Albania joins the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Today, Albania officially becomes a Participating State in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
As a full member of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Albania will not only be able to receive immediate support but can also send assistance to countries struck by a disaster through the Mechanism, leading to stronger and better coordinated crisis response in Europe and in the rest of the world.
Before joining as a fully-fledged member, Albania had already been supported by EU Civil Protection Teams following the devastating earthquake in November 2019, and wildfires during the last three summers.
Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič is in Tirana to mark the occasion. There, he met Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Defence Niko Peleshi. Together with Minister Peleshi, he signed the agreement making Albania a member of the Mechanism.
© DG ECHO
"Today I am proud to welcome Albania to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This step comes at a crucial time when natural hazards are more frequent, and more intense. A disaster can strike anywhere, and at any time and our crisis response systems must stand ready to withstand the consequences of climate change. I want to thank Albanian civil protection authorities for their determination and tireless efforts in bringing this important development into life. By working together, we can significantly enhance our emergency preparedness and build a more resilient disaster management system in Europe" said the Commissioner.
With Albania joining, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism now brings together a total of 35 countries - all EU Member States as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. They work together to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters.
Since its inception in 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has responded to over 600 requests for assistance inside and outside the EU.
