By Peggy Corlin - 9th May 2006
Former EU commissioner Michel Barnier has called for the creation of an EU rescue force to help with disaster relief.
Barnier, a former regional policy commissioner, is back on the EU stage to support the creation of a so-called Europe Aid force aimed at giving more visibility to EU action in disaster relief.
“The EU’s response to major international crises, like the tsunami, is a key challenge for Europe in its role as a global player - our citizens expect both action and results,” said Barnier.
Last January, the European commission and the Austrian EU presidency asked Barnier to draw up proposals to strengthen the EU’s crisis management procedures.
Barnier’s mandate was a direct response to the costly and inefficient use of EU aid in responding to the 2004 Asian tsunami.
Barnier’s plan includes the creation, by 2010, of a command centre based in Brussels and of a training institute focusing on civil protection and humanitarian aid.
Europe Aid would intervene in disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, fires and floodings, industrial and nuclear accidents, or terrorist attacks.
The Frenchman is proposing that the EU rescue force is funded through the solidarity fund he created when regional commissioner. It is expected to cost around €100m.
However, Barnier’s plan still needs the backing of EU foreign ministers, which might not be easy to gain. In particular, Barnier’s suggestion that Europe Aid should be independent from NATO could prove difficult to swallow.
Foreign ministers will discuss Barnier’s plan on May 15, a month before it is debated at the summit of European heads of state and government on June 15.
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