REPORT on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196 and Article 322(1)(a) thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196 thereof,

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1a) Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters worldwide, and developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing states, are particularly vulnerable due, on the one hand, to their underdeveloped capacity to adapt to, and mitigate, the consequences of climate change, and to respond to climate-related disasters, and, on the other hand, to their geographical exposure to floods, droughts and forest fires.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) Whilst recognising the primary responsibility of Member States for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters, the Union Mechanism promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union.

(2) Whilst the primary responsibility for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters remains with the Member States, the Union Mechanism, and in particular rescEU, promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union by complementing existing capacities of Member States, enabling more effective preparedness and response, where capacities at national level are not sufficient.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2a) Forest fires threaten lives, livelihoods and biodiversity, cause the release of high amounts of carbon emissions, and decrease the carbon absorption capacity of the planet, which further exacerbates climate change. Of particular concern are situations where primary forest or radioactively contaminated areas are destroyed by fire. The increase in climate-related disasters, including forest fires, requires a strengthening of the operations of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism outside the Union, including the activities focusing on prevention and disaster preparedness.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States.

(3) The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States. Moreover, it is clear that the Union and Member States are insufficiently prepared for more extreme and complex disasters with far-reaching, longer-term global consequences, such as a large-scale pandemic. Therefore, it is essential that Member States' civil protection actions be better coordinated and that rescEU be reinforced.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a) The experience of the COVID-19 crisis has shown that the Union and Member States are not adequately prepared to respond to large-scale emergencies and that the existing legal framework is not sufficiently fit for purpose. The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted how the consequences of catastrophes for human health, the environment, society and the economy can take on unprecedented proportions. In view of the need to strengthen the Union’s ability and actions as regards health and civil protection, it is essential that rescEU be reinforced and made more flexible, faster and that it be better coordinated with national civil protection authorities. It is also essential that sufficient information be provided by Member States on their prevention and preparedness with respect to emergencies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3b) In order to maximise transparency and accountability for Union citizens, the Commission should bring forward guidance on how to measure the proportion of spending carried out through the Union Civil Protection mechanism that should qualify as Official Development Aid (ODA).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3c) Given the experience of the COVID-19 outbreak and considering the need to enhance the Union's response capability in the fields of health and civil protection, rescEU should be significantly reinforced to improve its performance in each of the three pillars of the Union Mechanism: prevention, preparedness and response.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism.

(5) In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism. The reinforcement of the Union Mechanism should complement Union policies and funds and should not be a substitute for the mainstreaming of the principle of disaster resilience into those policies and funds.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) To improve planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should continue advocating for investment in prevention of disasters across sectors, and for comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities and key economic operators. To that effect, cross-sectoral and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States when defining Union wide resilience goals.

(6) To improve resilience and planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should reinforce investment in prevention of disasters across borders and across sectors, including those that arise due to seismic activity, such as earthquakes, or due to floods or due to hydrogeological instability, such as landslides, and for comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities and key economic operators. To that effect, cross-sectoral, cross-border and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States and the European Parliament when defining Union wide resilience goals

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6a) In order to ensure that disaster prevention is efficient, stress tests and a process for certification of the response capacities should be considered key elements. Regular risk assessments at regional and local level are necessary for national authorities to be able to take measures to reinforce resilience where necessary, including by using the existing Union funds. Such risk assessments should focus on features that are specific to each region, such as seismic activity, frequent floods or forest fires. Those assessments should also include the level of cross-border cooperation, in order for the Union Mechanism to have detailed information on locally available capacities so that intervention can become more targeted.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6b) The development of Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions should involve an accurate assessment of and take into account the long-term social consequences observed in the first post-emergency stage that are managed by civil protection agencies, with particular attention being given to the most vulnerable people.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a) The creation of a pool of resources brings together a series of rescue teams, experts and equipment that Member States always keep in standby mode for Union Civil Protection missions. It is essential that those teams meet demanding criteria of quality and reliability to ensure their interoperability.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9) The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas. The Member States should be able to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service.

