including permanent cross-border units, harmonised operational standards and stronger prevention obligations. Enhanced cooperation in civil protection is not about dividing the Union; it is about allowing willing Member States to move forward and build a European backbone of preparedness that others can join. In an era of escalating climate risks, preparedness cannot remain optional.

At the same time, the growing integration of civil protection with health emergency preparedness significantly expands the Union’s responsibilities. The convergence of disaster response and health crisis management increases both operational complexity and financial demands. Without additional and predictable funding, this broader mandate risks overstretching the Mechanism and weakening its credibility. A stronger European role must therefore be matched by a reinforced budget that prioritises prevention, readiness and rapid deployment capacities.

The political choice before us is clear. Either we continue to react to disasters after they strike, or we build a permanent European preparedness architecture capable of protecting our citizens in an age of climate urgency. The Treaties allow us to act. The risks compel us to act. Therefore, what I essentially propose as rescEU 2.0 is a necessity for safeguarding lives, social cohesion and Europe’s resilience in the decades ahead.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Regional Development submits the following to the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety and the Committee on Public Health, as the committees responsible:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Citation 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 168(5), 196 and 322(1), point (a), thereof,Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 168(5), 196, 322(1), point (a), and 349 thereof,

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Citation 6 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
Having regard to Article 11 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 view of the significant increase in the numbers, severity and complexity 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 capacities and the capabilities required to anticipate, manage and respond effectively to 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, notably through sustained investment in research and innovation, while promoting a proactive and forward-looking approach to resilience that reduces vulnerabilities and supporting sustainable recovery and reconstruction. The strengthening of interinstitutional cooperation at Union level shall be based on a multi-level governance approach ensuring the full involvement of regional and local authorities, which act as first responders in disaster prevention, preparedness and response.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(1a) In a global context hallmarked by the intensification of natural disasters, technological risks, health crises and the cross-border impact of climate change, as well as recent geo-political developments, there is a pressing need for a better-prepared, more resilient and more cohesive Union. Union action under this Regulation should respect the primary responsibility of Member States for civil protection and disaster management. It should focus on coordination, interoperability and support, particularly in cross-border or major crises, without creating unnecessary duplication of structures; ensuring that Members States and their subnational authorities continue to enjoy the requisite flexibility to adjust the implementation to their own specific contexts.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 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. Given the urgent and unpredictable nature of the crises, the Union Mechanism should not be encumbered by excessive administrative burdens or procedural constraints, in order to ensure a rapid, efficient and coordinated response in support of the Member States and their regions. This flexibility should also allow for the rapid mobilisation of financial support to regional and local authorities directly affected by disasters.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 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, which will enable a proper calibration of prevention, preparedness and response priorities. Financial predictability is also crucial in order to ensure a fair and sustainable allocation of resources, enabling Member States to continue investing in strategic capacities and building up reserves of essential goods.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 biodiversity, property, including housing, critical infrastructure and the operators of essential services as defined in Directive (EU) 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and of the Council1, such as energy and transport by land, air or sea 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 along with the consequences of armed conflicts on civilian population, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, climate change, marine and inland water pollution, water supply disruptions and water resilience, hydrogeological instability, health emergencies, cross-border health threats, serious supply-chain disruptions, including to energy and food supply chains and other undefined hybrid disasters or emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. Some of these disasters may require cross-sectoral coordination in situations where other Union crisis management mechanisms are also applied. This Regulation therefore needs to support strategic reserve management, supply chain diversification and the deployment of critical capacity in crisis situations in the Union, in order to enhance the Union's food security and strategic autonomy.
1 Directive (EU) 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on the resilience of critical entities and repealing Council Directive 2008/114/EC (OJ L 333, 27.12.2022, p. 164, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2557/oj).

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(6a) Particular attention should be paid to least favoured territories, i.e. territories with geographical specificities, that suffer from natural or demographic handicaps, and that face economic, social and structural constraints including, rural areas, mountain regions, northernmost, isolated and sparsely populated areas, islands, remote, border and cross-border regions, as well as outermost regions. These territories might face specific vulnerabilities in cross-border crises, including limitations in transport connectivity, emergency medical access, energy resilience, communications interoperability and surge capacity, significantly hampering response to disasters. Member States and regions located at the external borders of the Union may also face a disproportionate burden in situations of large-scale crises, including sudden inflows of displaced persons, hybrid threats or cross-border health emergencies. In this context, 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, interoperability, joint planning, operational coordination and timely assistance to affected populations. Joint planning, exercises and data sharing between neighbouring regions shall be supported financially.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(7) The Union Mechanism should promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States’ primary responsibility to protect people, the environment and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against all disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to prevent, and cope adequately and in a consistent manner with, disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for.(7) The Union Mechanism should promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States’ primary responsibility to protect people, the environment and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against all disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to prevent, and cope adequately and in a consistent manner with, disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for, while strengthening their resilience to such disasters. Cooperation with their regional and local authorities, should enable Member States to ensure an effective and coherent territorial response.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(7a) This Regulation should promote the raising of public awareness as regards existing risks, prevention measures and appropriate behaviour in emergency situations, including through coordinated information, education, training and communication actions at Union, Member State and regional level. This Regulation should also help to build citizens’ confidence in the Union’s ability to respond effectively to crises by ensuring the visibility of the support provided and by demonstrating through concrete actions the Union’s presence and solidarity in emergency situations, thus helping to strengthen legitimacy and public trust.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 and the risks and threats thereof are shared by the Union. The exchange of knowledge should also include local and regional governance practices and cross-border operational arrangements.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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. 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. In this context, the Union Mechanism should complement cohesion policy instruments, in particular the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund, to ensure that disaster resilience investments are embedded in regional development strategies and that synergies between civil protection and structural funds are systematically utilised, especially in regions with high vulnerability to climate-related and other hazards. 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 and their regional and local authorities 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).

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(9a) Disaster risk prevention and management require coherent coordination across all levels of public authority, particularly with regional and local authorities, alongside meaningful engagement with local communities, volunteers, academics, non-governmental organisations, and community-based organisations, taking into account the territorial diversity of the Union and the spatial distribution of vulnerabilities. Given that risks are often cross-border in nature, these assessments need to systematically integrate the sub-national dimension and cooperation between neighbouring regions, to ensure more effective planning and preparedness. In this context, regional and local authorities often bear the frontline responsibility; they assure the direct protection of citizens, manage the immediate impact of crises at local level and coordinate the initial intervention measures. In this framework, investment in locally led resilience structures is a necessary complement to top-down risk management frameworks and helps ensure that preparedness measures are effective, durable, inclusive, and responsive to the specific needs of people and affected communities. The Union Mechanism should formally recognise the role of subnational levels of governance, including regions, municipalities, and cross-border cooperation entities as essential actors across all stages of the disaster management cycle, and ensure that Union support reaches those levels effectively.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(9b) In order to ensure cohesion and complementarity with other Union policies, implementation of the Union Mechanism should be aligned, where relevant, with the national and regional partnership plans adopted under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2028 to 2034. This alignment should enable a better integration of disaster risk management into strategic and investment planning at national and regional level.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 in close cooperation with regional and local authorities and, where relevant, cross-border cooperation bodies should regularly conduct and publish assessments of risks, the information on which they should share with the Commission at least once every 4 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. They should also include indicators such as response times, availability of local and regional infrastructure and administrative capacity.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(12) The Union medical countermeasures landscape still shows a dependence of the Union on third countries in ensuring the supply of raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, medicinal products, medical devices and personal protective equipment needed in the Union during health crises, in particular pandemics. The Regulation should therefore provide support to actions that foster the procurement, management, stockpiling and deployment of crisis relevant products within the Union to strengthen the strategic autonomy of the Union and ensure better a security of supply of medical countermeasures.(12) The Union medical countermeasures landscape still shows a dependence of the Union on third countries in ensuring the supply of raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, medicinal products, medical devices and personal protective equipment needed in the Union during health crises, in particular pandemics. The Regulation should therefore provide support to actions that foster the procurement, Union-wide consolidation of production capacity, management, stockpiling and deployment of crisis-relevant products within the Union to strengthen the strategic autonomy of the Union and ensure better a security of supply of medical countermeasures.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(13) During a public health emergency at Union level, as referred to in Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2022/2371, the demand for crisis-relevant medical countermeasures could be greater than the supply. In such a situation, surge production and manufacturing of medical countermeasures are essential. Support should be provided to actions that reserve capacity of manufacturing for crisis-relevant medical countermeasures, including the needed raw materials and ancillary supplies and components.(13) During a public health emergency at Union level, as referred to in Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2022/2371, the demand for crisis-relevant medical countermeasures could be greater than the supply. In such a situation, surge production and manufacturing of medical countermeasures are essential. Support should be provided to actions that reserve capacity of manufacturing for crisis-relevant medical countermeasures, including the needed raw materials and ancillary supplies and components. These proposed actions should be in line with current practices and proposed developments in the EU Stockpiling Strategy to ensure a unified Union response to public health threats.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 should systematically involve regional and local authorities, municipal associations, cross-border networks, and 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 in addressing natural and human-induced disaster, including local communities, volunteers, academics, non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations. 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, including through direct access to training programmes, exercises and capacity-building actions, ensuring that their role, needs and capabilities are duly considered taking into account regional and local specificities, including geographical, demographic and socio-economic differences across the Union. The Knowledge Network shall also support capacity-building at regional and local level and facilitate exchange of best practices among local and regional authorities.
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).
10 JOIN/2025/130 final10 JOIN/2025/130 final

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(17) Provisions should be put in place to ensure a framework for a continuous ongoing evolution of the Union’s Disaster Resilience Goals. Those goals shall be based on current and forward-looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change on disaster risks, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis, with particular attention given to vulnerable groups and communities living in coastal areas, islands or other regions particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as sea level rise and floods.(17) Provisions should be put in place to ensure a framework for a continuous ongoing evolution of the Union’s Disaster Resilience Goals. Those goals shall be based on current and forward-looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change on disaster risks, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis, with particular attention given to vulnerable groups and communities living in outermost regions, coastal areas, islands or other regions particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, major storms and floods. Resilience goals shall take into account accessibility, service continuity and territorial vulnerabilities.

