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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
  • News article
  • 29 June 2022
  • Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)
  • 1 min read

European Civil Protection Forum: future role of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism

EU staff posing in the Emergency Response Coordination Centre with an EU vest
© European Union, 2022 (photographer: Pierre-Yves Jortay)

As natural hazards such as forest fires worsen across Europe and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has intensified EU civil protection requests, representatives gathered over 28-29 June for the 7th European Civil Protection Forum.

Amongst others, the forum provided a platform for exchanging views on the civil protection aspects related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ways of strengthening climate resilience, how to improve regional and international cooperation, and sharing knowledge for a stronger and more innovative European Civil Protection.

In particular, Commissioner Lenarčič highlighted his ambition of the expansion of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism to all countries in the Western Balkan for the better protection of lives and livelihoods in the region.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The EU's joint approach in civil protection allows for a strong and coherent collective response. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism prove many times in the past its advantage of pooling expertise and capacities of first responders, avoiding duplication of their efforts, and making sure that assistance meets the needs of those affected. But we can always do more, we must adapt to complex events and protect our people from new risks. I thank the participant for their contribution with a view to further improve the Union Civil Protection Mechanism”.

The Forum welcomed over 1,000 participants in Brussels and online, all involved in the implementation and shaping of the European civil protection policy.