Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 31 May 2018 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 (COM(2017)0772/2 – C8-0409/2017 – 2017/0309(COD)) 11
Date: 2018-05-31
Institutions: Committee on Budgets, Committee on Development, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Committee on Regional Development, Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, European Parliament
Subjects: EU Member State, EU aid, aid to disaster victims, civil defence, emergency aid, environmental risk prevention, man-made disaster, natural disaster




C_2020076EN.01024301.xml










9.3.2020   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 76/243






P8_TA(2018)0236
Union Civil Protection Mechanism***I
Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 31 May 2018 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(COM(2017)0772/2 – C8-0409/2017 – 2017/0309(COD)) (1)

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)
(2020/C 76/39)

Amendment 1


Proposal for a decision


Recital 1








Text proposed by the Commission


 


Amendment










(1)


The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (‘the Union Mechanism’) governed by Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and the Council (2) strengthens cooperation between the Union 
and
 the Member States and facilitates coordination in the field of civil protection in order to improve the Union's response to natural and man-made disasters.






 








(1)


The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (‘the Union Mechanism’) governed by Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and the Council (3) strengthens cooperation between the Union, the Member States 
and their regions
 and facilitates coordination in the field of civil protection in order to improve the Union's response to natural and man-made disasters.









 






Amendment 2


Proposal for a decision


Recital 3









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(3)


Natural and man-made disasters can strike anywhere across the globe, often without warning. Whether of natural or man-made origin, they are becoming increasingly frequent, extreme and complex, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, and irrespective of national borders. The human, environmental, and economic consequences stemming from disasters can be 
enormous
.






 








(3)


Natural and man-made disasters can strike anywhere across the globe, often without warning. Whether of natural or man-made origin, they are becoming increasingly frequent, extreme and complex, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, and irrespective of national borders. The human, environmental, 
social
 and economic consequences stemming from disasters can be 
of an unknown scale
. 
Unfortunately, those disasters are sometimes intentional, for example in the case of terrorist attacks.











Amendment 3


Proposal for a decision


Recital 4









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(4)


Recent experience has shown that reliance on voluntary offers of mutual assistance, coordinated and facilitated by the Union Mechanism, does not always ensure that sufficient capacities are made available to address the basic needs of people affected by disasters in a satisfactory manner, nor that the environment and property are properly safeguarded. This is particularly so where Member States are simultaneously affected by recurrent 
disasters
 and collective capacity is insufficient.






 








(4)


Recent experience has shown that reliance on voluntary offers of mutual assistance, coordinated and facilitated by the Union Mechanism, does not always ensure that sufficient capacities are made available to address the basic needs of people affected by disasters in a satisfactory manner, nor that the environment and property are properly safeguarded. This is particularly so where Member States are simultaneously affected by 
disasters that are both
 recurrent 
and unexpected, both natural and man-made
, and collective capacity is insufficient. 
To overcome those insufficiencies and emerging hazards, all Union instruments should be made use of in a fully flexible manner, including through the promotion of active participation of the civil society. Nevertheless, Member States should undertake adequate preventive actions in terms of preserving an amount of national capacities that is sufficient to properly deal with disasters.











Amendment 4


Proposal for a decision


Recital 4 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(4a)






Forest fire prevention is vital in the context of the global commitment to reduce CO2 emissions. Indeed, the combustion of trees and peat-rich soils in forest fires results in the emission of CO2. More specifically, studies have shown how fires cause 20% of all CO2 emissions around the world, i.e. more than the combined emissions of all the transport systems on earth (vehicles, ships and aircraft).











Amendment 5


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(5)


Prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action. To that effect, Member States should share risk assessments on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to disaster management, linking risk prevention, preparedness and response actions. In addition, the Commission should be able to require Member States to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans in relation to specific disasters, notably with a view to maximising overall Union support to disaster risk management. Administrative burden 
should be reduced and
 prevention policies 
strengthened
, including by 
ensuring necessary
 links 
to
 other key Union policies and instruments, notably the European Structural and Investment Funds as listed in recital 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/201313.






 








(5)


Prevention is of key importance for protection against disasters and requires further action. To that effect, Member States should share risk assessments, 
on their national safety and security risks
, on a regular basis as well as summaries of their disaster risk management planning in order to ensure an integrated approach to 
natural and man-made
 disaster management, linking risk prevention, preparedness and response actions. In addition, the Commission should be able to require Member States to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans in relation to specific disasters, 
including man-made ones
, notably with a view to maximising overall Union support, 
in particular from the European Environment Agency (EEA)
, to disaster risk management. 
It is essential to reduce the
 administrative burden 
and to strengthen
 prevention policies, including by 
reinforcing
 links and cooperation 
with
 other key Union policies and instruments, notably the European Structural and Investment Funds as listed in recital 2 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/201313.