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 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 enforcing the application of the ‘leave no one behind’ principle, and by ensuring that all people, irrespective of their ability or circumstances, possess the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to protect themselves and support others against potential risks and threats. Civil protection preparedness and response under the Union Mechanism should therefore be people-centred and ensure non-discriminatory and equal access to information, assistance and protection, appropriate child-protection safeguards and coordination with relevant national and regional protection and social services. In that context, preparedness and disaster risk management should take an inclusive approach, including through the integration of a gender perspective, the mapping of vulnerabilities, and the use of disaggregated data and relevant expertise in risk assessment and planning.

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(18a) The Union shall support the development of local preparedness and resilience plans at municipal and regional level. In this context, the role of volunteers and voluntary organisations as the main pillar of civil protection across the Union should be explicitly recognised and strengthened, in particular through supporting measures to promote their education, training, equipment, social protection and cross-border involvement. Participation of schools, civil society, volunteers and local networks shall also be strengthened.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(18b) Member States should ensure that civil protection actions supported under this Regulation fully respect workers’ rights, occupational safety standards and the role of public services, in line with the demands expressed by the European Public Service Union (EPSU).

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(19) As outlined in the Preparedness Union Strategy, preparedness by design integrates preventive measures, risk assessment, adaptive planning, stakeholder engagement, as well as security considerations across Union legislation, policies and programmes, including in economic and social policies coordinated under the European Semester. This approach offers a proactive framework enabling all relevant stakeholders such as organisations, communities, and authorities to anticipate, prevent, manage, and recover from crises, regardless of their origin. By promoting collaboration between public and private sectors, and the scientific community, as well as by uptake of research and innovation results, preparedness by design strengthens the capacity to prevent and manage disruptions and ensures the protection of lives, assets, environment and the integrity of critical infrastructure.(19) As outlined in the Preparedness Union Strategy, preparedness by design integrates preventive measures, risk assessment, adaptive planning, stakeholder engagement, including for children and young people, as well as security considerations across Union legislation, policies and programmes, including in economic and social policies coordinated under the European Semester. This approach offers a proactive framework enabling all relevant stakeholders such as organisations, communities, and authorities to anticipate, prevent, manage, and recover from crises, regardless of their origin. By promoting collaboration between public and private sectors, regional and local authorities and the scientific community, as well as by uptake of research and innovation results, preparedness by design strengthens the capacity to prevent and manage disruptions and ensures the protection of lives, assets, environment and the integrity of critical infrastructure. Preparedness shall include the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence (AI), drones, early warning systems, space capabilities and satellite technologies, including Galileo and Copernicus, for the provision of real-time data, in particular in the case of natural disasters and complex emergencies, to support decision-making and strengthening prevention, preparedness and rapid-response capacities. Investments in disaster prevention and anticipation should be prioritised as these help to reduce the impact of disasters and their economic and social costs, and are more efficient than post facto interventions.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(20) Disaster risk prevention and preparedness considerations should be systematically integrated into the relevant policies, programmes, and governance processes. The Union Mechanism should therefore advance the principle of preparedness by design, as set out in the Strategy, including by contributing to the development and dissemination of risk knowledge and operational experience to support risk-aware planning and decisions that enhance preparedness across sectors.(20) Disaster risk prevention, planning, and preparedness for disaster risks should become the pillar of the Union Mechanism and should be systematically integrated into the ERDF and Cohesion Fund, territorial planning, local and regional development, transport, education and cross-border cooperation policies, programmes, and governance processes. The Union Mechanism should therefore advance the principle of preparedness by design, as set out in the Strategy, including by contributing to the development and dissemination of risk knowledge and operational experience to support risk-aware planning and decisions that enhance preparedness across sectors. Investing in prevention, planning, and preparedness results in reducing damage, protecting human lives, and making territories more resilient.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 21 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(21a) Priority shall be given to capacities that can be rapidly deployed at local level, including support for municipal emergency services and public health infrastructures.

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 24

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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, as well as the protection and restoration of critical infrastructures, supply chains and essential services. 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, including on rapid mobility, exchange of information and efficient use of available resources. In this context, civil-military cooperation shall take into account the role of local and regional authorities as well as the role of volunteers and civil society organisations which could be instrumental and should therefore count among the crisis management resources. In the case of the outermost regions, which constitute advanced security and response platforms for the Union, on account of their location in the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean, the dual-use dimension is critical, as transport and logistics infrastructure in those regions is often shared between civilian and military to perform vital societal functions.

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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, as a last resort, of military and civilian means of defense, 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, including the Guidelines on the use of foreign military and civil defence assets in disaster relief, the Guidelines on the use of military and civil defence assets to support United Nations humanitarian activities in complex emergencies, the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid and other EU tools such as the 2009 Updated European Union Guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) and the 2021 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU’s humanitarian action: new challenges, same principles.

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(25a) The involvement of military assets in support of civil protection operations under the Union Mechanism should remain strictly under civilian leadership and coordination. Under no circumstances should civilian authorities or institutions be placed under the authority or accountability of military structures. Civilian stewardship of preparedness and response operations should be ensured at all times. Any such cooperation should fully comply with international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and the protection of civilians.

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 27

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 to enhance anticipation, situational awareness and coordination. 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. The Hub should complement, and not duplicate, existing Union crisis structures and should not take over operational command, which remains with the competent authorities of the Member States. Coordination between the ERCC, the Crisis Coordination Hub, the Health Security Committee (HSC), the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and other relevant Union bodies shall be clearly defined. The Hub should also ensure structured dialogue with regional and local authorities and take into account operational data from these authorities. It should therefore operate on the basis of transparent procedures and designated national contact points. 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, while avoiding unnecessary administrative burden. 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 full respect to the role and competences of the High Representative.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 31

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(31) Member States, supported by the Commission, and as appropriate Union delegations in third countries, should ensure that all appropriate measures are taken for the timely transport of assistance they offer, including as regards the preparation of transport, availability and deployability of such assistance.(31) Member States, supported by the Commission, and as appropriate Union delegations in third countries, should ensure that all appropriate measures are taken, including the reduction and simplification of administrative procedures and barriers to rapid deployment, for the timely transport of assistance they offer, including as regards the preparation of transport, availability and deployability of such assistance. It is therefore essential that the Union delegations in third countries possess necessary information and tools in order to facilitate Union’s crisis relief efforts in the remit of this Regulation. For this, they need to be in touch with the authorities of the host country on different levels, so as to have updated information on the maps, available resources and causes of vulnerability.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 31 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(31a) Local and regional authorities should be involved in planning, implementation and evaluation. The effectiveness of the Union mechanism depends on the administrative capacity of regional and local authorities closest to citizens. The Union should support capacity building, training, education and technical assistance for these authorities. Training should include risk management, crisis communication, evacuation planning and protection of vulnerable groups. Training of local and regional authority staff is essential for effective preparedness. Preparedness culture among citizens and volunteers should be strengthened. Disinformation during crises should be effectively addressed, in particular during public and veterinary health emergencies.

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 32

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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) Temporary allocation of any response capacities under the Union Mechanism, following a request for assistance pursuant to Article 28, 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.

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 33

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(33) In order to ensure operational readiness, in particular in wildfire risk areas during the summer season and other areas experiencing recurring seasonal risks, the Union Mechanism should enable the pre-positioning of response capacities in Member States to address those risks. This proactive measure should enhance the Union's readiness to combat recurring disasters, mitigating their devastating impact on lives, homes, and the environment. At the same time, this action should facilitate the sharing of technical and operational knowledge across various scenarios and fire contexts, reinforce interoperability, and improve the concept of host nation support for response capacities. Where those capacities and intervention teams would be required to respond to a disaster during their pre-positioning, rules on response should apply, particularly as regards the cost of their operation.(33) In order to ensure operational readiness, in particular in wildfire risk areas during the summer season and other areas experiencing recurring seasonal risks, such as floods or major storms, the Union Mechanism should enable the timely pre-positioning of response capacities in Member States most exposed to such risks, with particular attention to regions facing higher climate vulnerability and exposure, including the Mediterranean region and the outermost regions. This proactive measure should enhance the Union's readiness to combat recurring disasters, and one-off weather events, mitigating their devastating impact on lives, homes, local communities, workers’ safety, critical infrastructure, the environment and biodiversity. At the same time, this action should facilitate the sharing of technical and operational knowledge across various scenarios and fire contexts, reinforce interoperability, and improve the concept of host nation support for response capacities, including through strengthened public sector capabilities and coordination with local and regional authorities, volunteers and civil society organisations. Special attention should be given to the protection, training and adequate working conditions of firefighters, civil protection personnel and volunteers involved in pre-positioned operations. Such pre-positioning should have a strong IT component, so as to guarantee the immediate coordination and rapid flow of information in crisis situations. The Union Mechanism should therefore alert relevant authorities whenever the state of digitalisation or cybersecurity needs to be enhanced. Where those capacities and intervention teams are required to respond to a disaster during their pre-positioning, rules on response should apply, particularly as regards the cost of their operation, which should be fully supported by Union funding in order to ensure solidarity and avoid disproportionate burdens on affected Member States.

