Europe is facing increasingly frequent and complex crises, prompting the European Commission to step up efforts to enhance preparedness across the EU. The measures aim to help citizens protect themselves in emergency situations and ensure national civil protection systems can continue to function during disasters.
At the European Civil Protection Forum, Commissioner for Equality, Crisis Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, presented new guidelines to help people and communities prepare for emergencies, focusing on the first 72 hours. An annual EU Preparedness Day was also announced, with the first edition scheduled for October 2027. These initiatives build on a recent Commission recommendation on operational continuity and stress testing to enhance the resilience of national civil protection contact points.
The new Commission guidelines focus on four fundamental areas: 72-hour self-sufficiency, preparedness education (including for children), inclusive preparation for people with disabilities, and effective communication of risks and threats. The goal is to foster a culture of preparedness throughout Europe.
The proposal for an annual EU Preparedness Day, to be held on October 23rd starting in 2027, aims to make preparedness a common priority, encouraging active participation from citizens and communities and recognizing the efforts of authorities and organizations.
Additionally, a recommendation on operational continuity and stress testing seeks to ensure that national civil protection contact points remain operational during disruptive events, guaranteeing the mechanism's effective response in emergencies.