Amendment 6


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(5a)






Risk constitutes a negative stimulus for the development of regions. Prevention and risk management imply the reformulation of policies and institutional frameworks, and the strengthening of local, national and regional capacities to design and implement risk management measures, coordinating a wide range of actors. Preparing risk maps by regions and / or member states, strengthening the response capacity and reinforcing prevention actions, with special emphasis on climate risks, is crucial. It is crucial that risk maps take into account both the risks caused by the current climate variability and the projected trajectories of climate change.











Amendment 7


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5 b (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(5b)






When Member States prepare their risk assessments and their risk management planning, they should take into account the specific risks to wildlife and animal welfare. The Commission should encourage across Europe the dissemination of information about animals affected in disasters. Training programmes and courses should be further developed in this regard.











Amendment 8


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5 c (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(5c)






The 2017 forest fire season was particularly long and intense in many Member States, resulting in over 100 deaths in one Member State alone. The lack of available assets, outlined in the Capacity Gaps Report

 (4), 
and the inability of the European Emergency Response Capacity (‘EERC’ or ‘voluntary pool’) to respond in good time to all 17 requests for forest fire assistance, proved that the voluntary nature of Member States' contributions is insufficient during large-scale emergencies affecting several Member States at the same time.










 


 






Amendment 9


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5 d (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(5d)






The most natural partners for deepening cooperation are neighbouring Member States who share the same expertise and structures and are most likely to be affected by the same disasters and risks.











Amendment 68


Proposal for a decision


Recital 5 e (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(5e)






The security of water resources is essential for climate resilience. Member States should map existing water resources to facilitate adaptation to climate change and to increase the resilience of the population to face climate threats such as droughts, fires or floods. The aim of the mapping should be to support the development of actions to reduce the vulnerability of the population.











Amendment 10


Proposal for a decision


Recital 6









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(6)


There is a need to reinforce the collective ability to prepare and respond to disasters notably through mutual support in Europe. In addition to strengthening the possibilities already offered by the European Emergency Response Capacity (‘EERC’ or ‘voluntary pool’), from now on referred to as "European Civil Protection Pool", the Commission should also establish rescEU. The composition of rescEU should include emergency response capacities to respond to wildfires, large-scale floods and earthquakes, as well as a field hospital and medical teams in line with World Health Organisation standards, that can be rapidly deployed.






 








(6)


There is a need to reinforce the collective ability to prepare and respond to disasters notably through mutual support in Europe. In addition to strengthening the possibilities already offered by the European Emergency Response Capacity (‘EERC’ or ‘voluntary pool’), from now on referred to as "European Civil Protection Pool", the Commission should also establish rescEU. The composition of rescEU should include emergency response capacities to respond to wildfires, large-scale floods and earthquakes, 
terrorist attacks and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks
, as well as a field hospital and medical teams in line with World Health Organisation standards, that can be rapidly deployed. 
In this regard, it is important to strengthen and include the specific capacities of local and regional authorities, since they are the first to intervene after a disaster. Those authorities should develop cooperation models in which communities can share best practices, giving them the opportunity to help to develop their resilience in the face of natural disasters.











Amendment 11


Proposal for a decision


Recital 6 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(6a)






The role of regional and local authorities in disaster prevention and management is of great importance and their response capacities need to be appropriately involved in any coordination and deployment activities carried out under this Decision, in accordance with Member States' institutional and legal frameworks, with a view to minimising overlaps and to fostering interoperability. Such authorities can play an important preventive role and they are also the first to react in the aftermath of a disaster, together with their volunteers’ capacities. Therefore, there is a need for on-going cooperation at local, regional and cross-border level with a view to establishing common alert systems for rapid intervention prior to the mobilisation of rescEU, as well as regular public information campaigns on initial response measures.











Amendment 12


Proposal for a decision


Recital 7









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(7)


The Union should be able to support Member States where available capacities are insufficient to allow for an effective response to disasters by contributing to the financing of leasing or rental arrangements for ensuring rapid access to such capacities or by financing their acquisition. This would substantially increase the effectiveness of the Union Mechanism, by ensuring availability of capacities in cases where an effective response to disasters would otherwise not be ensured, particularly for disasters with wide ranging impacts affecting a significant number of Member States. Union procurement of capacities should allow for economies of scale and better coordination when responding to disasters.