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(34) With rising temperatures and prolonged periods of drought, the risk of wildfires in the Union is increasing and such fires are becoming more frequent and more intense; at the same time the limited availability of specialised response capacities, including amphibious aerial forest-fire-fighting means, remains a major concern and constitutes the Union’s principal operational challenge where multiple wildfires occur simultaneously. To ensure a smooth transition to the full implementation of rescEU, the Union-level reserve of capacities established by Decision (EU) 2019/420 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 , it is essential to prolong that transitional period as laid down in Decision (EU) 2023/2671 of the European Parliament and of the Council13 until 2034, so that the Union can continue financing national aerial fire-fighting means and make them available for response operations under the Union Mechanism while the permanent rescEU aerial forest-fire-fighting fleet is being progressively established; those new aerial-fire-fighting means, financed under rescEU, are currently under development and are expected to become progressively available starting in 2028.(34) With rising temperatures and prolonged periods of drought, the risk of wildfires in the Union is increasing and such fires are becoming more frequent and more intense, especially where there is dry vegetation accumulation due to inadequate land management and a decrease in traditional activities, including livestock grazing; at the same time the limited availability of specialised response capacities, including amphibious aerial forest-fire-fighting means, remains a major concern and constitutes the Union’s principal operational challenge where multiple wildfires occur simultaneously. In this context, enhanced Union solidarity, reinforced public investment and a permanent and sufficiently financed Union firefighting fleet are essential to protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems. To ensure a smooth transition to the full implementation of rescEU, the Union-level reserve of capacities established by Decision (EU) 2019/420 of the European Parliament and of the Council12, it is essential to prolong that transitional period as laid down in Decision (EU) 2023/2671 of the European Parliament and of the Council13 until 2034, and to ensure that Union funding prioritises the needs of the most affected Member States and regions, and supports the modernisation and expansion of publicly owned capacities, so that the Union can continue financing national aerial fire-fighting means and make them available for response operations under the Union Mechanism while the permanent rescEU aerial forest-fire-fighting fleet is being progressively established; those new means, financed under rescEU, are currently under development and are expected to become progressively available starting in 2028.
12 Decision (EU) 2019/420 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2019 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 77I, 20.3.2019, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2019/420/oj).12 Decision (EU) 2019/420 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2019 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 77I, 20.3.2019, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2019/420/oj).
13 Decision (EU) 2023/2671 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 November 2023 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU to extend the rescEU transitional period (OJ L, 2023/2671, 28.11.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/2671/oj).13 Decision (EU) 2023/2671 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 November 2023 amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU to extend the rescEU transitional period (OJ L, 2023/2671, 28.11.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/2671/oj).

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(34a) The effectiveness of the aerial-fire-fighting capacity depends on their geographical positioning and suitability to local conditions. In regions characterised by insularity, remoteness, difficult access or complex orography, including islands and outermost regions, where fixed-wing aircrafts are not appropriate, the Union should ensure that the positioning and composition of aerial capacities, including rescEU assets, are regularly assessed and adapted to take into account geographical constraints, accessibility and operational needs.

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(34b) Particular attention should be given to prevention, preparedness and climate adaptation measures, including forest management, local and regional response capacity building and support for workers and volunteers engaged in fire prevention and response. In this context, professional and volunteer fire brigades are the backbone of operational response in many Member States and regions. Their comprehensive network of local fire stations, their solid experience on the frontline in fighting fires and tackling floods and other disasters, as well as their key role in protecting local communities, make their contribution vital for the effectiveness of the Union Mechanism and for people's resilience. The Union Mechanism therefore needs to ensure professional and volunteer firefighters full access to training and exercise programmes, and make these services eligible for funding instruments, in order to continuously enhance their capabilities and ensure a coordinated and effective operational response throughout the Union.

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 36

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(36) To enhance readability, and therefore legal certainty, the financing of adaptation costs for response capacities committed to the European Civil Protection Pool (‘ECPP’) should be simplified. Additionally, higher financing should be ensured for operational costs incurred during deployments of ECPP capacities registered in accordance with Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/70415 , in response operations under the Union Mechanism.(36) The European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP) represents the frontline response capacity of the Union Mechanism and is a key tool for strengthening Member States' capacity to respond efficiently and effectively to disasters and crises. In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, further strengthening the capacities of Member States and the ECPP must be a priority task of the Union Mechanism. To enhance readability, and therefore legal certainty, the financing of adaptation costs for response capacities committed to the ECPP should be simplified. Additionally, higher financing should be ensured for operational costs incurred during deployments of ECPP capacities registered in accordance with Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/70415 , in response operations under the Union Mechanism.
15 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/704 laying down rules for the implementation of Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism and repealing Commission Implementing Decisions 2014/762/EU and (EU) 2019/1310 (OJ L, 2025/704, 15.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2025/704/oj).15 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/704 laying down rules for the implementation of Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism and repealing Commission Implementing Decisions 2014/762/EU and (EU) 2019/1310 (OJ L, 2025/704, 15.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2025/704/oj).

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 37

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(37) rescEU has consistently proven its added value in Union coordinated response operations. To ensure coherence with the Strategy and subject to availability of financial resources, the Commission should further strengthen rescEU by financing the maintenance of existing capacities and, where appropriate, scaling them up and creating additional ones. Development of rescEU capacities should include all forms of acquisition such as procurement, contracting, renting or leasing, including for medical countermeasures. In this context, and in line with Union law and international commitments, the use of solutions developed or produced in the Union should be promoted in order to reinforce the Union’s strategic autonomy and the resilience of critical supply chains. Under exceptional circumstances, such as when the required medical countermeasures are not defined under rescEU, for example for active pharmaceutical ingredients or investigational products, stocks could be developed outside the Union Mechanism. Experience gained during deployments in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union’s response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the recurrent wildfire seasons shows that the rules governing the management and rapid deployment of rescEU capacities need to be further streamlined to ensure rapid response.(37) rescEU was established to provide assistance in particularly urgent situations where the existing resources at national level and those pre-committed by Member States to the ECPP are unable to ensure an effective response. rescEU has consistently proven its added value in Union coordinated response operations. To ensure coherence with the Strategy and subject to availability of financial resources, the Commission should further strengthen rescEU by financing the maintenance of existing capacities and, where appropriate, scaling them up and creating additional ones in ensuring, where relevant, a balanced geographical distribution of those capacities, taking into account regional vulnerabilities and the specific needs of border and peripheral regions. Development of rescEU capacities should include all forms of acquisition such as procurement, contracting, renting or leasing, including for medical countermeasures. In this context, and in line with Union law and international commitments, the use of solutions developed or produced in the Union should be promoted in order to reinforce the Union’s strategic autonomy and the resilience of critical supply chains. Under exceptional circumstances, such as when the required medical countermeasures are not defined under rescEU, for example for active pharmaceutical ingredients or investigational products, stocks could be developed outside the Union Mechanism. Experience gained during deployments in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union’s response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the recurrent wildfire seasons shows that the rules governing the management and rapid deployment of rescEU capacities need to be further streamlined to ensure rapid response.

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 38

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 of natural or human-induced hazards of significant scale and international concern. Such deployment should prioritise humanitarian needs and the protection of human life, in coordination with affected countries and international organisations, particularly where the crisis threatens Union citizens, requires urgent intervention, or has cross-border humanitarian impacts. Deployment shall respect international law, promote solidarity, and support sustainable recovery, including regions where the Union has strategic interests, as long as the primary objective remains the protection of affected populations.

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 39

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(39) Private sector cooperation should be further strengthened by channelling donations of disaster relief items to existing capacities under rescEU, hosted by Member States. Donations should be channelled through the Member States hosting rescEU capacities, subject to quality assurance before possible dispatching. Rules should be established enabling the setting up of logistical hubs for the purpose of pooling assistance or warehouses stockpiling rescEU capacities that may be received from the private sector.(39) Private sector, volunteers and volunteer organisations cooperation should be further strengthened by channelling donations of disaster relief items to existing capacities under rescEU, hosted by Member States. Donations should be channelled through the Member States hosting rescEU capacities, subject to quality assurance before possible dispatching. Rules should be established enabling the setting up of logistical hubs for the purpose of pooling assistance or warehouses stockpiling rescEU capacities that may be received from the private sector.

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 41

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(41) To enhance the preparedness for cross-sectoral, cross-border, and Union-wide disasters, the Union , through its Mechanism and existing Union tools, should provide support to Member States in developing and implementing public warning systems. The Union Mechanism should exploit, where necessary, services provided by the Union space systems, such as Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus and the Earth observation governmental service, IRIS2 and GOVSATCOM as well as space situational awareness services. The early warning component of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service consisting of the European Flood Awareness System, the European Forest Fire Information System and the European Drought Observatory should contribute to minimising the lead time to respond to disasters. These assets are significant Union-level tools to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters and crises both within and beyond the Union's borders.(41) To enhance the preparedness for cross-sectoral, cross-border, and Union-wide disasters, the Union , through its Mechanism and existing Union tools, should provide support to Member States in developing and implementing public warning systems. The Union Mechanism should exploit, where necessary, services provided by the Union space systems, such as Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus and the Earth observation governmental service, IRIS2 and GOVSATCOM as well as space situational awareness services. The early warning component of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service consisting of the European Flood Awareness System, the European Forest Fire Information System and the European Drought Observatory should contribute to minimising the lead time to respond to disasters. Water management should be incorporated in these monitoring tools so that scientific data on water availability and risk can be converted into actionable operational information, thus facilitating rapid and effective decisions for the prevention and mitigation of, and response to, droughts, floods and other water-related risks, and ensuring water resilience. These assets are significant Union-level tools to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters and crises both within and beyond the Union's borders.

