The new RescEU temporary shelter capacity
Legislative changes create a new a European Shelter Capacity as part of RescEU.
The Commission adopted a revision of the UCPM implementing legislation on 22 February 2022 to include temporary shelter capacities and Emergency Medical Teams as part of the rescEU reserve.
A recent evaluation concluded that the European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP) would not have enough emergency shelter capacity in the case of large-scale natural disasters affecting a large number of people. The earthquake in Croatia in December 2020 showed that despite a fast response from Member States to help, there was still a lack of adequate shelter capacities.
National shelter experts worked together to examine options for improved shelter capacities and identified a need for adaptable multi-purpose shelter solution at EU level, suitable for a wide range of different scenarios and conditions.
The result is the European Shelter Capacity, with high-quality shelter assets in warehouses hosted by Member States for quick relief to affected communities. A reserve of customisable assets can created on demand, to enable a sustained response to medium to long-term shelter needs.
Providing adequate shelter capacities in a fast and agile manner is a complex logistical operation. This requires each shelter capacity to be complete, meaning it has the physical elements for shelter - tents or other structures, bedding and other household items, and hygiene equipment –as well as the personnel, expertise and means to handle, mobilise and maintain them.
Each shelter capacity will be capable of responding to the shelter needs of at least 5000 people. It will offer fully equipped shelters such as tents or other structures that give comfortable hygienic conditions suitable to the terrain and weather conditions where they are being used.
The Commission will finance the development and deployment of the shelter capacities and work to set up the first shelter capacities has already started.
The implementing legislation revision also modified quality requirements of Emergency Medical Teams under rescEU to align them with World Health Organization standards under the Global Emergency Medical Team initiative.
