Partners in Protection

The EU and Australia coordinate to addresses disasters and emergencies globally.

Australia is a partner to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism which plays a global coordinating role to improve cooperation and facilitate preparedness in cases of humanitarian and natural disasters.

WHY IT MATTERS

The EU and Australia coordinate responses to humanitarian crises such as bushfires, floods, cyclones, disease outbreaks, and conflict.

The EU is the world’s largest humanitarian donor, while Australia is the largest aid donor in the Pacific. Their cooperation strengthens disaster preparedness and ensures faster, more effective responses in times of crisis.

WHAT’S DRIVING IT?

Both partners share a strong interest in reducing disaster risks and improving emergency management. Cooperation through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism ensures help can be delivered quickly when disasters strike. The EU and Australia are also both members of the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility.

LOOKING AHEAD

Countries and international organisations can request assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) operates around the clock, mobilising expert teams, equipment, and medical support worldwide. Rapid deployment of specialised teams and equipment, such as firefighting planes, search and rescue and medical teams is coordinated with national civil protection authorities.

INTERESTING FACT

The EU is also coordinating medical evacuations of Ukrainian patients in need of urgent care to hospitals across Europe - via the Mechanism and the medical evacuation hub established in Poland. As of January 2025, over 4,000 patients received treatment as part of the medical evacuations. 

MORE INFORMATION

Administrative arrangement between Emergency Management Australia and the European Commission.

Read the Official Document

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