Press Release: Council adopts Rapid Reaction Mechanism: Commission now in position to intervene fast in civilian crisis management

The Rapid Reaction Mechanism is designed to enhance the EU's civilian capacity to intervene fast and effectively in crisis situations in third countries. It will provide the flexibility to mobilise Community instruments to be deployed quickly, whenever necessary. Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten said: 'Conflict prevention and crisis management are at the heart of the EU's Foreign and Security Policy agenda. The new Rapid Reaction Mechanism will act as a catalyser, allowing us to mobilise resources within hours or days rather than weeks or months. We will now be in a better position to organise and support the mobilisation of Member States civilian experts (in areas such as mine clearance, customs, mediation, training of police or judges) in crisis situations. In times of urgent needs we cannot anymore afford the luxury to be bogged down by bureaucratic constraints and deliver Community instruments with unnecessary delays'.

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