Online Debate on Preparedness now open
Citizens encouraged to have their say on making preparedness more inclusive and practical.
A new Citizens’ Engagement Platform, designed to enable EU citizens to give their views on population preparedness, has just opened. The contributions published on the Platform will feed into the Citizens Panel, which takes place between March and May.
The European Citizens’ Panel on Preparedness is designed to provide citizens with a space to help shape how the EU will respond to future crises, ensuring no one is left behind. The panel will bring together 150 randomly selected citizens from across Europe to look at how the EU can ensure that its policies and actions on population are inclusive, effective and aligned with the needs of citizens.
Following the debate in Brussels, the Citizens Panel will present recommendations to the European Commission, which will be followed up between May and December. In early 2027, the Commission will then feed back on the outcome, and the policy actions informed by their contributions and recommendations.
Why is this debate needed?
According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, 49% of EU citizens do not feel well-informed about disaster risks. 68% do not feel prepared to face emergencies, with vulnerable groups feeling disproportionately affected.
Population preparedness is a shared responsibility. This means that public authorities, media, educational institutions, youth and civil society organisations, social partners, businesses, local networks and citizens, from an early age, all play a vital role.
This is why the European Commission would like as many European citizens as possible to have their say on how the EU can ensure that the policies and actions are inclusive, effective and aligned with the needs of citizens.
How do I take part?
Contributions can be submitted by any EU citizen (their name must be given) in any EU language. Organisations and projects that work with citizens in the area of preparedness are encouraged to share details of the Platform amongst their stakeholder groups to give them chance to have their say. The online Platform is open for contributions until the end of May.
What is a Citizens’ Panel?
European Citizens Panels are a key part of the European Union’s commitment to engage with citizens and encourage citizen participation in policymaking processes. They are designed to bring together randomly-selected citizens from all 27 member states to discuss – at European level – key, upcoming proposals that affect us all.
European Citizens’ Panels see participants working together in small groups (of around 12 people) and all together (in plenaries). A facilitation team provides support. Based on the discussions, citizens make recommendations for the European Commission to consider when defining policies and initiatives. Citizens are selected to represent the EU’s diversity - geography (urban/rural), gender, age, education, socioeconomic background, and image of the EU. 1/3 of the participants are young people (16-29 years old).
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