Strengthening cooperation across the Mediterranean, investing in resilience, and placing local and regional authorities at the heart of policymaking were among the key messages delivered by EPP-CoR members during the debate on "Civil protection in the Euro-Mediterranean area – ongoing initiatives involving Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs)" at the meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), held at the European Committee of the Regions. EPP-CoR members highlighted the importance of prevention, preparedness, innovation, and cross-border cooperation in addressing increasingly complex natural and climate-related risks, while stressing the strategic role of local and regional authorities as first responders and key partners in building resilient communities.
Speaking during the debate, Franck Proust (FR/EPP), Councillor of Nîmes City and Metropolis and ARLEM member, highlighted the importance of pooling resources, expertise and innovation at European and Mediterranean level. Drawing on the experience of the Euro-Mediterranean Civil Protection Hub established in Nîmes, he showcased how cooperation in training, research and operational preparedness can strengthen disaster management capacities across borders. As he noted, "Civil protection is not only about protecting people and territories; it can also become a genuine economic sector." Proust also called for greater European investment in civil protection technologies and capabilities, arguing that Europe has the industrial expertise needed to develop its own equipment and strengthen its strategic autonomy in disaster management.
Dimitrios Kafantaris (EL/EPP), rapporteur of the European Committee of the Regions' opinion on Integrated Wildfire Risk Management, stressed that increasingly severe and unpredictable wildfires require a comprehensive approach covering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Highlighting the central role of local and regional authorities in managing wildfire risks and building resilient communities, he argued that policy efforts must move beyond emergency response alone. As he stated, "We must shift the focus from suppression to prevention. Our experience shows that the best wildfire is the one that never starts, or one that is contained before it turns into a disaster. This means investing in sustainable forest management, supporting agricultural and livestock activities, maintaining population levels in rural areas, and creating more resilient landscapes." Kafantaris also underlined the importance of ensuring that all local and regional authorities have access to modern forecasting, monitoring and risk-management tools, while strengthening cooperation and knowledge-sharing across the Mediterranean.
The Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) brings together elected representatives from the European Union and partner countries across the Mediterranean to strengthen political dialogue and cooperation on issues of common concern. Established in 2010 by the European Committee of the Regions, ARLEM provides a platform for local and regional leaders to contribute to Euro-Mediterranean partnerships and promote practical solutions in areas such as sustainable development, climate resilience, civil protection, economic cooperation and territorial cohesion.