 








(7)


The Union should be able to support Member States where available 
material and technical
 capacities are insufficient to allow for an effective response to disasters, 
including in the case of cross-border events
, by contributing to the financing of leasing or rental arrangements for ensuring rapid access to such capacities or by financing their acquisition. This would substantially increase the effectiveness 
and deployability
 of the Union Mechanism, by ensuring the 
speedy
 availability of 
material and technical
 capacities, 
including for rescuing elderly persons or persons with disabilities
, in cases where an effective response to disasters would otherwise not be ensured, particularly for disasters with wide ranging impacts affecting a significant number of Member States, 
such as cross-border epidemics
. 
The pre-committed suitable equipment and
 Union procurement of capacities should allow for economies of scale and better coordination when responding to disasters. 
Optimal and transparent use of financial resources should be ensured.











Amendment 13


Proposal for a decision


Recital 7 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(7a)






Many Member States are faced with a lack of material and technical equipment when unexpected disasters arise. The Union Mechanism should therefore make it possible to expand the material and technical base where necessary, in particular for the sake of rescuing persons with a disability, elderly persons or persons with an illness.











Amendment 14


Proposal for a decision


Recital 9









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(9)




In order to strengthen
 efficiency and effectiveness of training and exercises 
and enhance
 co-operation between Member States' national civil protection authorities and services 
it is necessary to establish a Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network that is based on
 existing structures.






 








(9)




Training, research and innovation are essential aspects of cooperation in the civil protection field. The
 efficiency and effectiveness of training and exercises, 
the promotion of innovation, and dialogue and
 co-operation between Member States' national civil protection authorities and services 
should be strengthened on the basis of
 existing structures 
with the involvement of and the exchange of information with centres of excellence, universities, researchers and other expertise available in the Member States.











Amendment 15


Proposal for a decision


Recital 9 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(9a)






While strengthening civil protection in the light of disaster trends, both weather-related and those relating to internal security, is one of the most important priorities throughout the whole Union, it is essential to complement the Union’s tools with a stronger territorial and community-led dimension, as local community action is the fastest and most effective way of limiting the damage caused by a disaster.











Amendment 16


Proposal for a decision


Recital 10









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(10)


In order to achieve the functioning of the rescEU capacity, additional financial appropriations should made available to finance actions under the Union Mechanism.






 








(10)


In order to achieve the functioning of the rescEU capacity, additional financial appropriations should made available to finance actions under the Union Mechanism, 
but not at the expense of the financial envelopes allocated to other key Union policies
.









Amendment 17


Proposal for a decision


Recital 10 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(10a)






Separate funding and budgetary allocations should be guaranteed for the revised Union Mechanism. Considering the need to avoid any negative impact on the financing of existing multiannual programmes, the increase in financing for the targeted revision of the Union Mechanism in the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 should be drawn exclusively from all means available under Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013

 (5), 
with particular recourse to the Flexibility Instrument.










 


 






Amendment 18


Proposal for a decision


Recital 11









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(11)


There is a need to simplify Union Mechanism procedures to ensure that Member States can access assistance and capacities needed in order to respond to natural or man-made disasters as rapidly as possible.






 








(11)


There is a need to simplify, 
streamline and increase the flexibility of the
 Union Mechanism procedures to ensure that Member States can 
quickly
 access assistance and capacities needed in order to respond to natural or man-made disasters as rapidly 
and as efficiently
 as possible.









Amendment 19


Proposal for a decision


Recital 12









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(12)


In order to maximise the use of existing funding instruments and support Member States in delivering assistance, 
particularly
 in response to disasters outside the Union, a derogation to Article 129(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and the Council (6) should be provided for when financing is granted pursuant to Articles 21, 22 and 23 of Decision No 1313/2013/EU.






 








(12)


In order to maximise the use of existing funding instruments and support Member States in delivering assistance, 
including
 in response to disasters outside the Union, a derogation to Article 129(1) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and the Council (7) should be provided for when financing is granted pursuant to Articles 21, 22 and 23 of Decision No 1313/2013/EU. 
Notwithstanding that derogation, funding for civil protection activities and humanitarian aid, in particular, should remain clearly separate in any future Union funding architecture and be fully in line with the different objectives and legal requirements of that architecture
.









