RESPONSE OF THE UNION CIVIL PROTECTION MECHANISM TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

On 11 March 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Union entered an intensive phase of combating Covid-19. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism has proven to be an effective tool for the coordination of international assistance in response to other disasters, such as the pandemic, in the form of material and rescue assistance, and for supporting the repatriation of European citizens from third countries. Immediately after the initial shock, European countries demonstrated mutual solidarity in the provision of international assistance. EU contributed to fast response also with the activation of the IPCR arrangements, the Emergency Support Instrument and the immediate analysis of experience. Based on the initial responses to Covid-19, member states and the European Commission had already initiated endeavours to upgrade operational capabilities and capacities for response to a major disaster with possible transnational and trans-border effects in March 2020. One of the key results of the first wave was a rapid change in the existing legislation in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and the establishment of rescEU strategic reserves for the stockpiling of medical supplies, Slovenia began the establishment of the same reserves on 1 January 2021.