01/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - Reacting to the proposal by the European Commission to improve the EU's civil protection capabilities to react to disasters such as floods or attacks (EUROPE of 26 March, page 12), the NGO alliance Solidar has declared its wishes to work together with the Commission in this field. Solidar has welcomed the proposal by Commissioners Michel Barnier and Margot Wallström, stating in a press release: "there is an inherent need to align the strategies of the EU and NGOs", for greater efficiency in the case of natural disasters or attacks. Solidar is an independent, international alliance of NGOs committed to the provision of social services, humanitarian aid and life-long learning (see http://www.solidar.org ).