16/09/2020 (Agence Europe) – As expected, the European Parliament voted on Wednesday 16 September by an overwhelming majority (617 votes in favour, 52 against) to strengthen the EU’s civil protection mechanism and its RescEU equipment reserve to enable the EU to respond more quickly and effectively to any large-scale natural, health - such as the Covid-19 pandemic - or nuclear (see EUROPE 12560/9) disaster. Negotiations will therefore be able to open with the EU Council - quickly, Parliament hopes - on this text (amendment of Decision 1313/2013/EU), which requires the agreement of the budgetary authority, as part of the negotiations on the EU’s 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. If the EU Council follows Parliament, the seven-year allocation for this enhanced mechanism would amount to EUR 3.1 billion. (AN)