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. This Regulation provides for the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (the ‘Union Mechanism’) and lays down the Union support for health emergency preparedness and response. It sets out objectives, budget for the period 2028-2034, the forms of Union funding and the rules for providing such funding.1. This Regulation provides for the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (the ‘Union Mechanism’) and lays down the Union support for preparedness and response to disasters and crises irrespective of the nature of their origin, including health emergencies. It sets out objectives, budget for the period 2028-2034, the forms of Union funding and the rules for providing such funding. This Regulation shall aim to strengthen cooperation in the field of civil protection between the Union and the Member States and subnational levels in order to improve the effectiveness of systems for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and human-induced disasters and crises that may occur in participating countries.

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(b) rules on the functioning of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (‘ERCC’) as the Union Mechanism’s coordinating body,(b) rules on the functioning of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (‘ERCC’) as the Union Mechanism’s coordinating body, dedicated to supporting, coordinating and supplementing the actions of the Member States and regions, including facilitating situational awareness and operational cross-sectoral preparedness and coordination,

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. This Regulation shall aim to ensure the protection of people, environment and property, cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters, including serious cross-border threats to health.1. This Regulation shall aim to ensure the protection of people, local communities, critical infrastructure, entities and essential services, environment and property, cultural heritage, natural landscapes, animals and biodiversity against all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters, including serious cross-border threats to health, as well as cybersecurity threats. It shall also help to strengthen the capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 4 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a) prevention and preparedness actions in the Member States,(a) prevention and preparedness actions in the Member States, including those contributing to long-term disaster risk reduction and resilience, notably through the involvement of local and regional authorities,

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 7

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
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, the special needs of the least favoured territories, including border regions, outermost regions, isolated, rural, remote, mountainous, sparsely populated, northernmost, cross-border and other regions or islands of the Union, in particular those exposed to heightened geopolitical and security risks, in terms of prevention, preparedness and response shall be respected. In view of the structural constraints linked to remoteness, accessibility and capacity, the implementation of those measures shall take into account regional disparities and ensure appropriate coordination between Union, national, regional and local authorities. Account shall also be taken of the special needs of all vulnerable groups.

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 8

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
8. Response under this Regulation shall take into account the special needs of the overseas countries and territories in terms of response.8. Response under this Regulation shall take into account the special needs of the outermost regions, overseas countries and territories, in terms of response, considering their increased vulnerability to natural and human-induced disasters and recognising that such regions encounter cross-border coordination difficulties and have more limited response capacities. The Union shall promote the development and use of dual-use means with the power to mitigate the permanent geographic limitation these regions face, thus enhancing their resilience, disaster-response effectiveness and efficiency while using Union funds and capacities, with a particular emphasis on the fact that, on account of their geographical location, these regions constitute strategic importance for the Union.

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 8 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
8a. Actions supported under this Regulation shall be implemented in a manner consistent with the Union’s climate adaptation and mitigation objectives, biodiversity objectives and sustainable land-use policies, and shall contribute to strengthening ecosystem resilience as a means of disaster risk reduction.

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(1) ‘disaster’ means a situation, regardless of its origin, which has or may have a severe impact on people, public health, environment, critical infrastructure or property, including cultural heritage;(1) ‘disaster’ means a situation, regardless of its origin, which has or may have a severe impact on people, environment, biodiversity and one or multiple sectors simultaneously, public health, essential services (as defined in Directive (EU) 2022/2557), critical infrastructure or property, including cultural heritage and cybersecurity in critical infrastructure;

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(2) ‘crisis’ means any ongoing or imminent disaster which has an impact or a potential to impact multiple sectors simultaneously without prejudice to the meaning of crisis in Article 2, point (22), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 applicable in procurement procedures;(2) ‘crisis’ means any ongoing or imminent disaster which has an impact or a potential to impact multiple sectors simultaneously, and which may require the activation and coordination of one or more Union financial instruments, without prejudice to the meaning of crisis in Article 2, point (22), of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 applicable in procurement procedures;

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 societal, governmental and economic activity, in particular health, environment, agriculture, transport, energy, water management, security, and other areas of activity vulnerable to disasters;

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(3a) ‘civil-military cooperation’ means collaboration between civil authorities and the military for the prevention, management and response to emergencies, disasters and crises;

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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, other response capacities, in-kind assistance, including relief materials or supplies, digital tools, as well as data and information provided by the Commission (e.g Aristotle, Copernicus, technical information from the Joint Research Centre, etc.) or technical assistance and support teams, together with any required equipment offers by Union institutions, agencies and bodies and other capabilities needed to mitigate the immediate consequences of a disaster or a crisis and to coordinate a common response;

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(4a) ‘response’ means any action taken upon request for assistance under the Union Mechanism in the event of an imminent disaster, or during or after a disaster, to address its immediate adverse consequences;

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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, structures, systems, essential services, communities and organisations enabling them to ensure an effective rapid response, obtained as a result of action and information exchange taken in advance;

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(6) ‘prevention’ means actions aimed at reducing risks or mitigating potential adverse consequences of a disaster for people, public health, the environment and property, including cultural heritage;(6) ‘prevention’ means risk assessment and actions aimed at reducing risks or mitigating potential adverse consequences of a disaster for people, public health, the environment and property, including cultural heritage, as well as critical infrastructure, essential reserves or national interest objectives;

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(6a) ‘multi-hazard approach’ means an integrated assessment and management of risks arising from multiple hazards, linked to human activity or climate change, built on an integrated ecosystem-based perspective, in cooperation with scientific communities, key economic operators, regional and local authorities, and NGOs, to identify resilience capacity gaps; it recognises that hazardous events may occur independently, simultaneously, sequentially, or through cascading processes and that their interactions may influence overall risk; it addresses all types of risks, and notably floods, wildfires, heatwaves, industrial accidents or pandemics;

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(6b) ‘ecosystem-based approach’ means utilisation of natural systems to reduce risks and to help people adapt to climate change, reducing vulnerability while enhancing resilience;

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 9

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 or reduce risks and the adverse impacts of a disaster, and to facilitate preparedness for an effective response, including the provision of information to the potentially affected population;

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(9a) ‘public warning’ means an alert issued by a Member State or sub-national competent authority and directed to all citizens in a determined geographic area with a view of warning those citizens of a developing, imminent, or occurring natural or human-induced disaster and advising them on measures to protect themselves and to mitigate the impact of such a disaster;

Amendment 61

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(12) ‘intervention team’ means a specialised group composed of trained personnel and equipped with resources to respond swiftly and effectively to the consequences of disasters, not pre-committed to the European Civil Protection Pool or established as part of rescEU;(12) ‘intervention team’ means a specialised group composed of trained personnel and equipped with resources, and where applicable search-and-rescue dogs, to respond swiftly and effectively to the consequences of disasters, not pre-committed to the European Civil Protection Pool or established as part of rescEU;

Amendment 62

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(19a) 'emergency evacuation' means a series of coordinated actions allowing for the swift, organised and safe transport of individuals from disaster-affected areas to safety until imminent danger is over or transport has taken place, either in a Member State or a participating country;

Amendment 63

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 20 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(20a) 'emergency evacuation hub' means a transit facility established under the Union Mechanism that temporarily receives individuals in a Member State and undertakes their transfer to safety, and if necessary organises their transport under the coordination of the ERCC, to the Member State or participating country;

Amendment 64

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 25 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(25a) ‘local and regional authorities’ means sub-national public authorities, including municipalities, metropolitan regions and regional and local governments, responsible for civil protection, health services or emergency response;

Amendment 65

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 25 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(25b) ‘least favoured territories’ means territories with geographical specificities, that suffer from natural or demographic handicaps, and that face economic, social and structural constraints requiring particular attention; territories concerned are outermost regions, rural areas, mountain regions, isolated and sparsely populated areas, northernmost, islands, remote, border and cross-border regions.

Amendment 66

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
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 to assess the risks, prevent, prepare for and respond to all kinds of natural and human-induced disasters with a view to consequence management, and serious direct or indirect cross-border threats to health, that may occur inside or outside the Union, as well as situations where they impact several sectors simultaneously, including in the context of geopolitical crises. It shall also address weather- and climate-related issues, such as ecosystem degradation and climate adaptation and mitigation, explicitly by integrating ecosystem-based approaches, and strengthen links with Union climate and biodiversity targets. Particular emphasis shall be put on the preventive dimension with a view to reducing the incidence and severity of risks before they manifest themselves. Through this strengthened framework, the Regulation shall aim to improve resilience, safeguard public health and safety, and minimise the social, economic, and environmental impacts of natural and human-induced disasters.

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. Civil protection shall be recognised as a core public service and a pillar of democratic resilience in the Union.

