Europeans continue to show very strong support for a coordinated European approach to disaster preparedness and response, according to the latest Special Eurobarometer on EU Civil Protection published today by the European Commission.
As Europe faces growing risks and increasingly complex natural hazards and human-induced disasters, 9 in 10 Europeans think it is important that the EU helps coordinate disaster response both within its territories and other countries, while 94% agree that Member States should support one another when a disaster overwhelms a country’s ability to cope on its own.
Bolstering this view, 91% of respondents agree that the coordinated EU action should be strengthened even further, to deal more effectively with disasters and crises in the future – a one percentage point increase from the previous survey in 2023. Support also extends beyond the EU’s borders: 91% of respondents believe European assistance should be provided to countries outside the EU facing major disasters. Overall, the findings underline the importance Europeans continue to give to solidarity, preparedness and collective action in the face of disasters that know no borders and increasingly require shared solutions.
In addition to measuring public opinion, the Commission is also actively engaging with citizens to ensure their views and experiences help shape EU policies. As part of these efforts, the European Citizens’ Panel on Population Preparedness, held earlier in 2026, brought together 150 citizens from across the EU and resulted in 20 recommendations on how to strengthen preparedness across Europe. Covering areas such as crisis communication, inclusion, self-sufficiency, volunteering and preparedness education, these citizen recommendations will be presented at the upcoming European Civil Protection Forum on 3-4 November and will help inform the Commission’s follow-up work under the Preparedness Union Strategy.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said:
‘Europeans are sending a clear message: they want a stronger, more coordinated European approach to disaster preparedness and response. This Eurobarometer shows that solidarity remains one of Europe’s greatest strengths. When crises strike, citizens expect Europe to act together – to help one another at home and to support partners beyond our borders. As disasters become more frequent and more complex, we must turn this strong public support into stronger preparedness, faster response, and greater resilience for all.’
Background
The European Union supports disaster prevention, preparedness and response through the EU civil protection mechanism, which helps coordinate assistance among Member States and participating countries when emergencies overwhelm national capacities. Any country hit by a disaster, in Europe and beyond, can request assistance through the mechanism. The Commission plays a key role in coordinating the disaster response and contributing to the transport and operational costs of deployments. Since 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated over 900 times to respond to emergencies.
More information:
European Civil Protection Forum 2026
Commission receives 20 citizens’ recommendations to strengthen emergency preparedness in the EU