 






Amendment 20


Proposal for a decision


Recital 13









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(13)


It is important to ensure that Member States take all the necessary actions in order to effectively prevent natural and man-made disasters and mitigate their effects. Provisions should reinforce links between prevention, preparedness and response actions under the Union Mechanism. Coherence should also be ensured with other relevant Union legislation on prevention and disaster risk management, including for cross-border prevention action and response to threats such as serious cross-border health threats (8). Likewise, coherence should be ensured with international commitments such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030, the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.






 








(13)


It is important to ensure that Member States take all the necessary actions in order to effectively prevent natural and man-made disasters and mitigate their effects. Provisions should reinforce links between prevention, preparedness and response actions under the Union Mechanism. Coherence should also be ensured with other relevant Union legislation on prevention and disaster risk management, including for cross-border prevention action and response to threats such as serious cross-border health threats (9). 
Territorial cooperation programmes under cohesion policy provide for specific actions to take into account disaster resilience, risk prevention and risk management, and further efforts should be made towards more vigorous integration and greater synergies. Furthermore, all actions
 should be 
coherent
 with, 
and actively contribute to meeting
, international commitments such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030, the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.









 






Amendment 21


Proposal for a decision


Recital 13 a (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(13a)






It is essential that the modules previously registered in the Common Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS) be maintained in order to respond to requests for assistance and to participate in the training system in the usual way.











Amendment 22


Proposal for a decision


Recital 13 b (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(13b)






It is equally important to connect the Union Mechanism, which is limited to the period immediately following the catastrophe, to other Union instruments focused on reversing the damage, such as the Solidarity Fund.











Amendment 23


Proposal for a decision


Recital 13 c (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(13c)






It is essential that the Solidarity Fund be modified by introducing the obligation to repair the damage to the environment and by using the GDP per capita of the region or Member State instead of the global GDP as an indicator for its approval, to prevent large, populated regions with low levels of wealth from not being eligible to benefit from the Fund. It is very important to value the environment affected by a catastrophe in an economic way, especially areas of high natural value, such as protected areas or covered by the Natura 2000 network, in order to repair them.











Amendment 24


Proposal for a decision


Recital 13 d (new)









Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(13d)






There is a need for Union action to focus also on providing technical training assistance so that the capacity of communities for self-help can be enhanced, leaving them better prepared to provide an initial response and contain a disaster. Targeted training and education for public safety practitioners, such as community leaders, social and medical care practitioners, the rescue and firefighting services as well as local voluntary intervention groups which should dispose of rapidly available intervention equipment, can help contain a disaster and reduce fatalities both during and in the aftermath of the crisis.











Amendment 25


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(e)


to increase the availability and use of scientific knowledge on disasters.






 








(e)


to increase the availability and use of scientific knowledge on disasters, 
including in the outermost regions and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs)
;









Amendment 26


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(aa)





in paragraph 1 the following point is added:













“(ea)






to mitigate the immediate consequences that catastrophes may have on human lives and on cultural and natural heritage;”










Amendment 27


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(ab)





in paragraph 1, the following point is added:













“(eb)






to step up cooperation and coordination activities at cross-border level.”










Amendment 28


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(a)


take action to improve the knowledge base on disaster risks and facilitate the sharing of knowledge, the results of scientific research, best practices and information, including among Member States that share common risks.






 








(a)


take action to improve the knowledge base on disaster risks 
and to better
 facilitate 
and promote cooperation and
 the sharing of knowledge, the results of scientific research 
and innovation
, best practices and information, including among Member States that share common risks;









Amendment 29


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(3a)





In Article 5(1), the following point is inserted:











“
(aa)






coordinate the harmonisation of information and guidance on alert systems, including on a cross-border level;
”









Amendment 30


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point f








Present text



 



Amendment











(f)


compile and disseminate the information made available by Member States; organise an exchange of experiences about the assessment of risk management capability; develop, together with the Member States and by 22 December 
2014
, guidelines on the content, methodology and structure of those assessments; and facilitate the sharing of good practices in prevention and preparedness planning, including through voluntary peer reviews;






 










(3b)





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











"(f)


compile and disseminate the information made available by Member States; organise an exchange of experiences about the assessment of risk management capability; develop, together with the Member States and by 22 December 
2019
, 
new
 guidelines on the content, methodology and structure of those assessments; and facilitate the sharing of good practices in prevention and preparedness planning, including through voluntary peer reviews;"









Amendment 31


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(a)


develop risk assessments at national or appropriate sub-national level and make them available to the Commission by 22 December 2018 and every three years thereafter;






 








(a)


develop risk assessments at national or appropriate sub-national level 
in consultation with relevant local and regional authorities and aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
 and make them available to the Commission by 22 December 2018 and every three years thereafter, 
based on a model agreed on with the Commission
,’
and, in this context, existing national information systems shall be used
;









Amendment 32


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d







Present text


 



Amendment











(d)




participate
, on a voluntary basis, in peer reviews on 
the assessment of
 risk management capability.






