REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a Community civil protection mechanism (recast)

18.9.2006 - (COM(2006)0029 – C6‑0076/2006 – 2006/0009(CNS)) - *

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
Rapporteur: Dimitrios Papadimoulis

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a Community civil protection mechanism (recast)

(COM(2006)0029 – C6‑0076/2006 – 2006/0009(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2006)0029)[1],

–   having regard to Article 308 of the EC Treaty and to Article 203 of the EAEC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6‑0076/2006),

–   having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A6‑0286/2006),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty and pursuant to Article 119, second paragraph of the EAEC Treaty;

3.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

4.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

5.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendments by Parliament
Amendment 1 Recital 1
(1) A number of substantial changes are to be made to Council Decision 2001/792/EC, Euratom of 23 October 2001 establishing a Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions. In the interests of clarity, that Decision should be recast.	(1) A number of substantial changes are to be made to Council Decision 2001/792/EC, Euratom of 23 October 2001 establishing a Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions in order to make the European Union's emergency response more consistent and efficient. In the interests of clarity, that Decision should be recast.
Amendment 2 Recital 2
(2) Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the occurrence and severity of natural and man-made disasters, resulting in the loss of human lives, the destruction of economic and social infrastructure and damage to the environment.	(2) Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the occurrence and severity of natural and man-made disasters, resulting in the loss of human lives, property, including cultural heritage, the destruction of economic and social infrastructure and damage to the environment and public health.
Amendment 3 Recital 2 a (new)
	(2a) The public health dimension of all civil protection interventions should be included in the scope of this Decision, bearing in mind that all disasters affect people both physically and psychologically, which puts a heavy burden on health and social security systems for a considerable time once the intervention phase is over.
Amendment 4 Recital 2 b (new)
	(2b) The setting up instruments in the area of civil protection should primarily benefit the affected citizens after the disaster has occurred. Such benefits should be made visible and measurable so as to convey a strong message of solidarity of the EU Member States.
Amendment 5 Recital 3
(3) Action by the Community to implement the resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 8 July 1991 on improving mutual aid between Member States in the event of natural or technological disaster has helped protect people, the environment and property. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, approved by the Community by Council Decision 98/685/EC, has helped to further improve the prevention and management of industrial disasters.	(3 Action by the Community to implement the resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, of 8 July 1991 on improving mutual aid between Member States in the event of natural, radiological or technological disaster has helped protect people, the environment and property. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, approved by the Community by Council Decision 98/685/EC, has helped to further improve the prevention and management of industrial disasters.
Amendment 6 Recital 4
(4) By Decision 2001/792/EC, Euratom, a Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions (hereinafter: the mechanism) was established, which also takes into account the special needs of the isolated, outermost and other regions or islands of the Community. Recent years have seen a considerable growth in the number of countries calling upon the mechanism for civil protection assistance. The mechanism should be strengthened to ensure a more effective and visible demonstration of European solidarity and to allow for the development of a European rapid response capability, as called for by the European Council in the Conclusions of its meeting of 16 and 17 June 2005 and by the European Parliament in its Resolution of 13 January 2005 on the tsunami disaster.	(4) By Decision 2001/792/EC, Euratom, a Community mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions (hereinafter: the mechanism) was established, which also takes into account the special needs in terms of assistance and aid delivery in the isolated, outermost and other regions or islands of the Community. Specialised intervention teams should be available to enable a better response to the situations and needs of such areas. Recent years have seen a considerable growth in the number of countries calling upon the mechanism for civil protection assistance. The mechanism should be strengthened to ensure a more effective and visible demonstration of European solidarity and to allow for the development of a European rapid response capability, as called for by the European Council in the Conclusions of its meeting of 16 and 17 June 2005 and by the European Parliament in its Resolution of 13 January 2005 on the tsunami disaster.
Amendment 7 Recital 6
(6) The mechanism should facilitate the civil protection response to all types of major emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters, technological, radiological and environmental accidents, acts of terrorism and accidental marine pollution as provided for in Decision No 2850/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2000 setting up a Community framework for cooperation in the field of accidental or deliberate marine pollution. Civil protection assistance can be required in all of these emergencies to complement the response capacities of the affected country.	(6) The mechanism should facilitate the civil protection response to all types of major emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters, technological, radiological and environmental accidents, occurring inside or outside the Community, including acts of terrorism and accidental and deliberate marine pollution as provided for in Decision No 2850/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2000 setting up a Community framework for cooperation in the field of accidental or deliberate marine pollution. Civil protection assistance can be required in all of these emergencies to complement the response capacities of the affected country.
Amendment 8 Recital 7