(9) The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas. Given its potential for saving lives and facilitating the coordination of emergency actions, Member States should be encouraged to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a) The Union Mechanism and rescEU should be developed in a way that enables the Union to effectively respond to a wide range of emergencies. Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters within the Union and worldwide, requiring a high degree of solidarity among countries. Every year, many Member States are ravaged by forest fires that destroy thousands of hectares and claim numerous lives. This situation was particularly apparent during the 2017 forest fire season in Portugal, which led to the Commission’s rescEU proposal of November 2017. The prevention and response capability of Member States, including those most affected by forest fires, is often insufficient. It is therefore essential that prevention of, preparedness for and response to disasters is strengthened and that the Union Mechanism comprise sufficient capacities, including during the rescEU transition period, to act when forest fires and other natural disasters occur.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9b) During the COVID-19 pandemic, building on the existing provisions of Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission was able to include in rescEU medical stockpiling, consisting of medical countermeasures such as intensive care medical equipment, personal protective equipment, laboratory supplies, vaccines and therapeutics, for the purpose of preparedness and response to a serious cross-border threat to health. From this medical stockpiling, personal protective equipment was delivered to Member States and candidate countries. Nevertheless, because only Member States may acquire, rent or lease rescEU capacities, more than one month passed between the adoption of the implementing act for the establishment of the above-mentioned stockpiling and the first deployment of the medical equipment and supplies concerned.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10) In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly to a large-scale emergency or to a low probability event with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection and with a particular attention to vulnerable people. Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union or, for strategic reasons, via trusted networks of hubs such as the UN Humanitarian Response Depots.

(10) In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to large-scale emergencies or to low probability events with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of autonomously acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale as well as cross-border emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection. Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union. EMA and ECDC should where necessary be consulted in the definition, management and distribution of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10a) In carrying out the activities of the Union Mechanism, particular attention should be paid to the protection of vulnerable people. In addition, and in order to prevent gender-based violence, including domestic violence during times of crisis, the Commission should develop, together with Member States, guidance based on best practices to support victims of gender-based violence within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Draft legislative resolution

Amendment

(10b) On the basis of the principles of solidarity and universal coverage of quality health services and the central role of the Union in accelerating progress on global health challenges, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism should, in a manner that achieves synergy and complementarity with other relevant Union programmes, in particular EU4Health, create a better prevention, preparedness and response capacity in respect of medical emergencies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11) rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States could be used for national purposes, but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism.

(11) rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States or the Commission could be used for national purposes by the Member States hosting those capacities, but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism and with priority given to the fight against cross-border emergencies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12) Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases and taking into account the humanitarian principles, rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union.

(12) Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases, in consultation with humanitarian actors prior to the interventions, and taking into account the humanitarian principles rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13) In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance, the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities when deployed outside the Union.

(13) In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance also outside the Union, the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities at the same level, irrespective of whether they are deployed inside or outside the Union.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14a) To strengthen cooperation in aerial forest firefighting and in response to other disasters, administrative processes should be streamlined where possible in order to ensure prompt intervention.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16) Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide Union prominence.

(16) Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide information to Union citizens and media and also to provide Union prominence. National authorities should receive communication guidelines from the Commission for each particular intervention to ensure that the Union's role is appropriately publicised.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17) In order to increase flexibility as well as achieve optimal budget execution, indirect management should be included as a method of budget implementation.

(17) In order to increase flexibility as well as to achieve optimal budget implementation, this Decision should provide for indirect management as a method of budget execution, to be used where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17a) In accordance with Article 155 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a (‘the Financial Regulation’), the entities listed in Article 62(1)(c) of that Regulation and in Article 25(2) of this Decision should annually fulfil their reporting obligations. The reporting requirements for those entities are laid down in the verification agreement referred to in Article 130(3) of the Financial Regulation.

____________________

1a Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18) In order to promote predictability and long-term effectiveness, when implementing Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission should adopt annual or multi-annual work programmes indicating the planned allocations. This should help the Union to have more flexibility in budget execution and thereby enhance prevention and preparedness actions.

deleted

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18a) Delegated acts should define strengthened competences of leading Union Agencies to manage the rescEU capacities, lead the procurement process and to provide recommendations on specific quantities and products to be placed in geographically dispersed logistical hubs.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18b) The establishment, management and distribution of strategic Union reserves and stockpiles of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies under the EU4Health programme should complement the reserves of rescEU.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22a) The Union Mechanism should also allow for the possibility of additional, voluntary contributions by Member States.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23) While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and solely devoted to response action, in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation.

(23) While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and devoted to prevention, preparedness and response actions, in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25) Annex I to Decision No 1313/2013/EU is not flexible enough to allow the Union to properly adjust investments in prevention, preparedness and response and thus it is deleted. Investment levels to be allocated to the different phases of the disaster risk management cycle need to be determined in advance. This absence of flexibility prevents the Union from being able to react to the unpredictable nature of disasters.

deleted

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25a) During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to have functioning rescEU capacities and for the Union Mechanism to effectively respond to the needs of Union citizens, additional financial appropriations have been made available to finance actions under the Union Mechanism. It is important to give the Union the necessary flexibility to be able to react effectively to the unpredictable nature of disasters, while at the same time maintaining a certain predictability in the fulfilment of the objectives set out in this Decision. It is important to achieve the necessary balance in the fulfilment of those objectives. In order to update the percentages set out in Annex I, according to the priorities of the reformed Union Mechanism, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission.

