On April 1, the European Parliament held a debate on the EU Preparedness Union Strategy. Commissioner Lahbib emphasised that Europe faces increasingly complex threats, from natural disasters to cyber risks, requiring a systematic and coordinated response. She explained that the strategy follows an ‘all-hazards’ approach, ensuring preparedness across all sectors. Key measures include enhancing crisis coordination, reinforcing civil protection, securing critical infrastructure, and increasing public engagement through awareness and education.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of solidarity, as no single country can manage these challenges alone. She also highlighted public support for greater EU involvement in preparedness and outlined initiatives to integrate preparedness training into youth programmes. MEPs expressed mixed views on the Strategy. While several MEPs welcomed the strategy as a necessary step to strengthen resilience, supporting risk assessments, stockpiling resources, and coordinated action; others questioned the EU’s centralised approach, arguing that national governments must retain flexibility in crisis management. Some warned against a focus on security and militarisation, urging investment in other priorities such as food security, medicines production, energy independence, climate resilience, and digital sovereignty. A number of MEPs also criticised the strategy as fear-driven, suggesting it was designed to keep citizens in a state of alarm.
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Image source: European Parliament