In recent years, natural disasters have become more frequent and severe, impacting every European region and causing significant casualties and damage to infrastructure and the environment. The EU plays a critical role in coordinating disaster responses across Europe and beyond, addressing epidemics, floods, storms, forest fires, earthquakes, and human-induced disasters. 

Disasters know no borders and can simultaneously hit one or several countries without warning. A well-coordinated joint response ensures a single point of contact during emergencies, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. In 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was established to strengthen cooperation among EU countries and 10 participating states on civil protection, improving disaster prevention, preparedness, and response.

When an emergency occurs, any country can request assistance through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). Operational 24/7, it monitors global events and ensures rapid deployment of emergency support through direct links with national civil protection authorities. Specialised teams and equipment, such as firefighting planes, search and rescue, as well as medical teams, can be quickly mobilised for missions within and outside Europe. This approach pools first responder’s expertise and resources, avoids duplicating efforts, and ensures swift aid delivery.

To plan the response, the ERCC can rely on the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS), which provides timely and precise geospatial information for planning disaster relief operations. It addresses various disaster types and supports prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

rescEU, fully funded by the EU and hosted by the EU countries, further enhances disaster protection and manages emerging risks. This reserve of European capacities includes firefighting planes, helicopters, medical evacuation planes, stockpiles of medical items and field hospitals ready for health emergencies. To prepare for the 2024 wildfire season, the EU has established a fleet of 32 aerial firefighting assets and 556 firefighters across Europe, in addition to the rescEU reserve.

In the event of health emergencies, the European Medical Corps coordinates European health emergency responses under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Since 2020, the EU has strengthened its medical preparedness through rescEU. This includes reserves of medical items and evacuation capabilities to reinforce the European Medical Corps’ capacity for rapid medical assistance within and outside the EU.

For immediate help in emergencies, the European emergency phone number 112 is available across the EU, free of charge. Dialling 112 connects you to emergency services, including ambulance, fire brigade, or police, with specially trained operators directing the calls to the appropriate service.

Europe’s unified disaster response approach, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and rescEU, exemplifies the strength of collaboration in protecting lives and minimising disaster impacts.

For more information

Wildfires

EU Civil Protection Mechanism

rescEU

European Medical Corps

Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)

Copernicus Emergency Management Service

112: EU Emergency number

EU Protects: How Europe came together to fight forest fires

EU’s Fast Aid: How Europe Responds to Global Disasters