Union Civil Protection Mechanism (rescEU)
The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (rescEU) funds science-driven projects to strengthen disaster prevention, preparedness, and response across Europe through research, collaboration, and strategic emergency reserves.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (Technical assistance for disaster risk management, single-country) | June 2026 (Knowledge for action in prevention and preparedness, multi-country)
Funding Amounts: Total programme budget: €3.32 billion (2021–2027); individual project awards typically range from €250,000 to €1.5 million and may vary by call.
Summary: Supports projects to enhance disaster prevention, preparedness, and response across EU and participating states through annual competitive calls.
Key Information: This is a forecasted call; all dates are projected and subject to confirmation.
Description
The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (rescEU) is the European Commission’s flagship programme for boosting disaster resilience, prevention, preparedness, and response in the EU and associated participating states. It provides financial support for projects that strengthen cross-border and national capacities to manage natural and man-made disasters, including wildfires, floods, disease outbreaks, CBRN events, and emergencies affecting critical infrastructure.
Annual calls for proposals are launched under two main tracks:
- Technical assistance for disaster risk management (single-country projects): Supports national authorities in developing strategic disaster risk management activities, institutional frameworks, and investment preparation.
- Knowledge for action in prevention and preparedness (KAPP) (multi-country projects): Promotes cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint exercises to enhance disaster prevention and preparedness.
rescEU also maintains a strategic reserve of emergency response assets (e.g., firefighting aircraft, medical stockpiles, emergency shelter units), fully funded by the EU, and can be activated to provide additional support in major crises.
