Why discuss preparedness?
Preparedness is Europe's shield against future crises, such as climate and environmental disasters, geopolitical instability, pandemics or cyber threats.
We invite you to think about your awareness of risks and how you would prepare for a crisis from your own perspective, and that of your community as well.
For example:
- Do you feel prepared to face a potential crisis?
- Does your local community have a support network for vulnerable citizens?
Preparedness - what's at stake?
As we are facing more intense and more frequent disasters than ever, it is crucial that the EU and Europeans are ready to anticipate, prepare, adapt, and respond effectively.
Preparedness is about anticipating crises and taking practical steps before disasters strike. It involves taking action early, learning about possible risks, and working together to mitigate their impact.
Population preparedness implies that citizens play an essential role in building resilient societies. They are required to become active participants in crisis readiness and response, and this involvement must reach all parts of society.
Join the online debate
Population preparedness is a shared responsibility. This means that public authorities, media, educational institutions, youth and civil society organisations, social partners, businesses, local networks and citizens, from an early age, all play a vital role.
This is why we would like as many European citizens as possible to have their say on how the EU can ensure that the policies and actions are inclusive, effective and aligned with the needs of citizens.
Join the debate and publish ideas, share your views and discuss with others on topics related to population preparedness.
Why do we need this?
Timeline
- January - May 2026Online contributions
Citizens create, comment on and endorse contributions on the Citizens' Engagement Platform.
- March - May 2026European Citizens' Panel
Citizens' contributions feed into the Panel. The Panel debates and addresses recommendations to the European Commission.
- June - December 2026Taking action on Citizens' Panel recommendations
Follow-up to Platform contributions and Panel recommendations by the European Commission.
- Spring 2027Feedback on the outcome
Communicate to citizens about the policy actions informed by their contributions and recommendations.