(7) Prevention is of significant importance for the protection against natural, technological and environmental disasters and would require further action to be considered. By contributing to the further development of early warning systems, the Community should assist Member States in minimising the lead time to respond to natural disasters. These systems should take into account existing information sources.	(7) Prevention is of significant importance for the protection against natural, technological and environmental disasters and would require further action to be considered. By contributing to the further development of early warning and alert systems, the Community should assist Member States in minimising the lead time to respond to natural disasters and alert EU citizens. These systems should take into account existing information, monitoring or detection sources and should comprise four inter-related elements, covering knowledge of hazards and vulnerabilities, communication and dissemination, preparedness and capacity to respond.
Amendment 9 Recital 7 a (new)
	(7a) Land management and land use are an important part of policies and plans for the prevention and mitigation of disasters. Therefore, plans and policies should implement integrated environmental and natural resource management approaches that incorporate disaster risk reduction.
Amendment 10 Recital 7 b (new)
	(7b) The GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) system, which supports the development of European policy on the environment and security and helps to monitor its implementation at local, regional, Community and world level, should be systematically used. Given the strategic importance of earth observation in the environmental and security fields, the deadlines set by the Göteborg Council of June 2001 should be adhered to and an independent and operational European global monitoring capacity should be developed by 2008 at the latest.
Amendment 11 Recital 7 c (new)
	(7c) An effective early warning and response system is based on four principally interlinked factors: identification and assessment of risks; continuous monitoring and identification of risks as they appear; a warning and communication mechanism; preparedness, response and assistance capability.
Justification
The identification and assessment of risks through research and exchange of information is the first step towards improving our knowledge about natural and man-made disasters and helps to develop applied research and the tools involved. Νetworking and the creation of additional early warning sensors will facilitate more effective monitoring and tracking of risk sources. Improving regional early warning and communication networks strengthens the administrative capability to provide information at local level. These factors, together with the development of an EU preparedness and response mechanism, are capable of establishing an effective system of civil protection both inside and outside the Union, the hallmark of which will be genuine solidarity towards its citizens.
Amendment 12 Recital 8
(8) Preparatory measures need to be taken at Member State and Community level to enable assistance intervention teams in emergencies to be mobilised rapidly and coordinated with the requisite flexibility and to ensure, through a training programme, the effective response capability and complementarity of assessment and/or coordination teams, intervention teams and other resources, as appropriate. Other preparatory measures include pooling of information related to necessary medical resources and stimulation of the use of new technologies. The development of additional civil protection assistance intervention modules, consisting of resources of one or more Member States, should be considered in order to contribute to the development of a civil protection rapid response capability.	(8) Preparatory measures need to be taken at Member State and Community level to enable assistance intervention teams in emergencies to be mobilised rapidly and coordinated with the requisite flexibility and to ensure, through a training programme, the effective response capability and complementarity of assessment and/or coordination teams, intervention teams and other resources, as appropriate. Other preparatory measures include pooling of information related to necessary medical resources, ensuring interoperability of the equipment used during interventions and stimulation of the use of new technologies. The development of additional civil protection assistance intervention modules, consisting of resources of one or more Member States, which are fully interoperable, should be considered in order to contribute to the development of a civil protection rapid response capability. The development of specific modules to be kept on standby, as proposed in the Commission Communication of 20 April 2005 "Improving the Community Civil Protection Mechanism"1, should be considered.
	1 COM(2005)0137.
Amendment 13 Recital 8 a (new)
	(8a) Informed and educated citizens are less vulnerable. As a complement to the development of early warning and alert systems, the Commission should therefore present an integrated strategy against accidents and disasters (as promised in its work programme for 2002 (COM(2001)0620, point 4, 3rd key action, page 10) with special emphasis on informing and training citizens, especially children.
Amendment 14 Recital 8 b (new)
	(8b )In order to ensure and facilitate efficient prevention, preparedness and response to major emergencies, it is necessary to conduct extensive information campaigns, as well as education and awareness-raising initiatives aimed at the public, especially young people.
Amendment 15 Recital 10
(10) The mechanism should make it possible to mobilise, and facilitate coordination of, assistance interventions in order to help ensure better protection primarily of people but also of the environment and property, including cultural heritage, thereby reducing loss of human life, injury, material damage, economic and environmental damage, and making achievement of the objectives of social cohesion and solidarity more tangible. The reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions should be based on a Community civil protection structure consisting of a monitoring and information centre and a common emergency communication and information system managed by the Commission and operational contact points in the Member States. It should provide a framework for collecting validated emergency information, for disseminating that information to the Member States and for sharing lessons learnt from interventions.	(10) The mechanism should make it possible to mobilise, and facilitate coordination of, assistance interventions in order to help ensure better protection primarily of people but also of public health, the environment and property, including cultural heritage, thereby reducing loss of human life, injury, material damage, economic and environmental damage, and making achievement of the objectives of social cohesion and solidarity more tangible. The reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions should be based on a European strategic coordination centre for civil protection, consisting of a monitoring and information centre and a common emergency communication and information system managed by the Commission and operational contact points in the Member States. It should provide a framework for collecting validated emergency information, for disseminating that information to the Member States, ensuring the availability of additional means of rapid mobilisation for tackling emergencies, and for sharing lessons learnt from interventions.
