Skip to main content
European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
News article17 May 2022Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)

Commissioner Lenarčič visits France during EU funded disaster response exercise

Red truck used for emergency communication with a EU Civil protection colleague in front
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Geir Ellingsen)

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is in France today to participate in the EU funded “DOMINO” full-scale civil protection exercise near Marseille.

The aim of this disaster response simulation is to improve the preparedness of first responders and emergency managers, coming from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Spain, in the event of a chemical incident.

Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “Live simulations offer a unique and much needed opportunity for emergency personnel to come together to strengthen their preparedness for large-scale disasters. I wish to thank France, as well as Austria, Belgium, Germany and Spain for their contributions in organising the largest industrial full-scale exercise in recent memory. Let me assure that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism remains available to provide urgent assistance whenever heavy disasters and other emergencies strike.”

While in the region, the Commissioner will also meet President of the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Renaud Muselier and leaders of EU Civil Protection authorities to discuss current and future challenges in joint European crisis prevention, preparedness and response.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is currently mobilising the largest operation in its history in support of Ukraine, providing more than 30,000 tonnes of relief items to civilians in need.