 










(aa)





point (d) is replaced by the following:











“(d)




participate
, on a voluntary basis, in peer reviews on risk management capability 
with a view to identifying actions that bridge the gaps
.”









Amendment 33


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





A summary of the relevant elements of the risk management planning shall be provided to the Commission, including information on the selected prevention and preparedness measures, by 31 January 2019 and every three years thereafter. In addition, the Commission may require Member States to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans, which shall cover both short- and long-term efforts. The Union shall duly consider the progress made by the Member States with respect to disaster prevention and preparedness as part of any future ex-ante conditionality mechanism under the European Structural and Investment Funds.


 


A summary of the relevant elements of the risk management planning shall be provided to the Commission, including information on the selected prevention and preparedness measures, 
in accordance with a template to be established by means of an implementing act
, by 31 January 2019 and every three years thereafter. 
That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2).
 In addition, the Commission may require Member States to provide specific prevention and preparedness plans which shall cover both short- and long-term efforts. 
In this regard, these efforts may include a commitment on the part of Member States to encourage investments based on risk assessments and to ensure better post-disaster reconstruction. The additional administrative burden at national and sub-national levels shall be kept as low as possible.







Amendment 34


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 6 – paragraph 3








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





The Commission may also establish specific consultation mechanisms to enhance appropriate prevention and preparedness planning and coordination among Member States prone to similar type disasters.


 


The Commission may, 
in cooperation with the Member States
, also establish specific consultation mechanisms to enhance appropriate prevention and preparedness planning and coordination among Member States prone to similar type disasters. 
The Commission and the Member States, where possible, shall also foster consistency between disaster risk management and climate change adaptation strategies.







Amendment 36


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point k







Present text


 



Amendment











(k)


in close consultation with the Member States, take additional necessary supporting and complementary preparedness action to achieve the objective specified in point (b) of Article 3(1)






 










(4a)





In Article 8(1), point (k) is replaced by the following:











“(k)


in close consultation with the Member States, take additional necessary supporting and complementary preparedness action, 
including through coordination with other Union instruments
, to achieve the objective specified in point (b) of Article 3(1).”









Amendment 37


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 








(4b)



In Article 9, the following paragraph is inserted:









“1a.
   
Member States shall strengthen relevant administrative capacities of the competent regional and local authorities, in accordance with their institutional and legal framework.”








Amendment 38


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 10 – paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






1.   The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve the planning of disaster response operations under the Union Mechanism, including through scenario-building for disaster response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6 and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities.



 



1.   The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve the planning of disaster response operations, 
both for natural or man-made disasters
, under the Union Mechanism, including through scenario-building for disaster response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6 and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), asset mapping, 
including earth-moving machinery, mobile electricity generators and mobile fire-fighting equipment among those assets
, and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities.






Amendment 39


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






1.   A European Civil Protection Pool shall be established. It shall consist of a pool of pre-committed response capacities of the Member States and include modules, other response capacities and experts.



 



1.   A European Civil Protection Pool shall be established. It shall consist of a 
voluntary
 pool of pre-committed response capacities of the Member States and include modules, other response capacities and experts.






Amendment 40


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 1 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 





1a.
   
As national prevention should be the first priority of Member States to reduce safety and security risks, the European Civil Protection Pool shall be complementary to existing national capacities.








Amendment 41


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






2.   On the basis of 
identified
 risks, the Commission shall define the types and the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool ("capacity goals"). The Commission shall monitor progress towards the capacity goals and remaining gaps and shall encourage Member States to address such gaps. The Commission may support Member States in accordance with Article 20, point (i) of Article 21(1) and Article 21(2).



 



2.   On the basis of 
needs and
 risks 
identified on the ground
, the Commission shall, 
in cooperation with the competent authorities of the Member States
, define the types and the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool ("capacity goals"). The Commission shall monitor progress towards the capacity goals and remaining gaps and shall encourage Member States to address such gaps. The Commission may support Member States in accordance with Article 20, point (i) of Article 21(1) and Article 21(2).