Amendment 68

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. The general objective referred to in paragraph 1 shall be pursued through the following specific objectives:2. The general objective referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a shall be pursued through the following specific objectives:

Amendment 69

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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, food security, energy security and water management, as well as cybersecurity threats and risks arising from geopolitical conflicts, and work proactively to prevent or mitigate their potential impacts, included those related to serious cross-border health threats; foster prevention and preparedness as a key pillar of the integrated approach to disaster risk management; and enhance collaboration between local communities, organised volunteering and non-governmental organisations, civil protection, military, health and other relevant authorities, including regional and local authorities, in accordance with the principle of multilevel governance and in line with the partnership principle;

Amendment 70

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(aa) recognise and facilitate the involvement of the regional and local authorities, as first indispensable actors in the prevention, preparedness, response and management of disaster risks and threats, often supported by volunteers; ensure adequate financial resources to support their actions of prevention, preparedness and response and fully involve them in coordination efforts, planning and needs assessments, in particular in the least favoured territories, in line with national legal frameworks, to maximise their contribution, avoid duplication and improve interoperability;

Amendment 71

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point a b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ab) foster ongoing local, regional, and cross-border cooperation in order to develop shared early warning systems, enable rapid initial intervention before rescEU is activated, and run regular public information campaigns on first-response actions;

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 capacity building and increase the availability and use of scientific knowledge notably through the Knowledge Network, at Union, Member State, and regional and local level, in particular by fostering and increasing the uptake and use of research and innovation results in disasters and crises management, 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, sharing best practices, integrating local knowledge and community-based practices, as well as other expertise, as well as technical and financial assistance to support strategies, plans and investments, foster prevention, preparedness and resilience; foster the use of innovation technologies, including AI, quantum computing, cloud computing, the use of satellite imagery and others to support capacity-building; build on the resources of the Knowledge Network to strengthen public awareness and citizen preparedness for disasters, notably through the dissemination of knowledge, best practices and risk communication activities within the Knowledge Network and the involvement of local and regional authorities;

Amendment 73

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ba) support dedicated administrative capacity-building, financial and technical assistance, education and upskilling measures for local and regional authorities, in particular for regional and local authorities with limited administrative or technical capacity, especially in small municipalities and in the least favoured territories, and promote a place-based preparedness and resilience approach that takes into account territorial specificities, including accessibility constraints, demographic decline, seasonal population fluctuations and exposure to climate-related risks;

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point c

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 at local, regional, Member State and Union level, including all levels of society, to respond to disasters, in particular:
(i) by supporting comprehensive disaster risk reduction and prevention framework, with common standards, interoperable data systems, and shared practices;
(ii) 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 Union crisis management structures;
(iii) by supporting the innovation, development and maintenance of effective early warning systems to detect and communicate imminent threats of disasters, including mechanisms based on AI, telecommunications networks, mobile operators, Bluetooth alerts, satellite and other technological channels, as well as accessible and multilingual and sensory public alert protocols, so as to ensure that information reaches all citizens, including vulnerable and marginalised communities and persons with disabilities in an accessible and timely manner, allowing for timely action to be taken to prevent or mitigate impacts;
(iv) by developing and maintaining response capacities, strengthening their interoperability and considering their potential dual use in case of crisis, and by promoting investments that take into account the geographical and territorial specificities of the regions;
(v) by promoting the integration of climate change adaptation and nature-based solutions, strategic risk management, disaster risk prevention and preparedness considerations into policies and financial frameworks at national and Union level, including by ensuring consistency with the national and regional partnership plans, with the aim of strengthening local, regional, Member State and Union-level long-term disaster resilience;
(vi) by facilitating preparedness and disaster resilience among all actors and stakeholders, including all levels of government, with the active involvement of national, regional and local authorities, civil and military authorities, volunteers and volunteer organisations, civil society, the private sector and providers, scientific community, and the providers of vital societal functions with a view to strengthening overall population preparedness and societal resilience to disaster;
(vii) by raising the awareness of the population to the risks and provide action scenarios, including through the dissemination of information and exercises;

Amendment 75

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(d) facilitate rapid and efficient response inside the Union, including in the countries referred to in Article 9(1), as well as outside of the Union, following a request for assistance in accordance with Article 28;(d) facilitate rapid and efficient response inside the Union, including in the countries referred to in Article 9(1), as well as outside of the Union, following a request for assistance in accordance with Article 28, including by strengthening cross-border cooperation and, where relevant, cooperation with third countries, in order to enable an effective regional coordination and response capacity and timely action to prevent and mitigate impacts;

Amendment 76

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(da) support cooperation at local, regional and cross-border level with a view to establishing common alert systems for rapid intervention prior to the mobilisation of rescEU, and to promote and support public awareness, risk communication and anti-disinformation campaigns at the Union, national, regional and local levels, and to prepare citizens for disaster risks, early warning systems, and necessary prevention and preparedness measures;

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(db) support regular joint field exercises, simulation exercises and exchange of best practices, including in a cross-border context, involving neighbouring regions and municipalities in cross-border areas, as well as the participation of civil authorities and the military, thereby facilitating preparedness and resilience among all actors and stakeholders, including all levels of government, civil and military authorities, volunteers and volunteer organisations, civil society, the private sector and providers of vital societal functions;

Amendment 78

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point d c (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(dc) ensure availability of material and technical capacities, including for rescuing elderly persons or persons with disabilities in cases where an effective response to disasters would otherwise not be ensured, particularly for disasters with wide ranging impacts affecting multiple Member States;

Amendment 79

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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, in particular by upscaling assistance to address their intensity and impact, including in situations generated by major disruptions to supply chains and to critical infrastructure, 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;

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ea) foster cooperation in cross-border areas on prevention and preparedness, strengthening joint actions under macro-regional strategies, as they offer high quality frameworks for cooperation in order to establish operational preventive actions, as well as reaction and management centres, allowing for collaboration with third countries;

Amendment 81

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(eb) enhance synergies with different Union programmes and emphasise complementary activities with the National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP);

Amendment 82

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point f – point iii

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(iii) coordination actions and strengthening capacity building.(iii) coordination actions and strengthening capacity building, specifically ensuring a structured involvement of local and regional authorities in risk assessments and preparedness planning, including through multi-level governance mechanisms, with special attention to cross-border areas and flow of emergency services without obstacles.

Amendment 83

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
The Commission shall work jointly with the High Representative to:After consulting with national and regional authorities and in full compliance with subsidiarity, national competences and the specific characteristics of Member States, the Commission shall work jointly with the High Representative to:

Amendment 84

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a) contribute to the development of measures to enhance civil-military preparedness and coordination of response within the Union, in consultation with the Member States;(a) contribute to the development of measures to enhance civil-military preparedness and coordination of response within the Union, in consultation and cooperation with the Member States, ensuring that all such measures respect and incorporate principles of International Humanitarian Law including proportionality and the protection of civilians;

Amendment 85

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 cooperation with 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, including, where appropriate, in cooperation with Member States, specific protocols allowing regions to utilise military capacities in civil protection missions, provided that it is conceptually and operationally clearly delimited, that it precisely defines the roles, responsibilities and limits of the involvement of military, and that it ensures respect for the civil and humanitarian nature of civil protection, avoiding any institutional overlap; in any cooperation it is vital that civil protection retains its fundamental civilian and humanitarian character, ensuring that institutional responsibilities are clear and that public trust in civil protection mechanisms is preserved;

Amendment 86

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ba) foster wider use of the Galileo system and support digital tools and databases for prevention and preparedness actions, information-sharing, risk mapping, logistics, emergency communications and personnel management, accessible to competent authorities at national, regional and local level;

Amendment 87

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(bb) set-up an executive coordination for utilising the acquired Union fleet of firefighter planes, in order to use resources in the most efficient way, and develop operational arrangements to reduce administrative obstacles to the rapid European cross-border deployment of rescue personnel, ambulances, civil protection modules, equipment and emergency supplies.

Amendment 88

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. Civil protection under this Regulation shall remain civilian-led. For the Multiannual Financial Framework period 2028–2034, the financial envelope of the Union Mechanism shall be significantly reinforced. Any reinforcement of this financial envelope shall be evidence-based, targeted to identified capability gaps and designed to avoid duplication with other Union programmes. Civil protection preparedness shall be furthermore recognised as part of the Union’s holistic security and defence framework and shall be eligible for financing under relevant Union security and defence expenditure instruments, while remaining civilian-led. A substantial share of this budget shall be dedicated to regional and local authorities, recognising their role as first responders, and shall support local capacities, including education, training and equipment, as well as volunteers and volunteer organisations.

Amendment 89

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 5 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5a. In the implementation of the budget under this Regulation, priority shall be given to prevention and preparedness actions, including those contributing to long-term disaster risk reduction and resilience, without prejudice to the need for rapid and effective response to disasters.

Amendment 90

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. This Regulation shall be implemented in synergy with Union programmes. An action that has received a Union contribution from another programme may also receive a contribution under this Regulation. The rules of the relevant Union programme shall apply to the corresponding contribution, or a single set of rules may be applied to all contributions and a single legal commitment may be concluded. If all Union contributions are provided based on eligible cost, the cumulative support from the Union budget shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and may be calculated on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support.1. This Regulation shall be implemented in synergy with Union programmes pertaining to security and defence, agriculture, fisheries and regional development, with a view to ensuring their coherent and complementary use. An action that has received a Union contribution from another programme may also receive a contribution under this Regulation. The rules of the relevant Union programme shall apply to the corresponding contribution, or a single set of rules may be applied to all contributions and a single legal commitment may be concluded. If all Union contributions are provided based on eligible cost, the cumulative support from the Union budget shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and may be calculated on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the documents setting out the conditions for support.

Amendment 91

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. The possibility of cumulative funding shall be used to link the Union Mechanism with cohesion and regional development funds, ensuring that the necessary emergency infrastructure investments in the Union’s regions, in particular in the most vulnerable regions, are duly co-financed, promoting a coherent, integrated and complementary use of Union resources in line with the objectives of territorial cohesion and the strengthening of regional resilience.

Amendment 92

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2a. The Commission shall develop, in cooperation with Member States and regional authorities, specific guidance on how to combine funding under this Regulation with other European Funds such as the European Regional Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund, in order to maximise the resilience impact of investments in regions most exposed to climate-related and other disaster risks.

Amendment 93

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2a. Union funding shall strictly follow the principles of accountability and transparency, so as to guarantee the safeguard of the Union financial interests; all the financial resources made available under this Regulation should be listed in the Financial Transparency System.

Amendment 94

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4a. The Union shall provide increased co-financing rates for projects led by or directly benefiting local and regional authorities, particularly in outermost regions and less developed regions, in line with cohesion policy objectives. In this context, in the case of outermost regions, Union support may be provided to cover up to 85 % of the costs defined in point (d) of Article 4(2) and in Article 21(2).