Amendment 16 Recital 12
(12) The availability of adequate transport means needs to be improved to support the development of a rapid response capability at Community level. The Community should support and complement the efforts of Member States by facilitating the pooling of transport resources of Member States and by mobilising, where necessary, additional transport means.	(12) The lack of satisfactory means of transport may significantly undermine the effectiveness of the civil protection assistance operation and have a negative impact on the scale and duration of the operation. The availability of adequate transport means needs to be improved to support the development of a rapid response capability at Community level. The Community should support and complement the efforts of Member States by facilitating the pooling of transport resources of Member States and by mobilising, where necessary, additional transport means. Procedures should be put in place as soon as possible between the Council Secretariat and the Commission (in particular the Monitoring and Information Centre) and the EC Humanitarian Office (ECHO) for rapid information exchange with a view to a common needs assessment and identification of potentially available transportation means. The Council and the Commission should examine the possibilities for financing transport means under the Community budget.
Amendment 17 Recital 14
(14) The possibility of mobilising additional assistance at Community level, complementing the civil protection assistance provided by the Member States, is needed as a safety net, in particular in the event of similar threats affecting several Member States.	(14) Although the overall assistance provided through the mechanism is in most cases significant, it can rarely satisfy the requests as a whole. However, the possibility of mobilising additional assistance at Community level, complementing the civil protection assistance provided by the Member States, is needed as a safety net, in particular in the event of similar threats affecting several Member States.
Amendment 18 Recital 16
(16) The Community mechanism could also be a tool for facilitating and supporting crisis management in accordance with the Joint Declaration by the Council and the Commission of 29 September 2003 on the use of the Community Civil Protection Mechanism in crisis management referred to in Title V of the Treaty on the European Union as well as for facilitating and supporting consular cooperation during emergencies in third countries. Participation  of  candidate countries  and cooperation with other third countries   should be possible   as this would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the mechanism .	(16) The Community mechanism could also be a tool for facilitating and supporting crisis management in accordance with the Joint Declaration by the Council and the Commission of 29 September 2003 on the use of the Community Civil Protection Mechanism in crisis management referred to in Title V of the Treaty on European Union as well as for facilitating and supporting consular cooperation during emergencies in third countries. Participation  of  candidate countries  and cooperation with other third countries and with international and regional organisations should be possible since emergencies which occur in third countries may have a substantial impact in Member States and on European citizens. Such participation would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the mechanism.
Justification
This decision should expressly provide for the possibility of developing cooperation with international or regional organisations in the field of civil protection as well as alert and early warning systems, such as the UN Disaster Reduction Unit (DRU-UNDP) and the UN alert system for Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC). On 19 May 2006, the European Council expressly called for an improvement in the Union's responsiveness to emergencies, crises and disasters both inside and outside the Union (see Presidency conclusions, point 12). Cooperation of this type lends added value to other Union actions and its positive impact affects not only the Member States but alsoEuropean citizens, including those who are outside the territory of a Member State of the Union.
Amendment 19 Recital 16 a (new)
	(16a) Service improvements for the citizen and synergies among Member States' missions may be achieved by creating mutual consular assistance points which should be considered as soon as possible. To help further explore this potential, Member States may envisage co-locating consular services in certain regions.
Amendment 20 Article 1, paragraph 2
The protection to be ensured by the mechanism shall cover primarily the people but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, in the event of natural and man-made disasters, acts of terrorism and, technological, radiological or environmental accidents including accidental marine pollution (hereinafter “major emergencies”), occurring inside or outside the Community, taking also into account the special needs of the isolated, outermost and other regions or islands of the Community. The mechanism must not affect obligations under existing relevant legislation of the European Community or the European Atomic Energy Community or existing international agreements.	The protection to be ensured by the mechanism shall cover primarily the citizens' safety and public health but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, in the event of natural and man-made disasters, acts of terrorism and technological, radiological or environmental accidents including accidental and deliberate marine pollution, as provided for in Decision No 2850/2000/EC (hereinafter “major emergencies”), occurring inside or outside the Community, taking also into account the special needs of the isolated, outermost and other regions or islands of the Community. The mechanism must not affect obligations under existing relevant legislation of the European Community or the European Atomic Energy Community or existing international agreements.
Amendment 21 Article 2, point 1
(1) the identification of intervention teams and other intervention support available in Member States for assistance intervention in the event of emergencies, including military assets and capabilities available to support civil protection;	(1) the identification of intervention teams and other intervention support available in Member States for assistance intervention in the event of emergencies, including military assets and capabilities that can, as a last resort, be made available by Member States on a voluntary basis to support civil protection in a supplementary and supportive role;
Amendment 22 Article 2, point 2
(2) the setting-up and implementation of a training programme for intervention teams and other intervention support, and for experts for the teams responsible for assessment or coordination;	(2) the setting-up and implementation of a training programme for intervention teams and other intervention support, and for experts for the teams responsible for assessment and/or coordination;
Amendment 23 Article 2, point 3
