Cyberattacks, pandemics, natural disasters: Prepare now for crises of tomorrow

European preparedness is no longer optional – it's essential. On Wednesday, the EPP Group adopted its position paper on EU resilience and crisis readiness. Following the recently presented EU Preparedness Strategy, the EPP Group calls on the EU to urgently elevate civil preparedness through a whole-of-government, whole-of-society, all-hazards approach.

“The security landscape in Europe has worsened, and it’s time to act. We must bridge geographical differences by enhancing coordination between Member States and the EU, between the EU and NATO, between civilian and military actors, and between society and politics,” said Lena Düpont MEP, EPP Group Spokeswoman on Home Affairs.

In addition to better civil-military cooperation, the EU must be able to effectively communicate with citizens and quickly counter any dangerous misinformation in times of crisis. Digital resilience is crucial. The EPP Group also insists on targeted support for volunteers active in civil protection, notably volunteer firefighters and first responders.

“At a time when natural disasters and extreme weather conditions are on the rise, we need a resilient European Union. We can’t afford to lose committed people who want to contribute to society. We call on the European Commission to take the necessary measures to improve the situation for the many volunteer firefighters and first responders, including in the area of the Working Time Directive. The cross-border deployment of emergency services must also be further simplified," stressed Pascal Arimont MEP.

The EPP Group also calls on the EU to ensure access to vital pharmaceuticals and medical devices and urgently improve food and energy security.

The full text of the position paper adopted today is available here.