EU in Emergencies

The Manneken Pis, Belgium's national treasure, has a special new look. Ahead of the European Civil Protection Forum taking place in Brussels next week, the Manneken Pis has been dressed in a miniature version of the uniform worn by EU civil protection officers during emergencies. This symbolic costume handover ceremony aims to pay tribute to all first responders and crisis management professionals across Europe. Their work is crucial for safeguarding the well-being and safety of European citizens, especially given the increasingly challenging disaster risk landscape. The EU stands by their side, with a number of prevention, preparedness and response tools, such as the EU Civil Protection Mechanism or rescEU. If you cannot make it to Brussels on 4-5 June, join us at the #CPForum2024 online → https://europa.eu/!GBDfDJ #EUCivilProtection #MannekenPis

Today, the European Commission adopted the Communication on the Evaluation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for the years 2017-2022. The Evaluation highlights the need for increased operational coordination across sectors to improve how Europe deals with disasters and crises.   The Evaluation found that: - Europe needs more coordination to foster an integrated, resilient, and effective European disaster and crisis management system and to be ready for the future risk landscape. - The Commission should continue to enhance a holistic approach involving all hazards and all of society to effectively support and complement the efforts of EU countries in prevention, preparedness, and response actions. - The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been a crucial success in managing emergencies at the EU level. - The implementation of rescEU was effective and efficient in bolstering the EU’s resilience in responding to disasters. Civil protection remains a key pillar in the EU’s prevention, preparedness, and response activities to face more frequent, intense, and complex disasters of the future. Read more → https://europa.eu/!vvBx4G #EUCivilProtection

Interested in applying for an action grant in the area of crisis preparedness? Join tomorrow's information session organised by the EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority and European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)! Registration → https://lnkd.in/d9n-UNhe #EU4Health

Looking for a new podcast? We have recently teamed up with The Explainer, a weekly podcast by the Irish TheJournal.ie, to explain how the EU responds to climate-related disasters, in Europe and beyond. The podcast's episode features our colleagues, Esther El Haddad and Johanne Emmélie La, who delve into the role of the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in providing assistance to countries facing floods, wildfires, and other extreme weather emergencies. Listen and learn more here → https://spoti.fi/44WtgOs 🎧 #EUSolidarityTalks #EUCivilProtection

In a world where disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, preparedness is a must.   The rescEU crisis reserve, part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, is a leap forward in managing disasters. It’s an additional reserve of strategic equipment and supplies fully funded by the EU to help people and the environment when disasters such as the wildfires in Greece or the earthquakes in Türkiye strike.   Aligned with the EU disaster resilience goals, the rescEU efforts are paving the way for a more resilient Europe.   Learn more about the rescEU initiative and how it’s shaping a safer future for all of us 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekfcrsYi #UnitedInAction #rescEU

The Commission adopted a Communication on the European Health Union, which highlights the strides made in EU health policy over the last four years, for the benefit of citizens in the EU and worldwide. The Health Union emerged in the midst of the pandemic with the vision to ensure that Member States are better prepared to respond to future health crises together. The goals of the European Health Union quickly turned into tangible results: 📌 Stronger health security measures, to better respond to future crises 📌 Equal and timely access to affordable medicines for all citizens 📌 A world-leading Cancer Plan 📌 Game-changing initiatives to digitalise healthcare 📌 Comprehensive action for better mental health 📌 Rules to boost patient safety and secure the supply of medicinal products 📌 A One Health approach to tackle major health risks A key pillar of the Health Union was the creation of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), to strengthen Europe’s ability to ensure the provision of medical countermeasures in case of a pandemic or other large-scale health threats. HERA is monitoring cross-border health threats and fortifying EU preparedness through the use of joint procurement, stockpiling, investing in industry for quick development of urgently needed medicines, connecting networks of labs, and forming arrangements with key global partners, amongst other actions. Taking its core role within the Health Union seriously, HERA is focused on continuing it’s part to play in the protection of Europe against the health threats of tomorrow. More info – europa.eu/!GQDYGX More info on HERA – europa.eu/!HpYCJm

In solidarity we prepare, and united we stand.  We are boosting our preparedness against wildfires for this summer through the #rescEU fleet and a strategic pre-positioning of firefighters. This means: 🔸 24 aeroplanes and 4 helicopters hosted by ten EU countries;   🔹 550+ firefighters from twelve countries on standby.     We have also allocated €600 million that will facilitate the acquisition of 12 new firefighting planes and several helicopters in the future.  Learn more about our measures → https://europa.eu/!xmMQqg #EUCivilProtection #EuropeanUnion

In the past weeks, the devastating floods in Brazil have affected 90% of the territory of Rio Grande do Sul. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC, as of 12 May, 143 people have died, 130 are still missing and 806 others have been injured. In addition, almost 540,000 people have been displaced. To support the ongoing emergency response on the ground and to provide assistance to those affected, the EU has allocated €1.2 million through its Emergency Toolbox - one of the instruments the European Commission uses to assist in unforeseen, sudden-onset crises outside the EU. More → https://europa.eu/!KDpfgw ©️ Copernicus Emergency Management Service, 2024.

On this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we proudly stand for a #UnionOfEquality, where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated and protected. The EU humanitarian action is firmly rooted in the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. These core values guide our mission to support all those in need without discrimination. Impartiality means providing assistance solely based on need, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status. Today and every day, we commit to promoting and defending the rights of all individuals, ensuring no one is left behind. Fine out more about the four humanitarian principles → https://europa.eu/!74RTjd #EU4LGBTIQ 🏳️🌈🇪🇺 ©️ European Union, 2024.

Investing in disaster prevention and preparedness makes economic sense and, most importantly, helps save environment and lives. That is why the European Union continuously supports initiatives that provide decision-makers and practitioners with evidence, data, and tools to enhance disaster risk management across Europe. Most recently, the EU joined forces with The World Bank to prepare three new reports on: ☑️ smart investments in disaster resilience; ☑️ the cost of adaptation strategies; ☑️ the financial impact of wildfires and droughts. The reports have just been published. You can read them here → https://europa.eu/!bhdNkt #DisasterResilience #EUCivilProtection