(3) workshops, seminars and pilot projects on major aspects of interventions;	(3) training, meetings, exchange of staff and experts, exercises, workshops, seminars and pilot projects on major aspects of interventions to enhance prevention, preparedness and the effective response to major emergencies;
Amendment 24 Article 2, point 4
(4) the establishment and dispatch of teams responsible for assessment or coordination;	(4) the establishment and dispatching of experts, liaison officers and teams responsible for assessment and/or coordination with the appropriate means and equipment;
Amendment 25 Article 2, point 6
(6)the establishment and management of a common emergency communication and information system  (CECIS) to enable communication and sharing of information between the MIC and the operational contact points of the Member States;	(6) the establishment and management of a common emergency communication and information system  (CECIS) to enable communication and sharing of information between the MIC and the operational contact points of the Member States , as well as the Community teams active in the field;
Amendment 26 Article 2, point 7
(7) the development of early warning systems, taking into account existing information sources, to enable a rapid response by the Member States and the MIC;	(7) the development of early warning systems, taking into account existing information, monitoring or detection sources, to enable a rapid response by the Member States and the MIC, as well as informing and alerting populations in disaster-prone zones through the use of common EU-wide signals and procedures;
Amendment 27 Article 2, point 7 a (new)
	(7a) identification of best practices to raise citizens' awareness and dissemination to the public of information on safety behaviours in the event of major risks;
Amendment 28 Article 2, point 8
(8) the establishment of arrangements for transport, logistics and other support at Community level;	(8) the establishment and the management of arrangements for providing the transport of rescue teams and equipment, the logistic support, and ensuring the interoperability of equipment used as well as other support at Community level to facilitate the interventions;
Amendment 29 Article 2, point 8 a (new)
	(8a) the establishment of arrangements for facilitating and supporting assistance to EU citizens in emergencies in third countries;
Amendment 30 Article 2, point 8 b (new)
	(8b) the identification and recording of best practices for dealing with emergencies, crises and disasters, and the production of a Community civil protection manual geared to the needs and specific characteristics of the Member States,
Justification
It is essential to develop best practices based on the collection of data and expertise in the field of civil protection in order to improve the Union's responsiveness to emergencies, crises and disasters. Drawing up a Community manual and guidelines in the field of civil protection, geared to the needs and specific characteristics of the Member States, will strengthen present operational experience to improve the manner in which emergencies, crises and disasters are dealt with.
Amendment 31 Article 2 a (new)
	Article 2a
	Definitions
	For the purpose of this Decision:
	(a) "major emergency" shall mean any event or situation which has or may have an adverse impact on people, public health, property, cultural heritage or the environment resulting from natural, industrial or technological disasters, including marine pollution, or from acts of terrorism;
	(b) "preparedness" shall mean any action taken in advance to ensure effective rapid response to hazards, including the issuance of timely and effective early warnings and the temporary evacuation of people and property from threatened locations;
	(c) "early warning" shall mean the provision of timely and effective information that allows action to be taken to avoid or reduce risks and ensure preparedness for effective response;
	(d) "rapid response" shall mean any action taken during or after a major emergency to address its immediate consequences;
	(e) "intervention module" shall mean a predefined task and needs driven structured arrangement of capabilities representing a combination of human and material means, that can be referred to by its capacity for intervention or by the task(s) it is able to undertake, and that is:
	- made up by the resources of one or more States participating in the mechanism,
	- able to perform tasks in the areas of preparedness and response,
	- able to perform its tasks in accordance with acknowledged international guidelines,
	- able to be dispatched generally within 10 hours following a request for assistance, in particular to meet priority needs as well as to perform support functions,
	- able to work self-sufficiently and autonomously for a given period of time if circumstances on site require it, considered either in isolation or in combination with other resources,
	- interoperable with other modules.
Amendment 32 Article 3, paragraph 1
1. Member States shall  identify in advance intervention teams  within their competent services and, in particular, their civil protection services or other emergency services,  which might be available for intervention or could be established at very short notice  and  be dispatched, generally within 12 hours following a request for assistance.  They shall take  into account that team composition should depend on the type of major emergency and on particular needs in that emergency.	1. Member States shall  identify in advance intervention teams or intervention modules within their competent services and, in particular, their civil protection services or other emergency services,  which might be available for intervention or could be established at very short notice  and  be dispatched, generally within 12 hours following a request for assistance.  They shall take  into account that team or module composition should depend on the type of major emergency and on particular needs in that emergency.
Amendment 33 Article 3, paragraph 2
2. Member States shall select experts who can be called on to serve on the site of an emergency in a team responsible for assessment or coordination.	2. Member States shall select experts who can be called on to serve on the site of an emergency in a team responsible for assessment and/or coordination.
Amendment 34 Article 3, paragraph 3
3. Member States shall work towards developing civil protection intervention modules, consisting of resources of one or more Member States, which can be deployed at very short notice to perform support functions or to meet priority needs.	3. Member States shall work towards developing civil protection intervention modules, consisting of resources of one or more Member States, which can be deployed at very short notice in particular to meet priority needs as well as to perform support functions.
Amendment 35 Article 3, paragraph 6
6. Member States shall take measures to ensure the timely transport of civil protection assistance.	6. Member States, supported by the Commission, shall take measures to ensure the timely transport of the civil protection assistance offered by them.
Amendment 36 Article 4, paragraph 1, point (c)
