10/05/2021 (Agence Europe) – The new rules strengthening the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism and its RescEU resources reserve to better respond to large-scale disasters, taking into account the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, have been formally adopted (see EUROPE 12707/4). On Monday 10 May, the Council of the EU adopted without debate the decision (amending decision 1313/2013/EU) on this reinforced mechanism that will give the EU the means to respond more quickly and effectively to any large-scale natural, health, nuclear or other disaster, with a budget of €3.319 billion (€1.263 billion from the 2021-2027 EU budget and €2.056 billion from the Recovery Plan). “With a tripled budget and the new rules, we will be better prepared to anticipate and respond to future crises, whatever their nature”, commented Portuguese Interior Minister Eduardo Cabrita. (AN)