Amendment 42


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point c

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 7








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






7.   Response capacities that Member States make available for the European Civil Protection Pool shall be available for response operations under the Union Mechanism following a request for assistance through the ERCC, unless Member States are faced with an exceptional situation substantially affecting the discharge of national tasks.



 



7.   Response capacities that Member States make available for the European Civil Protection Pool shall be available for response operations under the Union Mechanism following a request for assistance through the ERCC, unless 
in the case of domestic emergencies, force majeure or when
 Member States are faced with an exceptional situation substantially affecting the discharge of national tasks. 
The ultimate decision on their deployment shall be taken by the Member State which registered the response capacity concerned.








Amendment 43


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 – point c

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





In the event of deployment of such response they shall remain under the command and control of the Member States making them available and may be withdrawn 
when
 Member States are faced with 
an
 exceptional 
situation substantially affecting the discharge of national tasks preventing them
 from keeping those response capacities available. In such cases, the Commission shall be consulted.


 


In the event of deployment of such response they shall remain under the command and control of the Member States making them available and may be withdrawn 
if those
 Member States are faced with 
domestic emergencies, force majeure or if
 an exceptional situation 
prevents
 them from keeping those response capacities available. In such cases, the Commission shall be consulted.





Amendment 44


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






1.   rescEU shall be established to provide relief where existing capacities do not allow responding effectively to disasters.”



 



1.   rescEU shall be established to provide relief 
in exceptional circumstances when capacities at national level are not available and
 where existing capacities do not allow responding effectively to disasters. 
RescEU capacities shall not be used to replace Member States' own capacities and relevant responsibilities.








Amendment 45


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






2.   The composition of rescEU shall consist of the following capacities:






(a)


aerial forest firefighting;










(b)


high capacity pumping;










(c)


urban search and rescue;










(d)


field hospital and emergency medical teams.







 



2.   The composition of rescEU 
shall
 consist 
of capacities additional to those that already exist in the Member States, with a view to supplementing and strengthening them, and shall seek to address current and future risks. The capacities are to be identified on the basis of any gaps in response
 capacities 
related to health emergencies, industrial, environmental, seismic or volcanic disasters, floods and fires including forest fires, as well as terrorist attacks and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.




On the basis of the identified gaps, rescEU shall contain at least the following capacities:








(a)


aerial forest firefighting;










(b)


high capacity pumping;










(c)


urban search and rescue;










(d)


field hospital and emergency medical teams.










Amendment 46


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 2 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 





2a.
   
The nature of these capacities shall remain flexible and may change in order to address new developments and future challenges, such as the consequences of climate change.








Amendment 47


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 4








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






4.   On the basis of identified risks and taking into account a multi-hazard approach, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 to define the types of response capacities required in addition to those identified in paragraph 2 of this Article and revise the composition of rescEU accordingly. Consistency shall be ensured with other Union policies.
Where, in the case of a disaster or imminent disaster, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the procedure provided for in Article 31 shall apply to delegated acts adopted pursuant to this Article.



 



4.   On the basis of identified risks 
and capacities and risk management planning according to Article 6
 and taking into account an multi-hazard approach, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 to define the types of response capacities required in addition to those identified in paragraph 2 of this Article and revise the composition of rescEU accordingly. Consistency shall be ensured with other Union policies.
Where, in the case of a disaster or imminent disaster, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the procedure provided for in Article 31 shall apply to delegated acts adopted pursuant to this Article.






Amendment 48


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 5








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






5.   The Commission shall define quality requirements for the response capacities forming part of rescEU. The quality requirements shall be based on established international standards, where such standards already exist.



 



5.   The Commission, 
in cooperation with the Member States
, shall define quality requirements for the response capacities forming part of rescEU. The quality requirements shall be based on established international standards, where such standards already exist.






Amendment 49


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 7








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






7.   rescEU capacities shall be available for response operations under the Union Mechanism following a request for assistance through the ERCC. The decision on their deployment shall be taken by the Commission, 
which
 shall retain 
command and control
 of rescEU capacities.



 



7.   rescEU capacities shall be available for response operations under the Union Mechanism following a request for assistance through the ERCC. The decision on their deployment shall be taken by the Commission, which shall retain the 
strategic coordination
 of rescEU capacities 
and be the authority over deployment whilst the operational command and control shall remain with the officials responsible in the recipient Member States.








Amendment 50


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 8








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






8.   In case of deployment, the Commission shall agree with the requesting Member State on the operational deployment of rescEU capacities. The requesting Member State shall facilitate operational co-ordination of its own capacities and rescEU activities during operations.