(c) contributing to the development of early warning systems for the benefit of the Member States and the MIC;	(c) contributing to the development of and support for the networking of early warning and response systems for the benefit of EU citizens for disasters affecting the territory of the EU, taking into account existing information, monitoring or detection sources, to enable a rapid response by the Member States and the MIC; the warning systems must be linked to alert systems in all Member States so as to disseminate information and thereby ensure that all citizens are prepared in the event of an accident or a disaster;
Justification
A rapid and effective response to emergencies, crises and disasters at Union level calls for the development of and support for the networking of alert, early warning and response systems for the benefit of the Member States and the Monitoring and Information Centre.
Amendment 37 Article 4, paragraph 1, point (c a) (new)
	(ca) promoting the interoperability of the alert, early warning and response systems for the benefit of the Member States and the MIC, and coordination with other specialised Community centres and agencies;
Justification
Τhe European Council of 19 May 2006 called for better coordination of the Member States' means in order to make the Union's response efficient and capable of ensuring a high level of protection for European citizens (see Presidency conclusions, point 14). It is therefore considered essential for the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, to promote the interoperability of the alert, early warning and reponse systems for the benefit of the Member States and the MIC, and coordination with other specialised Community centres and agencies, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, to ensure that the mechanism operates in the optimum manner.
Amendment 38 Article 4, paragraph 1, point (f a) (new)
	(fa) drawing up guidelines for the information and education of citizens aimed at increasing their awareness and improving their self-protection;
Justification
The information and education of citizens aimed at increasing their awareness and improving their self-protection is of vital importance in order to deal correctly with emergencies, crises and disasters, particularly during the initial phase.
Amendment 39 Article 4, paragraph 1, point (h)
(h) taking measures to facilitate transport of resources for assistance intervention and establishing the capability to mobilise additional transport means necessary for ensuring a rapid response to major emergencies;	(h) taking measures to facilitate and ensure the timely transport of resources for assistance intervention and establishing the capability to mobilise at short notice additional transport means and equipment necessary for ensuring a rapid response to major emergencies;
Amendment 40 Article 4, paragraph 1, point (h a) (new)
	(ha) ensuring the mobilisation at short notice of adequate means and equipment, and the setting up and transport of mobile laboratories, high security mobile facilities and medical protective equipment necessary for ensuring a rapid response to major emergencies to complement the Member States' civilian and military means and assets subject to the criteria developed under Article 10;
Amendment 41 Article 4, paragraph 1, point (i)
(i) establishing the capability to provide basic logistical support for experts and facilitating the mobilisation of logistical and other modules to support the teams of the Member States which participate in Community civil protection assistance interventions;	(i) establishing the capability to provide basic logistical support for experts, liaison officers, observers and intervention teams and facilitating the mobilisation of logistical and other modules to support the teams of the Member States which participate in Community civil protection assistance interventions;
Amendment 42 Article 4, paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall set up a training programme, with a view to enhancing the coordination of civil protection assistance intervention by ensuring compatibility and complementarity between the intervention teams referred to in Article 3(1), the intervention modules referred to in Article 3(3) or as appropriate other intervention support as referred to in Article 3(4), and by improving the competence of the experts referred to in Article 3(2). The programme shall include joint courses and exercises and an exchange system whereby individuals may be seconded to other Member States.	2. The Commission shall set up a training programme, with a view to enhancing the coordination of civil protection assistance intervention by ensuring compatibility and complementarity between the intervention teams referred to in Article 3(1), the intervention modules referred to in Article 3(3) or as appropriate other intervention support as referred to in Article 3(4), and by improving the competence of the experts referred to in Article 3(2) as well as the quality of the aftercare provided to those affected. The programme shall include joint courses and exercises and an exchange system whereby individuals may be seconded to other Member States. Wherever possible, these exercises shall seek to involve the communities concerned. The procedures to be adopted in case of disaster shall be made public.
Amendment 43 Article 8, paragraph 1
1. Any Member State to which a request for assistance is addressed shall promptly determine whether it is in a position to render the assistance required, and inform the requesting Member State thereof, either through the MIC or directly, indicating the scope and terms of any assistance it might render. If a Member State informs the requesting Member State directly, it shall also inform the MIC accordingly.	1. Any Member State to which a request for assistance is addressed shall promptly determine whether it is in a position to render the assistance required, and inform the requesting Member State thereof, either through the MIC or directly, indicating the scope and terms of any assistance it might render. If a Member State informs the requesting Member State directly, it shall also inform the MIC accordingly. The MIC shall keep the Member States informed.
Amendment 44 Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1
1. In the event of a major emergency occurring outside the Community,  Articles 6, 7 and 8  may also, upon request, be applied  in respect of  civil protection assistance  interventions outside the Community.	1. Without prejudice to Regulation (EC) No 1257/96, in the event of a major emergency occurring outside the Community,  Articles  6, 7 and 8  may also, upon request, be  applied  in respect of  civil protection assistance  interventions outside the Community.
Amendment 45 Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 a (new)
	In the event of a major emergency occurring outside the Community, the use of military assets and capabilities available to support civil protection provided for in Article 2(1) should be fully consistent with the UN Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief (Oslo Guidelines, May 1994) and with the UN Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies (MCDA Guidelines, March 2003).

