Lessons to be learned from the devastating floods in western and central Europe
21.7.2021
Priority question for written answer P-003686/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE)
On 12 July 2021, the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) issued an extreme flood warning for Germany and Belgium. The following days brought updates on the weather situation. EFAS is run by the EU’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and is part of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. It shares information with the national authorities responsible for disaster preparedness and response, which then pass the information on further and ensure that the requisite action is taken. On the evening of 14 July and in the following days, devastating floods which have left at least 200 people dead (as at 19 July 2021) hit Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- 1.Is the Commission planning a review of the procedures used to channel information in the event of disasters, in particular the procedures used in the Member States following a warning issued by the EFAS?
- 2.Does the EFAS provide feedback to individual Member States on the civil protection measures they have taken in response to its warnings?
- 3.Is the Commission planning to enhance civil protection in Europe and to shift more competences and coordination to the EU level?