Proposal for a Decision amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism

Summary:

Legislative initiative published by the European Commission on 2 June 2020, which proposes a number of changes to Decision No 1313/2013/EU on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). This is in the framework of the revamped proposals on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, in light of the consequences of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Further information:

The EU's Civil Protection Mechanism is the tool used by the European Union to support, coordinate and supplement the action of Member States in the field of civil protection to prevent, prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters within and outside the EU. Its financial envelope for the period 2014-2020 is set out by Decision No 1313/2013/EU.

The existing UCPM framework relies entirely on Member States' resources. This system of mutual support failed once most or all of them were affected by the same emergency. In other words, the pandemic showed the need for better EU preparedness for future large-scale emergencies, and proved the limitations of the existing framework. The mechanism requires more flexibility and autonomy to act at an EU level, in situations when overwhelmed Member States cannot do so.

In this context, and in accordance to plans relating to the EU's Recovery Plan and the revamped proposals for the MFF 2021-2027, the European Commission adopted this initiative, which introduces a targeted revision to the existing UCPM legislative framework. The proposal builds on progress achieved by the co-legislators in their considerations and deliberations on another proposal relating to the UCPM.

The Council of the European Union adopted a partial negotiating position on 7 October 2020, followed by a full mandate on 30 November.

• Primary Source

Official

European Parliament: Legislative Observatory: Procedure File for Proposal on Union Civil Protection Mechanism https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/ficheprocedure.do?lang=en&reference=2020/0097(COD)

European Parliament: Legislative Train Schedule: Union Civil Protection Mechanism 2021-2027 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-a-stronger-europe-in-the-world/file-new-ucpm-2021-2027/10-2020

European Commission: Questions and Answers: rescEU and Humanitarian Aid under the new MFF (2 June 2020) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_20_984

European Commission: Statement by Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič at the press conference on sectoral MFF 2021–2027 proposal by the European Commission https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_20_991

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 07/10/2020: Civil protection funding: Council agrees its negotiating position https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/10/07/civil-protection-funding-council-agrees-its-negotiating-position/

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 30/11/2020: Civil protection: Council agrees its negotiating mandate to strengthen disaster prevention, preparedness and response https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/11/30/civil-protection-council-agrees-its-negotiating-mandate-to-strengthen-disaster-prevention-preparedness-and-response/

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