Amendment 46 Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 3
In emergencies where assistance is provided under both the mechanism and Regulation (EC) No 12547/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid, the Commission shall ensure the effectiveness, coherence and complementarity of the overall Community response.	In emergencies where assistance is provided under both the mechanism and Regulation (EC) No 1257/96, civil protection assistance interventions shall be considered as complementary to the overall Community humanitarian response and should therefore be consistent with the objectives and general principles of humanitarian aid as set out in that Regulation. The Commission shall ensure the effectiveness, coherence and complementarity of the overall Community response. It must be ensured that there is no conflict between, or duplication of, intervention efforts under the two instruments.
Amendment 47 Article 9, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1 a (new)
	In particular, the Commission shall ensure that the civil protection assistance provided is consistent with its needs assessment established in cooperation with other players.
Amendment 48 Article 9, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2
The operational coordination shall cover coordination with the affected country and, where they are present, with the United Nations.	The operational coordination shall cover coordination with the affected country and with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other relevant actors contributing to the overall relief effort. This shall not affect bilateral contacts between the participating Member States and the United Nations or the country concerned.
Amendment 49 Article 10 a (new)
	Article 10a
	Additional transport means and logistical support shall be established through appropriate international public tendering procedures on the basis of existing EU public procurement legislation without the application of the "security" exception clause.
Amendment 50 Article 10 b (new)
	Article 10b
	The Commission shall, in cooperation with the Member States, take appropriate structural measures to ensure the coordination and integration of early warning, alert and response systems for the benefit of the Member States and the MIC, as well as coordination with other Community networks, specialised centres and/or agencies competent in civil protection matters.
Justification
As regards the interlinking of the early warning systems with the alert networks and coordinating arrangements for dealing with crises in the EU, the Council (see Council conclusions of 18 July 2005) asked the Commission to strengthen the links between the mechanism and early warning systems at EU and UN levels. In early 2006, the Commission set up the ARGUS network, which links up the Commission's various early warning systems, including the MIC and the common emergency communication and information system (CECIS). ARGUS will subsequently be linked to the Council's Joint Situation Centre (SitCen). It is therefore essential that networking arrangements be made to achieve better coordination of the operations of the mechanism. In addition, the Union has recently set up a number of decentralised agencies, such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the operation of which is directly related to that of the civil protection mechanism. Steps must therefore be taken to ensure that activities are coordinated with other specialised Community centres and agencies which deal with aspects of civil protection.
Amendment 51 Article 11, paragraph 2
Other third countries may cooperate in activities under this mechanism where agreements so allow.	Other third countries as well as international or regional organisations may cooperate in activities under this mechanism where agreements between these third countries and the Community so allow.
Justification
This decision should provide for the possibility of developing cooperation with international or regional organisations in the field of civil protection as well as alert and early warning systems, such as the UN Disaster Reduction Unit (DRU-UNDP) and the UN alert system for Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC) because cooperation of this type lends Community added value to Community action. An example of such successful cooperation is the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), which was developed by the Commission, with funding from ECHO and in cooperation with the UN's OCHA. Its objective is to assess the potential severity and impact of natural risks, including earthquakes and tsunamis, from the early warning stage through to the coordination and provision of relief.
Amendment 52 Article 12
For the purposes of applying this Decision, Member States shall appoint the competent authorities and inform the Commission accordingly.	For the purposes of applying this Decision, Member States shall appoint the competent authorities and inform the Commission accordingly. Member States shall, in the context of mutual consular assistance, designate contact points among themselves in pre-identified regions and inform the Commission accordingly.
Justification
Member States' cooperation with the Commission is essential for the effective implementation and operation of the civil protection mechanism. Under Article 20 of the EC Treaty, it is a requirement of the Union to grant consular protection to Union citizens on the territory of third countries in which the Member State of which they are nationals is not represented. On 19 May 2006, the European Council called for closer consular cooperation, including the designation of consular assistance points. (See Presidency conclusions, points 13 and 14). The report of the Austrian Presidency (doc. 10551/06), adopted by the European Council, and the report submitted by Mr Michel Barnier entitled 'For a European civil protection force: Europe aid', May 2006, made express reference to taking practical measures for more effective consular protection. This will enable the Union in practical terms to develop solidarity among the Member States and participation in the sense of 'community' with a view to more effective protection at a high level for European citizens.
Amendment 53 Article 13, point 4 a (new)
	(4a) the appropriate structural measures to ensure the coordination and integration referred to in Article 10b.
Justification
The comitology procedure should apply to determine the appropriate structural measures for the coordination and integration of the alert, early warning and response systems for the benefit of the Member States and the MIC, as well as other Community networks, specialised centres and agencies competent in civil protection matters.
Amendment 54 Article 13, point 5 a (new)
	(5a) the modules, as provided for in Article 3(3);
Amendment 55 Article 13, point 5 b (new)
	(5b) the early warning systems, as provided for in Article 4(1)(c);
Amendment 56 Article 13, point 7 a (new)
	(7a) cooperation with third countries and with international or regional organisations, as provided for in Article 11.
Justification
The comitology procedure should apply to determine the procedures for cooperating with third countries and with international or regional organisations under the relevant agreements, as provided for in Article 11 of this proposal for a decision.
Amendment 57 Article 13, point 8 a (new)
	(8a) guidelines for the establishment and interconnection of early warning and alert systems as well as for the information and training of citizens on how to react in an emergency situation.
Amendment 58 Article 14, paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the committee set up by Article 13 of the proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a Rapid Response and Preparedness Instrument for major emergencies.	1. The Commission shall be assisted by the committee set up by Article 13 of the proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a Rapid Response and Preparedness Instrument for major emergencies, which shall include representatives of local and regional authorities.
Amendment 59 Article 15, paragraph 1
	The Commission shall submit a yearly report on the implementation of this Decision to the European Parliament and the Council, indicating the added value of the Community action for EU citizens and especially those affected.
The Commission shall evaluate the application of this Decision every third year from the date of its notification and transmit the conclusions of that evaluation to the European Parliament and the Council.	The Commission shall also evaluate the application of this Decision every third year from the date of its notification and transmit the conclusions of that evaluation to the European Parliament and the Council.

