EU seeks citizens’ support for preparedness

© European Commission

Since 20 March 2026, 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 EU Member States are discussing the topic of preparedness in a Citizens’ Panel. They were invited to Brussels by the European Commission to work together on drawing up specific recommendations for follow-up measures to the Preparedness Union Strategy. 

The strategy aims to enhance the EU’s civilian preparedness and readiness for future crises so that all actors are ready and capable to respond quickly and effectively if needed.

Preparedness - what's at stake?

As Europe is facing more intense and more frequent disasters than ever, it is crucial that the EU and Europeans are ready to anticipate, prepare, adapt, and respond effectively.

Preparedness is about anticipating crises and taking practical steps before disasters strike. It involves taking action early, learning about possible risks, and working together to mitigate their impact. 

'Population preparedness implies that citizens play an essential role in building resilient societies. They are required to become active participants in crisis readiness and response, and this involvement must reach all parts of society', states the Citizens' Panel website.

Schedule

The European Citizens' Forum on Preparedness will meet on three weekends between March and May 2026:

  • 20 to 22 March (in person in Brussels)
  • 24 to 26 April (online)
  • 22 to 24 May (in person in Brussels)

Door to door

In December 2025, the Sortition Foundation was on the road to recruit participants for the mini-public. In collaboration with local partners across the EU, they knocked on doors and talked to citizens from 150 randomly selected locations in all EU countries.

From the initial pool of interested people, a final group of Citizens' Panel members was selected at random to represent the diversity of the EU population in terms of gender, education, occupation and the spectrum between rural and urban areas.

Online debate

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. From January to May 2026 interested parties can join the debate and publish ideas, share their views and discuss with others on topics related to population preparedness.

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