 



8.   In case of deployment, the Commission 
through the ERCC
 shall agree with the requesting Member State on the operational deployment of rescEU capacities. The requesting Member State shall facilitate operational co-ordination of its own capacities and rescEU activities during operations.






Amendment 51


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12 – paragraph 10








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






10.   Where the Commission procures equipment such as aerial forest firefighting equipment, by means of acquisition, leasing or rental, the following shall be ensured:






(a)


in case of acquisition of equipment, an agreement between the Commission and a Member State provides for the registration thereof in that Member State.










(b)


in case of leasing and rental, the registration of the equipment in a Member State.







 



10.   Where the Commission procures equipment such as aerial forest firefighting equipment, by means of acquisition, leasing or rental, the following shall be ensured:






(a)


in case of acquisition of equipment, an agreement between the Commission and a Member State provides for the registration thereof in that Member State.










(b)


in case of leasing and rental, the registration of the equipment in a Member State 
shall not be compulsory.














(ba)






commercial aircraft management is assigned to EASA certified operators.












Amendment 52


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12a – paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of operations and progress made under Articles 11 and 12 every 
two years
.


 


The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of operations and progress made under Articles 11 and 12 every 
year
.





Amendment 53


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 12a – paragraph 1 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 




This information shall include an overview of the budgetary and cost developments, with a detailed technical and financial assessment, precise information on cost increases and changes in the types of response capacities required and the quality requirements of those capacities, if any, as well as the reasons for any such increases or changes.







Amendment 54


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





The Commission shall establish a network of relevant civil protection and disaster management actors and institutions, forming together with the Commission a Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network.


 


The Commission shall establish a network of relevant civil protection and disaster management actors and institutions, 
including centres of excellence, universities and researchers
, forming together with the Commission a Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network. 
The Commission shall take due account of the expertise available in the Member States and the organisations active on the ground.







Amendment 55


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 13 – paragraph 1 –subparagraph 2 – introductory sentence








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





The Network shall carry out the following tasks in the field of training, exercises, lessons learnt and knowledge dissemination, in close coordination with relevant knowledge centres, where appropriate:


 


The Network shall, 
while aiming for a gender balanced composition
, carry out the following tasks in the field of training, exercises, lessons learnt and knowledge dissemination, in close coordination with relevant knowledge centres, where appropriate:





Amendment 56


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point a







Present text


 



Amendment











(a)


set up and manage a training programme for civil protection and emergency management personnel on prevention of, preparedness for and response to disasters. The programme shall include joint courses and a system for exchange of experts, whereby individuals may be seconded to other Member States.




The 
training
 programme shall aim to enhance the coordination, compatibility and complementarity between capacities referred to in Articles 9 
and
 11, and to improve the competence of experts referred to in points (d) and (f) of Article 8;


 










(9a)





In Article 13(1), point (a) is replaced by the following:











‘(a)


set up and manage a training programme for civil protection and emergency management personnel on prevention of, preparedness for and response to disasters. The programme shall include joint courses and a system for exchange of experts, whereby individuals may be seconded to other Member States. 
A new Erasmus civil protection programme shall be introduced, in keeping with the rules and principles of Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013

 (*1).




The 
Erasmus civil protection
 programme shall 
also
 aim to enhance the coordination, compatibility and complementarity between capacities referred to in Articles 9, 11 
and 12
, and to improve the competence of experts referred to in points (d) and (f) of Article 8.


The Erasmus civil protection programme shall include an international dimension aimed at supporting the Union’s external action, including its development goals, through cooperation between Member States and between partner countries.






 


 






Amendment 57


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point f







Present text


 



Amendment











(f)


stimulate and encourage the introduction and use of relevant new technologies for the purpose of the Union Mechanism.






 










(9b)





In Article 13(1), point (f) is replaced by the following:











‘(f)


stimulate 
research and innovation
 and encourage the introduction and use of relevant new technologies for the purpose of the Union Mechanism.’









Amendment 58


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9c (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 13 – paragraph 3 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 










(9c)





in Article 13, the following paragraph is added:







‘
3a.
   
The Commission shall extend training capacities, and increase the sharing of knowledge and experience, between the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network and international organisations and third countries, to contribute to meeting international commitments with regard to disaster risk reduction, particularly those in the Sendai Framework.’








Amendment 59


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 16 – paragraph 2







Present text


 



Amendment






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.