Amendment 95

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
The Commission, in cooperation with Member States, shall further develop Union disaster resilience goals in the field of civil protection, and adopt recommendations to define them as a common baseline to support prevention and preparedness actions. Those goals shall be based on current and forward-looking scenarios, including on space data from Copernicus, and those concerned with the impacts of climate change on disaster risks, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis, with particular attention given to vulnerable groups. When developing Union disaster resilience goals, the Commission shall take into account recurrent disasters that hit Member States and suggest that Member States take specific measures, including any measures to be implemented with the use of Union funds, to strengthen resilience to such disasters.1. The Commission, in cooperation with Member States, shall further develop Union disaster resilience goals in the field of civil protection, and adopt recommendations to define them as a common baseline to support prevention and preparedness actions. Those goals shall be based on current and forward-looking scenarios, including on space data from Copernicus, and those concerned with the impacts of climate change on disaster risks, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis, with particular attention given to vulnerable groups and regions. Specific attention shall be paid to the least favoured territories, taking into account their permanent structural constraints and territorial disparities, regarding geographical remoteness, dependence on external supply chains, service continuity, administrative capacity, as well as increased exposure to extreme climate events and recurring natural disasters. The analysis shall also consider risks related to food security, water scarcity, energy systems, logistic chains, public health systems and ecosystems, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure.
When developing Union disaster resilience goals, the Commission shall take into account recurrent disasters that hit Member States and suggest that Member States take risk-based and cost-effective measures, including any measures to be implemented with the use of Union funds, to strengthen resilience to such disasters.

Amendment 96

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. Union disaster resilience goals shall be developed in close consultation with local, regional and national authorities, farm, forestry, animal welfare and environmental organisations and other relevant stakeholders, notably local communities, civil society organisations, volunteer groups, local meteorologists, as well as land-based stakeholders, including forest owners and hunter organisations, whose operational knowledge of local risk landscapes, infrastructure vulnerabilities and community preparedness levels is indispensable for the credibility and applicability of those goals. The measures to be implemented shall include strengthening coordination between civil protection, agriculture, environment, energy and cohesion policies, ensuring an integrated and coherent approach contributing to risk prevention, resilience building and disaster response capacity.

Amendment 97

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a) further develop disaster risk assessments at national or appropriate sub-national level and ensure coordination and consistency with other relevant risk assessment processes as well as public availability of their non-sensitive results to support population risk awareness and preparedness;(a) further develop disaster risk assessments at national or appropriate sub-national level and ensure coordination and consistency with other relevant risk assessment processes as well as public availability of their non-sensitive results to support population risk awareness and preparedness, taking into account the territorial dimension of risks, including regional and local particularities of for example outermost regions, cross-border regions and functional urban areas; in this context, promote and ensure the active involvement of relevant local and regional stakeholders and, where relevant, all cross-border cooperation structures, ensuring that planning, risk assessment and management, as well as the implementation of civil protection and resilience measures involve all relevant levels of governance and decision-making actors in a coordinated manner;

Amendment 98

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point b

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(b) further develop the assessment of disaster risk management capability at national or appropriate sub-national level;(b) further develop the assessment of disaster risk management capability at national or appropriate sub-national level, including the specific assessment of the response capacity of the outermost regions;

Amendment 99

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(c) further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate subnational level, including as regards cross-border collaboration and risks with the potential for transboundary effects, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals and ensure coordination and consistency with other relevant planning processes.(c) further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate subnational level, including as regards cross-border collaboration with neighbouring Member States or participating countries and risks with the potential for transboundary effects, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals and building on existing Interreg cooperation structures; ensure coordination and consistency with other relevant planning processes, with particular attention to the least favoured territories, where local self-organisation and voluntary work, as well as territorial knowledge, are essential for effective response; and continue reducing the bureaucratic burden and the time for the coordination of cross-border efforts, inter alia, by automating certain procedures and establishing rapid reaction protocols in cross-border contexts;

Amendment 100

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(d) in line with international commitments, improve the collection and dissemination of disaster loss data at national or appropriate sub-national level, including by better utilising space data.(d) in line with international commitments, improve the collection and dissemination of disaster loss data at national or appropriate sub-national level, including by better utilising space data, input from civil society, as well as from data obtained with the use of modern technologies, such as surveillance drones or AI forecasting tools;

Amendment 101

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(da) include in the data collection the reduction in losses achieved through prevention measures, including forest management and preventive infrastructure, as well as where appropriate, indicators relating to emergency access times, critical services continuity and local response capacity;

Amendment 102

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
To foster the development of a shared understanding of disaster risks and threats at Union level, identify common needs in disaster risk management capability building, support the implementation of the Union disaster resilience goals, and facilitate the exchange of good practices, the Member States, without prejudice to national rules and procedures, shall make available to the Commission a summary in accordance with the guidelines referred to in Article 16(2), by 31 December 2028 and at least once every 5 years thereafter:1. To foster the development of a shared understanding of disaster risks and threats at Union level, identify common needs in disaster risk management capability building, support the implementation of the Union disaster resilience goals, and facilitate the exchange of good practices, the Member States, in coordination with their regional and local authorities, without prejudice to national rules and procedures, shall make available to the Commission a summary in accordance with the guidelines referred to in Article 16(2), by 31 December 2028 and once every 4 years thereafter:

Amendment 103

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point d a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(da) existing legal, financial or practical obstacles to the organisation and strengthening of cross-border civil protection management, the removal of which requires or may benefit from support from relevant Union instruments or targeted amendments to the relevant Union legal framework.

Amendment 104

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. Member States shall ensure that the summaries referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article adequately reflect the assessments and capacities of regional and local authorities, as they often hold primary operational responsibility for civil protection. The Commission shall verify that data at the regional and local level are appropriately incorporated in these summaries.

Amendment 105

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a) produce at least once every 5 years a report providing a cross-sectoral overview of natural and human-induced disaster risks that the Union faces, and the progress made in the implementation of Article 14 and the Union disaster resilience goals referred to in Article 13;(a) produce once every 4 years a report providing a cross-sectoral overview of natural and human-induced disaster risks that the Union faces, and the progress made in the implementation of Article 14 and the Union disaster resilience goals referred to in Article 13, as well as information on the involvement of local and regional authorities, the impact on territorial cohesion, and the contribution to reducing regional disparities in resilience capacities;

Amendment 106

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point c

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(c) produce at least once every 5 years, a report on response capacities and relevant capabilities at Union level, and remaining gaps in relation to response capacities at national or appropriate sub-national level as referred to in Article 15, point (b), while taking into account relevant capacity goals and performance targets. The report shall also provide an overview of the budgetary and cost developments relating to response capacities and an assessment of the need for further development of those capacities.(c) produce once every 4 years, a report on response capacities and relevant capabilities at Union level, and remaining gaps in relation to response capacities at national or appropriate sub-national level as referred to in Article 15, point (b), while taking into account relevant capacity goals and performance targets. The report shall also provide an overview of the budgetary and cost developments relating to response capacities and an assessment of the need for further development of those capacities;

Amendment 107

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ca) produce, at least once every 5 years, a dedicated report on the specific disaster risk exposure and response capacity of regions identified as particularly vulnerable, including islands and outermost regions, and shall recommend targeted Union support measures to address any possible capacity gaps through the relevant instruments, including cohesion policy funds.

Amendment 108

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3a. The Commission shall, in cooperation with Member States, develop interoperability benchmarks, including operational performance and cost-effectiveness criteria, and, where relevant, environmental sustainability criteria, to assess the coherence and compatibility of response capacities at Union level.

Amendment 109

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
The Commission shall support Member States to enhance their capacity in dealing with risks by providing access to tools such as training and exercises programmes, technical and financial assistance, peer reviews, deployment of experts and EUCP Teams that provide advice on prevention and preparedness measures and other provision of expertise, learning and knowledge sharing, and support to uptake of research and innovation results in disaster risk management.1. The Commission shall support Member States, and where relevant their regional and local authorities, to enhance their capacity in dealing with risks by providing access to tools such as training and exercise programmes tailored to national and local responders, technical and financial assistance, interoperable data systems, peer reviews, deployment of experts and EUCP Teams that provide advice on prevention and preparedness measures to authorities at all levels. Support shall also be given to the provision of other expertise, learning and knowledge sharing, exchange of best practice across Europe, public awareness campaigns, notably on the role and solidarity of the Union in managing crises, and to the uptake of research and innovation results in disaster risk management and more effective monitoring of urban and forest areas, by incorporating advanced equipment and technologies, such as AI, to enable the forecasting and monitoring of extreme events, including flash floods, landslides, river overflows and forest fires.

Amendment 110

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. Capacity-building tools under this Regulation shall support the training, education and upskilling of staff of local, regional and national authorities, as well as relevant voluntary and civil society organisations including on risk management, crisis communication, protection of vulnerable groups, evacuation planning and cross-border cooperation. Capacity-building tools shall notably support community-based preparedness models, including neighbourhood response groups, local emergency coordinators and volunteer-led prevention initiatives. In this context, training and exercise programmes may include school-based preparedness activities, in cooperation with educational authorities and local civil protection services. Particular financial support shall be provided to local authorities with limited human and technical resources, especially those located in the least favoured territories.

Amendment 111

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
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 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, in coordination with other national and subnational civil protection authorities, including civil society organisations, local and regional authorities, private sector and the research community and based on a multi-hazard approach. It shall also integrate an ecosystem approach and promote the use of knowledge to prevent, mitigate, and respond to disasters in a way that sustains natural systems. In this task, the Knowledge Network will be assisted by the available Union institutional resources, including Union’s relevant institutions and bodies, as well as programmes and initiatives. Particular role in this area will play the satellite monitoring, the use of Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, IRIS2 and GOVSATCOM systems, the findings and analysis of the European Union Satellite Centre and of the European Space Agency, as well as space situational awareness services.

