MEPs call for at least €1.4 billion for EU disaster management | News | European Parliament

MEPs call for at least €1.4 billion for EU disaster management | News | European Parliament

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism needs at least €1.4 billion in funding for 2021-2027 to ensure it is equipped to help with disaster relief, according to MEPs.

The fund helps EU countries respond to emergencies and disasters. In the past it has been activated to help in earthquakes, fires, floods and most recently to evacuate EU citizens affected by the Coronavirus outbreak from China.

In a report adopted on 5 March, Parliament's environment committee said funding for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism should be at least €1.4 billion in 2021-2027, as proposed by the European Commission.

They also called for more clarity about how funds are split between prevention, preparedness and response. The committee said a significantly larger amount should go to preparedness. (...)