 










(11a)





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 clearly define, in consultation with humanitarian actors, the scope of the intervention and its relationship with the parties involved in the wider humanitarian response, ensuring consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid and respect for humanitarian principles.
’







Amendment 60


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph – point 12

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 




The necessary appropriations for the Union Mechanism shall be gradually authorised by the European Parliament and the Council in the framework of the annual budgetary procedure, taking due account of all means available under Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013

 (*2), 
with particular recourse to the Flexibility Instrument, as set out in Annex I.






 


 






Amendment 61


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 20 a – paragraph 1








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall give appropriate visibility to the Union, including prominence to the Union emblem for those capacities referred to under Article 11, 12 and 21(2)(c).


 


Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall give appropriate visibility to the Union, including prominence to the Union emblem for those capacities referred to under Article 11, 12 and 21(2)(c). 
A communication strategy shall be developed in order to make the tangible results of the actions taken under the Union Mechanism visible to citizens.







Amendment 62


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 23 – paragraph 2 a (new)








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment





 


 





2a.
   
For Member States’ capacities that are not pre-committed to the European Civil Protection Pool, the amount of Union financial support for transport resources shall not exceed 55% of the total eligible cost. To be eligible for such funding, Member States shall undertake to produce a register of all the capacities at their disposal, together with the relevant management structures, over and beyond those pre-committed to the European Civil Protection Pool, enabling them to respond to health, industrial, seismic or volcanic disasters, to floods and forest fires, to terrorist attacks and to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks.








Amendment 63


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 16

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 26 – paragraph 2








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment






2.   Synergies and complementarity shall be sought with other instruments of the Union such as those supporting cohesion, rural development, research, health, as well as migration and security policies. In the case of a response to humanitarian crises in third countries the Commission shall ensure the complementarity and coherence of actions financed under this Decision and actions financed under Regulation (EC) No 1257/96.



 



2.   Synergies, complementarity 
and increased coordination
 shall be 
developed
 with other instruments of the Union such as those supporting cohesion, 
including the European Union Solidarity Fund
, rural development, research, health, as well as migration and security policies, 
without entailing the reallocation of the funds from those areas
. In the case of a response to humanitarian crises in third countries the Commission shall ensure the complementarity and coherence of actions financed under this Decision and actions financed under Regulation (EC) No 1257/96, 
whilst respecting the distinct and independent nature of those actions and their funding, and ensuring that they are in line with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid
.






Amendment 64


Proposal for a decision


Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18

Decision No 1313/2013/EU
Article 32 – paragraph 1 – point g








Text proposed by the Commission



 



Amendment











(g)


the establishment, management and maintaining of rescEU, as provided for in Article 12, including criteria for deployment decisions 
and
 operating procedures;






 








(g)


the establishment, management and maintaining of rescEU, as provided for in Article 12, including criteria for deployment decisions, operating procedures 
and the conditions for deployment of rescEU capacities at national level by a Member State and financial and other arrangements related thereto
;









Amendment 65


Proposal for a decision


Annex I (new)


Text proposed by the Commission


Amendment



ANNEX I




INDICATIVE ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ALLOCATIONS FOR THE PERIOD 2018-2020












 


 



2018




2019




2020




TOTAL







Total additional appropriations under Heading 3

 (*3)




CA





19,157 






115,2 






122,497 






256,854 







PA





11






56,56 






115,395 






182,955 








Total additional appropriations under Heading 4

 (*3)




CA





2






2






2,284 






6,284 







PA





0,8 






1,8 






2,014 






4,614 








Total additional appropriations under Headings 3 and 4 combined

 (*3)




CA





21,157 






117,2 






124,781 






263,138 







PA





11,8 






58,36 






117,409 






187,569 








(figures in EUR million)








(1)  The matter was referred back for interinstitutional negotiations to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 59(4), fourth subparagraph (A8-0180/2018).

(2)  Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 924).

(3)  Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 924).

(4)  
Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on progress made and gaps remaining in the European Emergency Response Capacity, 17.02.2017.



(5)  
Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).



(6)  Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).

(7)  Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1).

(8)  Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on serious cross border threats to health and repealing Decision No 2119/98/EC (OJ L 293, 5.11.2013, p. 1).

(9)  Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on serious cross border threats to health and repealing Decision No 2119/98/EC (OJ L 293, 5.11.2013, p. 1).

(*1)  
Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing ‘Erasmus+’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport and repealing Decisions No 1719/2006/EC, No 1720/2006/EC and No 1298/2008/EC (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 50).
’

(*2)  
Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884).



(*3)  
The full amounts are to be provided through the Flexibility Instrument.