Present text

Amendment

(-1) In Article 1, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

2. The protection to be ensured by the Union Mechanism shall cover primarily people, but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters, including the consequences of acts of terrorism, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, marine pollution, and acute health emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. In the case of the consequences of acts of terrorism or radiological disasters, the Union Mechanism may cover only preparedness and response actions.

‘2. The protection to be ensured by the Union Mechanism shall cover primarily people, but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters, including the consequences of acts of terrorism, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, marine pollution, hydrogeological instability and acute health emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. In the case of the consequences of acts of terrorism or radiological disasters, the Union Mechanism may cover only preparedness and response actions.’

Present text

Amendment

(-1a) In Article 1, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

3. The Union Mechanism shall promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States' primary responsibility to protect people, the environment, and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to cope adequately and in a consistent manner with disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for.

‘3. The Union Mechanism shall promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States' primary responsibility to protect people, the environment, land and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to prevent, and cope adequately and in a consistent manner with, disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for.’

Present text

Amendment

(-1b) In Article 3(1), point (c) is replaced by the following:

(c) to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by taking measures to mitigate the immediate consequences of disasters;

‘(c) to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by removing any obstacles of a bureaucratic nature.’

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1a) In Article 4, the following point is inserted:

“4a. ‘Union disaster resilience goals’ means objectives established to support prevention and preparedness actions for the purposes of improving the capacity of the Union and its Member States to withstand the effects of a disaster which causes or is capable of causing transboundary effects, to provide a common baseline regarding the preservation, in spite of the effects of such a disaster, of critical societal functions, and to ensure that the internal market functions properly in such a context;”

Present Text

Amendment

(1b) In Article 5(1), point (c) is replaced by the following:

(c) establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change;

“(c) establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks, including disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects, the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change;”

Present text

Amendment

(1c) In Article 5(1), point (h) is replaced by the following:

(h) promote the use of various Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities;

‘(h) promote the use of Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention, including prevention of disasters caused by hydrogeological instability, and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities;’

Present Text

Amendment

(-a) In paragraph 1, point (c ) is replaced by the following:

(c) further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub- national level;

“(c) further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub-national level, including as regards cross-border collaboration, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5) and the risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects;”

Present Text

Amendment

(-aa) In paragraph 1, point (d) is replaced by the following:

(d) make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact, Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes;

“(d) make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts and risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects, as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes;”

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(f) improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1).;

(f) improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1), especially when it comes to identifying gaps in cross-border disaster-response capacities.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5.  The Commission shall define Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market. The goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis with a particular attention to vulnerable people.

5. By ... [18 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision], the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by establishing Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market. Those goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis and analysis of the long-term social impact on the regions affected, with a particular attention to vulnerable people. In the drafting of disaster resilience goals, the Commission shall specifically focus on recurrent disasters that hit Member States' regions and suggest that national authorities take concrete measures, including those to be implemented with the use of Union funds, to strengthen the resilience to crises.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 to define Union disaster resilience goals.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities and relevant Union bodies.

The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities, community-level voluntary groups and relevant Union bodies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

- to develop transnational detection and warning systems of Union interest;

- to develop transnational detection and early warning systems of Union interest in order to mitigate the immediate effects of disasters or pandemics on human lives;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

- to provide technical training assistance to local communities for the purpose of enhancing their capacities as regards their first unassisted reaction to a crisis;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5a) In Article 9, the following paragraph is added:

‘10a. Member States shall take appropriate actions in order to ensure that the first responders are properly equipped and prepared to respond to any kind of disaster as referred to in Article 1.’

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change. The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5).

1. The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial, resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change and the increasing incidence of cross-border wildfires. The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union.

2. The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union, in consultation with humanitarian actors including local ones and local authorities whenever possible.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. On the basis of identified risks, resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building referred to in Article 10(1) and overall capacities and gaps, the Commission shall define, by means of implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2), the types and the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool ("capacity goals").

2. On the basis of identified risks, overall capacities, gaps and any existing Union disaster resilience goals as referred to in Article 6(5) and any existing scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, define the types and specify the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool ("capacity goals"). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The Commission shall define, by means of implementing acts adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2), the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based on the resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response.