Amendment 112

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. Through the Knowledge Network, the link between the European, national, regional and local levels shall be strengthened. Regional and local authorities shall be recognised as core participants in the Knowledge Network, including through the involvement of regional civil protection agencies, regional environmental bodies, and cross-border cooperation entities. The Commission shall ensure that knowledge exchange within the Knowledge Network explicitly addresses regional specificities and that best practices from regional and local actors, in terms of risk planning, collection of territorial data and prevention activities, are systematically documented and disseminated. Special attention shall also be given to cross-border training exercises involving regions from different Member States that share common risk exposures.

Amendment 113

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. The Commission shall, through the Knowledge Network, take due account of the expertise available in the Member States, including across all levels of government, at Union level, at the level of international organisations and entities, at the level of third countries and at the level of organisations active on the ground.2. The Commission shall, through the Knowledge Network, take due account of the expertise available in the Member States and establish a structured dialogue with representatives of local and regional authorities, including across all levels of government, at Union level, at the level of international organisations and entities, at the level of third countries, at the level of academic research and at the level of organisations active on the ground, including experience from Member States with long-standing traditions of broad-based civil protection participation.

Amendment 114

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3. The Commission and the Member States shall promote gender-balanced and inclusive participation in the establishment and the functioning of the Knowledge Network.3. The Commission and the Member States shall promote balanced and representative participation of the relevant actors in the establishment and the functioning of the Knowledge Network.

Amendment 115

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4. The Commission shall, through the Knowledge Network, support coherence of planning and decision-making processes by facilitating the continuous exchange of knowledge and information involving all areas of activity under the Union Mechanism.4. The Commission shall, through the Knowledge Network, support coherence of planning and decision-making processes by facilitating the continuous exchange of knowledge and information involving all areas of activity under the Union Mechanism, while also ensuring the active participation of local and regional authorities in the planning, implementation and evaluation of prevention and preparedness activities.

Amendment 116

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 5

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5. The Commission shall, through the Knowledge Network, support Member States in raising disaster risk awareness of the population.5. The Commission shall, through the Knowledge Network, support Member States in all efforts to raise and promote disaster risk awareness and encourage active involvement of the population initiatives, by facilitating the exchange of best practices between Member States.

Amendment 117

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point a – point i

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(i) the set-up and management of financial assistance programmes in order to enhance risk management and knowledge sharing and to encourage the development of investments and plans for prevention and preparedness;(i) the set-up and management of technical and financial assistance programmes in order to enhance risk management and knowledge sharing and to encourage the development of investments and plans for prevention and preparedness, with particular attention to the least favoured territories;

Amendment 118

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point a – point i a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ia) the development of preparedness plans and disaster risk assessments at national or appropriate sub-national level in partnership with relevant authorities;

Amendment 119

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point a – point ii

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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, and include joint courses, lifelong learning opportunities for citizens, volunteers and community leaders. The exchange of expertise in the area of disaster and crisis management shall include exchanges of professionals and experienced volunteers. It shall include support programmes designed to encourage, recognise and retain volunteers in the long term. 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 programmes, through the creation of common European training pathways, shall strengthen the professional capacities of civil protection experts and promote the development of a shared operational language among the different national and regional systems. Training and exercise programmes shall include specific modules on ‘inclusive crisis communication’ and on the development and use of state-of-the-art technologies that enable accessible alerts for all citizens; In this context, the mutual recognition of qualifications of operational personnel, including voluntary personnel, shall be promoted, to enable or facilitate cross-border operations, as well as prevention and response measures;

Amendment 120

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point a – point ii a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(iia) targeted training modules for local and regional authority staff, volunteers and community coordinators in areas vulnerable to wildfires, floods, landslides, earthquakes or major health emergencies, including aspects of public and veterinary health preparedness and response;

Amendment 121

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point a – point iii

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(iii) the set-up and management of programmes for the provision and exchange of expertise.(iii) the set-up and management of a training and exercise programme, and an exchange of expertise for civil protection and disaster and crisis management personnel covering 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, include joint courses and support peer learning among national, regional and local authorities, including in cross-border areas;

Amendment 122

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point a – point iii a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(iiia) the development, support and dissemination of best practices for common and cross-border procurement models in civil protection, including standardised technical specifications, interoperable equipment and common interfaces.

Amendment 123

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point b

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 protection authorities and Member State authorities including local and regional authorities, also those in cross-border regions, and, where relevant, third countries, as well as supporting the use of these findings in public information and awareness-raising campaigns on disaster risk and preparedness.

Amendment 124

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 6 – point d

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(d) maintain an online platform serving the Knowledge Network to support and facilitate the implementation of the different tasks referred to in points (a), (b) and (c).(d) to promote, develop and maintain an online platform serving the Knowledge Network to support and facilitate the implementation of the different tasks referred to in points (a), (b) and (c); the online platform shall also collect up-to-date data on risks, prevention, planning and preparedness, as well as on the resources available in the different Member States.

Amendment 125

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 9

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
9. The Network shall also promote the operational uptake of Union-funded innovative solutions, and support Member States in identifying and applying state-of-the-art technologies and approaches, including through innovation procurement and public-private partnerships.9. The Network shall also promote the operational uptake of Union-funded innovative solutions, and support Member States and regions in identifying and applying state-of-the-art technologies and approaches, such as drones, including through innovation procurement and public-private partnerships. The Network shall be equipped with technological safeguards on the security of sensitive information and data exchanges, and strong protection against potential cyber- attacks.

Amendment 126

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 9 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
9a. The Knowledge Network shall also promote the active involvement of young people, including through youth organisations and educational institutions.

Amendment 127

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3a. Where clear evidence is available from relevant meteorological services in advance of an extraordinary weather event, Member States may trigger the Union Mechanism in a four day period leading up to the weather event to allow equipment such as mobile electricity generators and key equipment of this nature to be transported into the Member State in question and placed in a local area adjacent to the weather event so as to facilitate early usage.

Amendment 128

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 4

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4. Member States may, subject to appropriate security safeguards, provide information about relevant military response capacities that could be used as part of the assistance through the Union Mechanism, such as transport and logistical or medical support.4. Member States may, subject to appropriate security safeguards, provide information about relevant military response capacities that could be used as last resort as the assistance through the Union Mechanism, such as transport and logistical or medical support.

Amendment 129

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 8 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
8a. Preparedness actions shall demonstrate the operational importance of locally and regionally embedded command structures, with territorial knowledge and rapid decision-making capacity at regional and local level.

Amendment 130

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
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 represent the frontline response capacity of the Union Mechanism and shall be a key tool for strengthening Member States' capacity to respond efficiently and effectively to disasters and crises.
The ECPP shall be the primary instrument of the Union mechanism.
The 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).

Amendment 131

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 – paragraph 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. The assistance provided by a Member State through the ECPP shall be complementary to existing capacities in the requesting Member State, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of Member States for disaster prevention and response on their territory.2. The assistance provided by a Member State through the ECPP shall be complementary to existing capacities in the requesting Member State, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of Member States for disaster prevention, preparedness, and response on their territory.

Amendment 132

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 – paragraph 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3. On the basis of identified risks and any existing scenario-building as referred to in point (b) of Article 16(1), the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, define the types and specify the number of key response capacities required for the ECPP (‘response capacity goals’). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2).3. On the basis of identified risks and any existing scenario-building as referred to in point (b) of Article 16(1), in cooperation with the Member States, the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, define the types and specify the number of key response capacities required for the ECPP (‘response capacity goals’). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2).

Amendment 133

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 – paragraph 6

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
6. Member States shall on a voluntary basis identify, commit and register the response capacities which they offer to the ECPP, including relevant military capacities that could be used as part of assistance. The registration of multinational modules provided by two or more Member States shall be undertaken jointly by all the Member States concerned.6. Member States shall on a voluntary basis identify, commit and register the response capacities which they offer to the ECPP, including relevant military capacities that could be used as part of civil protection assistance. The registration of multinational modules provided by two or more Member States shall be undertaken jointly by all the Member States concerned. Member States and regions are encouraged to establish cross-border civil protection arrangements and joint operational units in border regions exposed to shared risks.

Amendment 134

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. rescEU shall be established to provide assistance in overwhelming situations where overall existing capacities at national level and those pre-committed by Member States to the ECPP are not, in the circumstances, able to ensure an effective response to the various kinds of disasters and crisis referred to in Article 2(1).

Amendment 135

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 2

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
2. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, define the response capacities rescEU shall consist of, based, among other things, on Union risk assessments in accordance with Article 16(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2).2. The Commission, in agreement with Member States, shall, by means of implementing acts, define the response capacities rescEU shall consist of, based, among other things, on Union risk assessments in accordance with Article 16(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2).

Amendment 136

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
The Commission shall, through the ERCC and in close coordination with the hosting and requesting Member States, ensure operational coordination for the location and efficient use of the Union-financed capacities, notably the aerial firefighting capacities, including transparent prioritisation criteria in case of simultaneous requests.

Amendment 137

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 6

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
6. rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States or the Commission. The Commission and the Member States shall, where appropriate, ensure an adequate geographical distribution of rescEU capacities.6. rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States or the Commission. The Commission and the Member States shall, where appropriate, ensure an adequate geographical distribution of rescEU capacities. In determining the geographical distribution of rescEU capacities, the Commission shall ensure equitable access for all regions of the Union, taking into account regional disparities in existing national capacities and the particular exposure of certain regions to specific disaster risks. The Commission shall ensure that their geographical positioning is regularly assessed and adapted, taking into account accessibility constraints, territorial vulnerabilities and the specific needs of the least favoured territories.

Amendment 138

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 7

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
7. The Commission shall define quality requirements, by means of implementing acts, for the response capacities forming part of rescEU, in consultation with the Member States. The quality requirements shall be based on established international standards, where such standards already exist. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2).7. The Commission shall define quality requirements, by means of implementing acts, for the response capacities forming part of rescEU, in consultation with the Member States. The quality requirements shall be based on established international standards, where such standards already exist. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2). Quality requirements shall also include, where relevant, environmental sustainability criteria, as well as economic feasibility, availability of resources and supply-chain criteria.

