Interim evaluation of the implementation of Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism, 2017-2022

This interim evaluation of the implementation and performance of Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was commissioned by the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). The UCPM aims to strengthen cooperation between European Union (EU) Member States and Participating States on civil protection in order to improve prevention, preparedness and response to disasters. The evaluation assessed the effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, coherence, and EU added value of the UCPM, identified lessons, and provided strategic and operational recommendations. Overall, it found that UCPM activities in the field of prevention, preparedness, and response contributed to achieving the Decision's objectives. Despite a notable increase in UCPM activations between 2017 and 2022 - driven by the emergence of new and more frequent disasters - the UCPM has successfully adapted to changing pressures and demands, consistently maintaining a high response rate and contributing to effective support to international response efforts. Together with the European Civil Protection Pool (ECPP), the establishment of rescEU was a key development that strengthened EU and national preparedness. The evaluation also identified a number of challenges impacting the UCPM, such as the evolving disaster risk landscape and the need to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation at national and EU level.