Proposal to update the Regulation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)

The European Commission proposes to update the Regulation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), integrating the financing for health emergency preparedness and response, to ensure a comprehensive and integrated EU response to crises. As one of the first deliverables under the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, the new Regulation will enhance EU support and solidarity through the UCPM and health emergency preparedness and response.

The proposed Regulation brings 3 key innovations: 

1. Establishing a Crisis Coordination Hub building on the existing Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) to improve anticipation, monitoring and response to complex crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
2. Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response to boost the Union’s capacity to detect, monitor, and combat cross-border health threats, including pandemics and non-communicable diseases. This is also achieved by reinforcing funding, for example for surveillance, medical stockpiles and procurement, stepping up EU-level capabilities in times of crises, in close coordination with Member States.
3. Reinforcing national capacity building and stakeholder engagement. As part of the EU Civil Protection Knowledge Network, engagement and closer cooperation with key stakeholders, such as population, volunteers, private and military sectors, will be fostered ensuring a more inclusive approach to crisis management through joint trainings and exercises.