Conclusion of the Preparedness debate
After months of discussion and valuable input from citizens across the EU, the debate on preparedness has now closed. We warmly thank everyone who contributed ideas, experiences, and perspectives on strengthening Europe’s resilience to future crises.
The debate gathered views on responding to challenges such as climate disasters, pandemics, and geopolitical threats. These contributions informed the work of the European Citizens’ Panel on Preparedness and will support the European Commission’s policy initiatives, including the Preparedness Union Strategy.
Next steps and follow-up
The submitted contributions will shape the next phase of this work, and a final report on the results of the debate will soon be available in the documents section below.
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.
Strengthening preparedness
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 invited European citizens 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.
The debate has closed but you can still view all the contributions.
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
Communication to citizens about the policy actions informed by their contributions and recommendations.