2. The Commission shall establish, within logistical hubs, European reserves of medical countermeasures and equipment which would include the medical countermeasures that respond to high impact low probability events. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, define the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based inter alia on any existing Union disaster resilience goals as referred to in Article 6(5) and any existing scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting, earthquake and flood rescues, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The Commission shall regularly update the information on the number and classification of rescEU capacities and make that information directly available to other Union institutions.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

For capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies, such as a strategic stockpile, emergency medical teams and any other relevant capacities, the Commission shall ensure that effective coordination and synergies are achieved with other Union programmes and funds and in particular with the EU4Health Programme1a and with relevant Union and international actors.

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1a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 282/2014 (“EU4Health Programme”), COM(2020) 405 final

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules. Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals.

rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute high-quality supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules. Where the Commission acquires rescEU capacities, it shall retain the ownership of such capacities even when they are distributed to Member States. Where rescEU capacities are rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission, the Commission shall retain full control of such capacities. Where the Commission acquires non-reusable capacities, it may transfer ownership of such capacities to the requesting Member State. Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union. In consultation with Member States, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission could also be located in third countries via trusted networks managed by relevant international organisations.

rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union.

Present text

Amendment

(aa) Paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

5. A Member State that owns, rents or leases rescEU capacities shall ensure the registration of those capacities in CECIS, and the availability and deployability of those capacities for Union Mechanism operations.

‘5. The Commission or the Member State owning, renting, leasing or otherwise contracting rescEU capacities shall ensure the registration of those capacities in CECIS, and the availability and deployability of those capacities for Union Mechanism operations.

rescEU capacities may only be used for national purposes, as referred to in Article 23(4a), when not being used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism.

rescEU capacities may only be used for national purposes, as referred to in Article 23(4a), when not being used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism.

rescEU capacities shall be used in accordance with implementing acts adopted under point (g) of Article 32(1) and with operational contracts between the Commission and the Member State owning, renting or leasing such capacities, which further specify the terms and conditions of deployment of rescEU capacities, including participating personnel.

rescEU capacities shall be used in accordance with implementing acts adopted under point (g) of Article 32(1) and with operational contracts between the Commission and the Member State owning, renting or leasing such capacities, which further specify the terms and conditions of deployment of rescEU capacities, including participating personnel.

The terms and conditions specified in the operational contracts shall also ensure that rescEU capacities are used in compliance with this Decision, notably with the requirement to make rescEU capacities available as laid down in paragraph 6 of this Article and with the general objectives as laid down in Article 1. Those terms and conditions shall also specify the measures to be taken in cases of non-compliance in order to safeguard the appropriate use of Union funding.’

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article.

rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article. Specific provisions shall be put in place by the Commission to guarantee accountability and the correct use of rescEU capacities in third countries, including providing for access by Union controlling officers. Visibility of the Union Mechanism in third countries shall be ensured in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 20a of this Decision.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a) In the second subparagraph of Article 13(1), the following point is added:

‘(fa) create capabilities of specific response expertise which can be used in the case of disasters affecting cultural heritage.’

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common situational awareness, and disseminate it to the Member States;

(b) collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common awareness of the situation and the response to the situation, and disseminate it directly to the Member States;

Present text

Amendment

(9a) In Article 16, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

2. Interventions under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and shall respect its leading role. In the case of man-made disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles.

“2. Interventions under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and shall respect its leading role. In the case of man-made disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall, whenever possible, consult humanitarian actors including local ones and ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles.”

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2);

(a) upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2), particularly in the event of a pandemic;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3);

(b) upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3), particularly in the event of a pandemic;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(aa) developing cartographical material for the swift deployment and mobilization of resources, especially bearing in mind the specificities of cross-border regions for the purpose of trans-boundary risks such as wildfires;

Present text

Amendment

(ba) in paragraph 3, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

The financial allocation referred to in paragraph 1 may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Union Mechanism and the achievement of its objectives.

"The financial allocation referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Union Mechanism and the achievement of its objectives."

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(bb) the following paragraph is inserted:

"3a. The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters."

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

deleted

‘4. The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters.’;

Present text

Amendment

(ca) Paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

4.  The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated, over the period 2014-2020, according to the percentages and principles set out in Annex I.

"4.  The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated, over the period 2014-2020, according to the percentages set out in point 1 of Annex 1 and the principles set out in point 3 of that Annex.";

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(cb) the following paragraph is inserted:

“4a. The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated, over the period 2021-2027, according to the percentages set out in point 2 of Annex 1 and the principles set out in point 3 of that Annex.";

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) paragraphs 5 and 6 are deleted.

deleted

Present text

Amendment

(da) paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

5.  The Commission shall review the breakdown set out in Annex I in the light of the outcome of the interim evaluation referred to in point (a) of Article 34(2). The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary in light of the results of that evaluation, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30, to adjust each of the figures in Annex I by more than 8 percentage points and up to 16 percentage points. Those delegated acts shall be adopted by 30 June 2017.

