Disasters Past and Present: New Challenges for the EU

Abstract:

Since the drafting of the European Security Strategy in 2003, the European Union has devoted ever more attention to the various emergencies that affect the safety and security of its citizens. Europe's history is already full of examples and precedents of such challenges and related responses. Today, natural and human-made disasters, acts of terrorism and large-scale disruptions of civilian life constitute contingencies that require policy attention and preparedness at all levels of government. They often call into question traditional barriers between policy arenas at both the national and European level. Within the EU proper, the relevant competences and capabilities are still fledgling and scattered across different institutions and bodies, but progress is being made towards better co-ordination and synergy across the policy board.