• [1]  OJ C ... / Not yet published in OJ.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The proposed recast, while respecting the overall philosophy of the Community civil protection mechanism, as created in 2001, consists of introducing a number of improvements in the existing Council Decision in order to strengthen the supporting and complementing actions that will allow the Community as a whole to come to the aid of those affected by major emergencies. At the same time the recast complements the earlier proposal for a Rapid Response and Preparedness Instrument. While the latter provides the legal basis for the financing of civil protection actions in the new financial perspectives period, the new proposal amends the operational rules governing the operation of the Community Civil Protection Mechanism and provides a legal basis for new Community action to be undertaken in the field.

The reasons for further action

1. Citizens are directly concerned

Protecting people from accidents and disasters concerns all aspects of the everyday life of European citizens. Citizens consider all safety and security related issues very important (employment, social and financial security, living and working environment, security from external and internal threats etc.). In the past three years there has been a large increase in the number of requests on assistance from the Civil Protection Mechanism by Members States, candidate countries and countries in the developing world, as responding to the disasters overwhelmed national response capabilities.

2. The economic dimension.

Europe and the rest of the world face all types of hazards. The associated risk (i.e. expected losses) is high not only in terms of human lives but also in terms of economic losses and injuries (especially psychological). Injuries and effects of the so-called post accident/ disaster shock disorder translate into great economic/insured losses and put a great burden on the health and social security systems.

Data available from the insurance sector show that at a global level, the economic and insured losses from natural and technological disasters are rising. At present, worldwide economic losses due to natural disasters appear to be doubling every ten years. If current trends persist, the annual loss amounts will, within the next decade, come close to €150 billion.

The proposal makes possible the pooling of resources and thus pursuing economies of scale in areas such as logistics and transport, and thereby making better use of some scarce resources.

3. The European and prevention dimension.

Although emergency services will always act at local level during accidents or disasters, many elements concerning the different phases of civil protection activities have a European dimension (e.g. standardization) especially in specific sectors such as chemicals, transport, construction, telecommunications and health.

Finally, most of the activity linked with civil protection is particularly visible during crises. However, efficiency depends on the work done before the accident or disaster, in view of prevention, and ensuring preparedness, as well as the ability to mitigate a disaster. In fact we can do a lot of things by approaching the issue systemically and by considering the issue as a coordination intensive multidisciplinary activity.

Conclusions

The Rapporteur considers Civil Protection to be a complex system comprising three important phases i.e. Prevention (including mitigation), Intervention (including preparedness) and Restoration (including post-disaster analysis). Civil Protection is also dependent on three additional horizontal activities i.e. risk assessment, command, control and communication and finally information and training.

He welcomes the suggested changes in the proposed Decision but would like to see the issue of informing citizens of potential risks as an important element of preparedness, especially in disaster prone zones. Furthermore, land management and land use are important tools in preventing and mitigating disasters. It should be an integrated part of disaster risk reduction plans and management.

The Rapporteur regrets the fact that neither the initial nor the recast Decision contain definitions of the terms «major emergency», «early warning», “rapid response” and “preparedness”. He considers that these terms should be considered in the context of the definitions given in the «Internationally Agreed Glossary of Basic Terms Related to Disaster Management» United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) Jan 1992, as well as in the context of the definitions given in the European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing a Rapid Response and Preparedness Instrument for major emergencies.

The Rapporteur considers that the public health component of all civil protection interventions should be given the importance it deserves bearing in mind that all disasters affect humans both physically and psychologically, and as a consequence both health and social security systems bear a heavy burden of disasters a long time after the intervention phase is completed.

He also supports the reference to the use of military assets supporting civil protection, as leaving out such a reference gives room for the military to mount their own operations outside the existing Mechanism and civil protection framework .

The reality on the field is such that fire-fighter forces in some countries are considered to be part of the military (as they have a military structure and hierarchy) and in many countries, the military has the know-how for interventions in major disaster, such as chemical, biological or nuclear disasters.

The deployment of military equipment and staff are most efficient and needed at the initial phase of a major disaster. Securing an overview and the use of such resources can help to save lives, avoid duplication of resources and thereby making scarce resources available in other areas.

He is furthermore of the opinion that additional capabilities of transport means and logistical support should be established in such a way that Member States will not reinforce their own national capabilities with Community money.

OPINION of the Committee on Development (30.8.2006)

for the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a Community civil protection mechanism (recast)
(COM(2006)0029 – C6‑0076/2006 – 2006/0009(CNS))

Draftswoman: Luisa Morgantini

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Community civil protection mechanism (hereinafter "the mechanism") was established in 2001 with the purpose of supporting the mobilisation of civil protection assistance in the event of a major emergency taking place, first of all, inside the EU. It also included, however, a provision for action outside the EU.

The Council decision 2001/792 sets out the legal basis for this mechanism. It establishes the operational obligations for reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions. It does not create any new EU body, but simply sets out the principles for reinforced cooperation amongst existing National civil protection mechanisms.

In light of an increase in the number of emergencies since 2001, and the considerable increase in the number of countries calling upon the mechanism for immediate civil protection assistance, it has been decided to strengthen the mechanism and to provide a legal basis for additional Community action in the field. The present proposal is a recast of the Council decision 2001/792, and amends the operational rules governing the operation of the Community Civil Protection Mechanism.

The involvement of the mechanism in crises outside the EU is growing in number and importance. Externally the mechanism often functions in parallel with other humanitarian aid operations implemented by the Community (through ECHO) and the other international humanitarian donors, coordinated by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA).

In this context it is of the utmost importance to ensure that civil protection interventions are coherent with the overall Community and international humanitarian response and is consistent with humanitarian principles and respectful of the role and mandate of other actors such the UN OCHA (Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). Article 9 of the proposal purports to address these concerns but its formulation is rather vague.

