The European Commission has adopted on 26 October a Communication aimed to improve the disaster response of the European Union and make it better, faster and more efficient. The Communication proposes the creation of the European Emergency Response Centre to coordinate actions, active both within and outside of its borders.

The disaster response strategy put forward by the Commission is based on making the most effective use of existing instruments rather than establishing new overarching structures. It aims to develop scenarios for the main disaster risks and to identify the assets needed if these risks materialise.

To achieve this, the Commission outlines a twin-track approach: first, it proposes that a European Emergency Response Capacity is set up, based on Member States' expertise and assets; and second, a European Emergency Response Centre will be the new platform for more effective EU coordination whenever disasters strike.

This emergency response centre, which will merge the humanitarian aid (ECHO) and civil protection (MIC) crisis rooms, will collect real-time information on disasters, monitor hazards, alert member states, and coordinate the EU's disaster response actions. Also, a map will be drawn of Member States' assets that are currently available for EU response, and national authorities will be requested to voluntarily put core equipment on standby, available for rapid European assistance if needed.

These proposals will be complemented later on by the Commission's proposal for an Internal Security Strategy, proposals on the role of the EEAS in disaster response and also the implementing arrangements for the Solidarity Clause which was introduced in the Lisbon Treaty.

Coordination in Humanitarian multilateral actions

In addition, Commission's proposals aim to reinforce the Union's input in the overall coordination in post-disaster situations, carried out by the United Nations. This proposals are part of the overall EU strategy put forward by the Commission regarding Community actions involving measures to improve prevention, preparedness, response and resilience in case of disaster.

The strategy also identifies the need for increased visibility, and therefore transparency and accountability, of the work done by the EU in its disaster response operations. Measures are proposed including the use of EU symbols and ensuring that the Commission's humanitarian partners give adequate visibility to EU-funded assistance.