A single centre to coordinate the European Union's responses to crises and disasters

The events of recent years require Europe to be better prepared for crises, from pandemics and natural disasters to hybrid threats. That is why the Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Kristian Vigenin put a question to the Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib about the creation of a new Crisis Coordination Hub within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. A hearing of Ms Lahbib was held in the European Parliament, at which she presented the Commission’s proposal for a Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for preparedness and response in health emergencies.

Kristian Vigenin set out his case for a new Coordination Hub and put questions: „The idea of a single centre to coordinate our responses is a logical step forward. But it raises important questions: how will the new Hub work in step with the existing structures such as the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), the HERA agency and the EEAS Crisis Response Centre? How will duplication of functions and the creation of new bureaucratic structures that could slow down the response to crises be avoided?“

Kristian Vigenin recommended that the EU build a capacity for action that complements national efforts rather than replacing them. „Coordination and clear lines of communication between all levels, from local to European, are the foundation of a more effective Europe based on solidarity“, he said in conclusion.