"5.  The Commission shall review the breakdown set out in Annex I in light of the outcome of the evaluation referred in Article 34(3). The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary in light of unexpected events affecting the execution of the budget or in light of the establishment of rescEU capacities, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to amend Annex I so as to adjust each of the figures in points 1 and 2 of Annex I by more than 10 percentage points.";

Present text

Amendment

(db) paragraph 6 is replaced by the following

6.  Where, in case of a necessary revision of the budgetary resources available for response actions, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts to adjust each of the figures in Annex I by more than 8 percentage points and up to 16 percentage points, within the available budgetary allocations and in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 31.

“6.  Where, in case of a necessary revision of the budgetary resources available for response actions, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to amend Annex I so as to adjust each of the figures in points 1 and 2 of Annex I by more than 10 percentage points, within the available budgetary allocations in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 31.";

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(dc)  In Article 19, the following paragraph is added:

“6a. The European Parliament and the Council shall authorise the available annual appropriations without prejudice to the provisions of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No ..../... laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027 and the Interinstitutional Agreement of ... 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management.”

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision through amounts referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8).

Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision with an amount of EUR 2 187 620 000 in current prices as referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility. In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism:

Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility in line with the specific guidelines issued by the Commission for specific interventions. In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Where RescEU capacities are used for national purposes as referred to in Article 12(5), Member States shall, by the same means as referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, acknowledge the origin of those capacities and ensure the visibility of the Union funding used to acquire those capacities.

Present text

Amendment

(aa) In Article 21(1), point (h) is replaced by the following:

(h) supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13;

‘(h) supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13, particularly through the reinforcement of existing training networks, the synergies between them, and fostering the creation of new networks with a focus on innovative solutions and new risks and challenges;’

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The financial assistance referred to in this paragraph may be implemented by multi-annual work programmes. For actions extending beyond one year, budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments.

deleted

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support in accordance with the Financial Regulation in direct management or in indirect management with bodies referred to in Article 62(1)(c) of the Financial Regulation.

2. The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support in direct management in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 or in indirect management with the bodies referred to in point (c) of Article 62(1) of that Regulation. When choosing the mode of implementation of financial support, priority shall be given to direct management. Where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned, the Commission may use indirect management. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by setting out actions carried out under the Union Mechanism, which may be implemented by indirect management.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual or multi-annual work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual or multi-annual work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual or multi-annual work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein.

In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

However no annual or multi-annual work programmes shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance.

However no annual work programme shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used solely for response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year.

5. In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used for prevention, preparedness and response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5) and in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5), Article 19(5) and (6), the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) and Article 25(2) shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(aa) paragraph 3 is deleted;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5) and in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

4. The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5), in Article 19(5) and (6), in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) and in Article 25(2) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

7. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5) or the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

7. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5), Article 19(5) and (6), the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) or Article 25(2) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22a) in Article 34(2), the following subparagraph is added:

“By ... [24 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision], the Commission shall evaluate the functioning of the Union Mechanism as well as the coordination and synergies achieved with the EU4Health Programme and other Union health legislation, with a view to presenting a legislative proposal that would include the creation of a specific European Health Response Mechanism."

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23) Annex I is deleted.

deleted

Present text

Amendment

(23a)  Annex I is amended as follows:

Annex I

"Annex I

Percentages and principles for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1) and (1a) and Article 19a

Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1)

1.  Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1) for the period 2014 to 2020

Prevention: 20 % +/- 8 percentage points

Prevention: 10 % +/- 10 percentage points

Preparedness: 50 % +/- 8 percentage points

Preparedness: 65 % +/- 10 percentage points

Response: 30 % +/- 8 percentage points

Response: 25 % +/- 10 percentage points

2.  Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1a) and Article 19a for the period 2021 to 2027

Prevention: 8 % +/- 10 percentage points

Preparedness: 80 % +/- 10 percentage points

Response: 12 % +/- 10 percentage points

Principles

3.  Principles

When implementing this Decision, the Commission shall give priority to actions for which this Decision sets a deadline within the period leading to the expiry of that deadline, with the objective of meeting the deadline in question.

When implementing this Decision, the Commission shall give priority to actions for which this Decision sets a deadline within the period leading to the expiry of that deadline, with the objective of meeting the deadline in question."