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Protecting people and building preparedness and resilience

Key figures

almost €400 billion
in loans to Member States, to be triggered when severe crises hit the Union
€10.7 billion
in common funding for civil protection and health emergency preparedness

A budget built for resilience and agility

The growing risks of extreme weather, hybrid attacks, power outages, and spreading diseases require the EU to step up its preparedness. Here is how the next budget plans to achieve it: 

  • New national and regional partnerships will fund targeted investments and reforms in all areas of preparedness and crisis management, tailored to local needs.
  • The EU Facility will speed up access to EU solidarity support after disasters.
  • An agriculture reserve will support farmers and stabilise markets if needed.
  • The European Competitiveness Fund will boost Europe’s readiness in key sectors, by developing industrial capacities and funding cutting-edge technologies. It will also reinforce EU investments in health and healthcare to better protect communities.
  • The Global Europe Instrument will support partner countries to prevent crisis spreading. 

A strengthened civil protection mechanism

A strengthened Union Civil Protection Mechanism, together with robust funding for health emergency preparedness and response, will significantly enhance the EU’s ability to manage crises. It will help build a more effective system to support countries when disasters occur - ranging from wildfires and floods to earthquakes and cross-sectoral health emergencies.  

By improving coordination among Member States, the EU can respond more swiftly and efficiently. These measures will better protect people, the environment, property, and cultural heritage from both natural and human-induced disasters. In addition, consolidating funding for civil protection and health preparedness will allow for faster, more targeted emergency responses. 

What this means for the EU

Disaster resilience

Member States will be better equipped to withstand natural and human-induced disasters, enhancing national and cross-border resilience.

Health security

Improved information exchange, early warning systems, and surveillance will strengthen Member States’ ability to detect and respond to health threats swiftly.

Crisis response

Access to medical countermeasures and stronger EU-Member State coordination will ensure faster, more effective responses to public health emergencies.

Global preparedness

Emergency aid and financial support from the Global Europe Fund will help partner countries manage crises more effectively and prevent regional instability.

What the EU budget delivers today