Amendment 139

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 11

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
11. Where rescEU capacities consist of equipment or consumable goods, the Commission, through the ERCC, may decide to either donate or loan the offered rescEU capacities.11. Where rescEU capacities consist of equipment or consumable goods, Member States in consultation with the Commission, through the ERCC, may decide to either donate or loan the offered rescEU capacities.

Amendment 140

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3a. Pursuant to Article 20 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 196 TFEU , and in accordance with Articles 326 to 334 TFEU, an enhanced cooperation in the field of civil protection shall be established in order to develop deeper operational integration, permanent multinational capacities and harmonised preparedness structures within the framework of this Regulation. This shall further lead to the establishment of permanent rescEU personnel corps that can be put at use immediately once emergency arises across the Union.

Amendment 141

Proposal for a regulation

Article 23 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The Commission, in cooperation with Member States, shall undertake the following actions to enhance anticipation and early warning capabilities, building on the Union space capabilities provided by Copernicus, Galileo and where necessary, other space services:1. The Commission, in cooperation with Member States, shall undertake the following actions to enhance anticipation and early warning capabilities, building on the Union space capabilities provided by Copernicus, Galileo and where necessary, other space services, as well as the use of AI and quantum computing tools to elaborate the possible scenarios:

Amendment 142

Proposal for a regulation

Article 23 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ba) in cooperation with local and regional authorities, design early warning and anticipation systems and develop situational awareness and analysis capacities, to map the structural vulnerabilities of regions and populations, ensuring that satellite-based systems are accessible to all citizens wishing to communicate or receive disaster alerts, including in situations where other means of communication are unavailable. Early warning and anticipation systems supported under this Regulation shall have simplified interfaces and shall ensure interoperability with assistive devices used notably by persons with disabilities, elderly persons, linguistically diverse populations and populations in the least favoured territories;

Amendment 143

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4a. The ERCC shall ensure full interoperability between Union-level digital systems and national and, where relevant, regional and local civil protection platforms, including the 112 European emergency number, systems for early warning, mapping, logistics and emergency personnel coordination, as well as early situational awareness tools. Support from ERCC shall include guidance, common interfaces and technical support, in cooperation with Member States and regions.

Amendment 144

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 5 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
5a. In the event of a crisis, the ERCC shall be responsible for coordinating the European authorities involved in the financial instruments activated to address the crisis.

Amendment 145

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. Without prejudice to Article 25, a Crisis Coordination Hub (the Hub) is hereby established. The Hub shall build upon the structure and the capabilities of the ERCC, including its analytical and scientific capabilities, situational awareness, and 24/7 operational capacity for cross-sectoral crises.1. Without prejudice to Article 25, a Crisis Coordination Hub (the Hub) is hereby established. The Hub shall build upon the structure and the capabilities of the ERCC, including its analytical and scientific capabilities, situational awareness, and 24/7 operational capacity for cross-sectoral crises. The Hub shall operate in full complementarity with ERCC and other existing Union crisis management structures and shall not duplicate their functions.

Amendment 146

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. The Hub shall support anticipation, situational awareness and coordination, without taking over operational command or duplicating the responsibilities of Member States’ competent authorities or existing Union crisis structures. The Hub shall operate on the basis of transparent procedures and designated national contact points.

Amendment 147

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
4a. The Hub shall establish structured channels of communication with regional civil protection authorities to ensure that regional and local situational awareness is systematically fed into Union-level crisis coordination. Regional authorities holding primary operational competences in civil protection shall be able to transmit real-time operational data to the Hub, and shall be kept informed of cross-sectoral crisis coordination decisions that directly affect their territories.

Amendment 148

Proposal for a regulation

Article 27 – paragraph 3

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
3. The notifications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall, as appropriate, be made through CECIS. The Commission shall define the components of CECIS as well as the organisation of information sharing through CECIS by means of an implementing act adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2).3. The notifications referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall, as appropriate, be made through CECIS. The Commission shall define the components of CECIS as well as the organisation of information sharing through CECIS by means of an implementing act adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 35(2) including the establishment of a standardized reporting form to be used by all Member States.

Amendment 149

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ba) supporting the establishment, maintenance and operation of local and regional logistical hubs and the temporary and rotating pre-positioning of response resources in the outermost regions, taking into account geographical remoteness, insularity, logistical isolation and specific vulnerability, as well as the coordination of such capacities with other Member States to ensure a swift, effective response in situations involving increased risk or cross-border emergencies;

Amendment 150

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(bb) providing resources, expertise and coordination in setting up of the digital solutions for the crisis management; supporting strengthened cybersecurity of the critical infrastructure sites, in particular the resilience of health sector and energy infrastructure against malicious threats;

Amendment 151

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(d) facilitating the actions allowing for medical evacuation hubs and the conducting of medical evacuation;(d) facilitating the actions allowing for medical evacuation hubs or emergency evacuation hubs and the conducting of medical evacuation or emergency evacuation correspondingly;

Amendment 152

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph 1 – point f

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(f) preparation for the mobilisation and deployment of intervention teams;(f) preparation for the mobilisation and deployment of intervention teams, including where applicable the participation of volunteers;

Amendment 153

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1a. Union support shall include adequate financial assistance for preparedness, logistics and early response infrastructure at regional and local level, with simplified access procedures.

Amendment 154

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1b. Union support may include shared cross-border infrastructure for logistics shared training facilities, joint early response arrangements and technical support platforms serving neighbouring regions and municipalities.

Amendment 155

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph 6

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
6. The Commission may facilitate response by developing cartographical material for the swift deployment and mobilisation of resources, bearing in mind especially the particularities of cross-border regions for multi-country transboundary risks.6. The Commission may facilitate response by developing cartographical material for the swift deployment and mobilisation of resources, bearing in mind especially the geographical particularities of the outermost regions and islands, easing rescue operations, medical evacuation, and other essential aid in the event of disasters, as well as the particularities of cross-border regions for multi-country transboundary risks, and the need to strengthen operational cooperation, interoperability and coordination between them.

Amendment 156

Proposal for a regulation

Article 33 – paragraph 4 – point a

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(a) Member States shall nominate experts, under their responsibility, who can be deployed as members of EUCP Teams;(a) Member States shall nominate experts who can be deployed as members of EUCP Teams;

Amendment 157

Proposal for a regulation

Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(ca) supporting measures to remove legal, financial or practical obstacles to cross-border cooperation between Member States, regional and local authorities or third countries involved in the prevention, preparedness and management of health threats, including through dedicated capacity-building programmes for regions with structurally weaker health infrastructure, and ensuring that health emergency preparedness planning at national and regional levels integrates the operational realities and needs of regional and local health authorities; supporting measures to establish joint cross-border healthcare plans benefiting civilian population in the event of a crisis, through increased care capacity, the use of shared infrastructure, without the need to harmonise national health systems;

Amendment 158

Proposal for a regulation

Article 34 – paragraph 1 – point d

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(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 and energy resilience infrastructures.

Amendment 159

Proposal for a regulation

Article 35 – paragraph 1

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011, included in the work program and composed of the civil protection authorities of the Member States.
The committee shall meet in a specific configuration for matters relating to the objectives referred to in Article 34 and for multisectoral matters.

Amendment 160

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – Section 4 – point 1 – introductory part

Amendment: Text proposed by the Commission and Amendment
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendment
(1) Actions meeting the objective laid down in point (d) of Article 4(2), which may be funded at a rate of up to 75%:(1) Actions meeting the objective laid down in point (d) of Article 4(2), which may be funded at a rate of up to 75 %, while for the outermost regions (ORs) such actions may be funded at a rate of up to 85 %:

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 1 block

The rapporteur for opinion in his capacity as rapporteur for opinion declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his opinion input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

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
Table from the text: Title
TitleUnion Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for health emergency preparedness and response, and repealing Decision No 1313/2013/EU (Union Civil Protection Mechanism)
ReferencesCOM(2025)0548 – C10-0174/2025 – 2025/0223(COD)
Committee(s) responsible Date announced in plenaryENVI 23.10.2025SANT 23.10.2025
Opinion by Date announced in plenaryREGI 23.10.2025
Rapporteur for opinion Date appointedVladimir Prebilič 16.1.2026
Discussed in committee28.1.202617.3.2026
Date adopted6.5.2026
Result of final vote+: –: 0:30 1 2
Final vote by roll call by the committee asked for opinion 3 blocks

30 · For

ECR
Denis Nesci, Antonella Sberna, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Francesco Ventola
EPP
Fredis Beleris, Christian Doleschal, Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Krzysztof Hetman, Andrey Novakov, Maria Walsh, Marta Wcisło
Patriots
Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Klara Dostalova
Renew
Dan Barna, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Elsi Katainen, Ciaran Mullooly
S&D
Dragoş Benea, Klára Dobrev, Sofie Eriksson, Nora Mebarek, Sabrina Repp, Marcos Ros Sempere
The Left
Sebastian Everding, Kathleen Funchion, Valentina Palmisano
Greens
Cristina Guarda, Vladimir Prebilič, Mārtiņš Staķis

1 · Against

ESN
Irmhild Boßdorf

2 · Abstained

Patriots
André Rougé, Alexandre Varaut

Connections

The dossier, the decisions on this text and its other versions.

No connections found for this item.

Sources & citation

Where the facts on this page come from, and how to cite it.

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, 28 May 2026. docId REGI-AD-784245. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AD-784245 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/REGI-AD-784245 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-regi-ad-784245,
  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 = {2026-05-28},
  howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AD-784245}},
  url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/REGI-AD-784245},
  urldate = {2026-09-25},
  publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
  note = {Text. docId REGI-AD-784245. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}