EU Preparedness Strategy – Rapid Crisis Response

This document, presented on March 26, 2025, aims to support Member States in preventing crises as well as ensuring a swift and effective response when they occur. The strategy addresses a rising number of threats, which—despite their diversity—require coordinated action at the European level.

Rising Threats – A New Reality for the EU

The European Union is facing increasingly complex crises. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, hybrid threats, and growing cybersecurity risks are just a few of the factors that could destabilize the region. Additional challenges include migration pressures, disinformation campaigns, and natural disasters. Given this broad range of threats, the EU must develop and implement effective preparedness mechanisms to protect its citizens.

Key Objectives and Actions of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy

The preparedness strategy is based on a proactive approach, not only addressing current challenges but also focusing on long-term readiness for future crises. Its core objectives and actions cover several areas aimed at enhancing the EU’s ability to respond quickly and minimizing risks associated with various threats.

Protecting Essential Social Functions

The first priority is ensuring that critical sectors such as hospitals, schools, transport, and telecommunications are well-prepared for potential crises. The EU will establish minimum preparedness criteria and improve stockpiling processes for essential equipment and materials. Additionally, adapting to climate change and ensuring the availability of critical natural resources, including water, will be of key importance.

Promoting Public Preparedness

The strategy places significant emphasis on preparing citizens for crisis situations. It encourages the public to take preventive measures, such as maintaining a 72-hour emergency supply in case of sudden emergencies. Furthermore, the plan includes integrating preparedness lessons into school curricula and introducing an EU Preparedness Day to educate citizens on emergency procedures and social responsibility.

Crisis Response and Civil-Military Cooperation

To improve crisis response, the EU plans to establish an EU Crisis Hub to enhance coordination among existing crisis management structures. This initiative aims to increase efficiency and enable faster responses to emergencies.

In the face of both civilian and military threats, the strategy promotes closer collaboration between civilian and military services within Member States. Regular preparedness exercises, involving armed forces, civil protection agencies, police, firefighters, and healthcare workers, will help build joint crisis response capabilities. Additionally, the EU plans to invest in dual-use technologies, which can be utilized for both civilian and military purposes.

Threat Forecasting and Risk Assessment

Effective crisis prevention requires early warning and forecasting. As part of the strategy, the EU will develop a comprehensive risk assessment system to identify potential threats such as natural disasters, hybrid attacks, and cyber threats. This will enable rapid response and the implementation of preventive measures.

Public-Private Cooperation and External Partnerships

A key element of the strategy is strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors. To achieve this, the EU will create a public-private preparedness task force, ensuring rapid access to critical materials and goods during crises. Moreover, collaboration with external partners, such as NATO, will focus on enhancing military mobility, managing climate and security risks, and developing new technologies.

An Integrated Approach to Preparedness

The EU Preparedness Union Strategy adopts a holistic approach to security, integrating all levels of government (local, regional, national, and EU-wide) while engaging society as a whole—including citizens, local communities, businesses, and scientific organizations. This approach aims not only to respond to crises but also to prevent them and minimize their impact on the daily lives of Europeans.