In particular, the draftsman has considered that a simple call for effectiveness, coherence and complementarity with humanitarian aid operations is not enough. The draftsman considers that, if the civil protection mechanism is to be an effective part of interventions in external crises, the "dual nature" of the mechanism should be clarified and the rules governing the operation of the mechanism inside and outside the EU should be differentiated.

The draftsman has paid special attention; to an accurate and coordinated procedure for assessing the needs of the third country affected to be carried out before mobilising costly assets, to a careful evaluation concerning the use of military assets in third countries and to the role of ECHO and UN OCHA (Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs).

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Text proposed by the Commission[1]	Amendments by Parliament
Amendment 1 Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1
1. In the event of a major emergency occurring outside the Community,  Articles  6, 7 and 8  may also, upon request, be  applied  in respect of  civil protection assistance  interventions outside the Community.	1. Without prejudice to Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid, in the event of a major emergency occurring outside the Community,  Articles  6, 7 and 8  may also, upon request, be  applied  in respect of  civil protection assistance  interventions outside the Community.
Amendment 2 Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 a (new)
	2a.In the event of a major emergency occurring outside the Community, the use of military assets and capabilities available to support civil protection provided for in Article 2(1) should be fully consistent with the UN Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief (Oslo Guidelines, May 1994) and with the UN Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies (MCDA Guidelines, March 2003).
Amendment 3 Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 3
In emergencies where assistance is provided under both the mechanism and Regulation (EC) No 12547/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid, the Commission shall ensure the effectiveness, coherence and complementarity of the overall Community response.	In emergencies where assistance is provided under both the mechanism and Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid, civil protection assistance interventions should be considered as complementary to the overall Community humanitarian response and should therefore be consistent with the objectives and general principles of humanitarian aid as set out in that Regulation. The Commission shall ensure the effectiveness, coherence and complementarity of the overall Community response.
Amendment 4 Article 9, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1 a (new)
	1a. In particular, the Commission shall ensure that the civil protection assistance provided is consistent with its needs assessment established in cooperation with other players.
Amendment 5 Article 9, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2
The operational coordination shall cover coordination with the affected country and, where they are present, with the United Nations.	The operational coordination shall cover coordination with the affected country and with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

PROCEDURE

Title	Proposal for a Council decision establishing a Community civil protection mechanism (recast)
References	COM(2006)0029 – C6‑0076/2006 – 2006/0009(CNS)
Committee responsible	ENVI
Opinion by   Date announced in plenary	DEVE 15.6.2006
Enhanced cooperation – date announced in plenary
Draftswoman   Date appointed	Luisa Morgantini 30.5.2006
Previous drafts(wo)man
Discussed in committee	10.7.2006		28.8.2006
Date adopted	28.8.2006
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	27 0 0
Members present for the final vote	Margrete Auken, Alessandro Battilocchio, Thierry Cornillet, Nirj Deva, Alexandra Dobolyi, Fernando Fernández Martín, Michael Gahler, Filip Andrzej Kaczmarek, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Miguel Angel Martínez Martínez, Luisa Morgantini, Horst Posdorf, Pierre Schapira, Frithjof Schmidt, Jürgen Schröder, Feleknas Uca
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	John Bowis, Milan Gaľa, Ana Maria Gomes, Alain Hutchinson, Jan Jerzy Kułakowski, Bernard Lehideux, Manolis Mavrommatis, Miloslav Ransdorf, Karin Scheele, Anders Wijkman, Zbigniew Zaleski
Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote
Comments (available in one language only)

• [1]  Not yet published in OJ.

PROCEDURE

Title	Proposal for a Council decision establishing a Community civil protection mechanism (recast)
References	COM(2006)0029 – C6‑0076/2006 – 2006/0009(CNS)
Date of consulting Parliament
Committee responsible   Date announced in plenary	ENVI 14.3.2006
Committees asked for opinions   Date announced in plenary	DEVE 15.6.2006		LIBE 15.6.2006
Not delivering opinion   Date of decision	LIBE 19.4.2006
Enhanced cooperation   Date announced in plenary
Rapporteur   Date appointed	Dimitrios Papadimoulis 21.2.2006
Parliament to consult Committee of the Regions – date decided in plenary
Discussed in committee	20.6.2006		13.9.2006
Date adopted	13.9.2006
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	44 2 0
Members present for the final vote	Adamos Adamou, Georgs Andrejevs, Irena Belohorská, John Bowis, Frieda Brepoels, Martin Callanan, Dorette Corbey, Chris Davies, Avril Doyle, Mojca Drčar Murko, Edite Estrela, Anne Ferreira, Matthias Groote, Françoise Grossetête, Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines, Gyula Hegyi, Caroline Jackson, Dan Jørgensen, Christa Klaß, Eija-Riitta Korhola, Urszula Krupa, Aldis Kušķis, Peter Liese, Jules Maaten, Linda McAvan, Marios Matsakis, Riitta Myller, Péter Olajos, Dimitrios Papadimoulis, Vittorio Prodi, Guido Sacconi, Karin Scheele, Jonas Sjöstedt, Bogusław Sonik, María Sornosa Martínez, Antonios Trakatellis, Thomas Ulmer, Anja Weisgerber, Anders Wijkman
Substitutes present for the final vote	Hélène Goudin, Rebecca Harms, Jutta D. Haug, Kartika Tamara Liotard, Miroslav Mikolášik, Bart Staes, Thomas Wise
Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote
Date tabled	18.9.2006
Comments (available in one language only)