To ensure a fast, efficient collaboration and response between national civil protection organisations in such an event, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was established. In force since 2002, the UCPM has already proved its effectiveness in a large number of disasters inside and outside the European Union.

The overall objective of the UCPM is to strengthen the cooperation between Member States to facilitate coordination in the field of civil protection in order to improve the effectiveness of systems for preventing, preparing and responding to natural and man-made disasters. Any country in the world overwhelmed by a disaster can call on the UCPM for help. By pooling the civil protection capabilities of the Member States, the UCPM can ensure better protection primarily of people, but also of the natural and cultural environment and of property.

Among its objectives, the enhanced UCPM aims at strengthening disaster preparedness by the development of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network (Knowledge Network). The specific objectives of the Knowledge Network are to build a common disaster preparedness culture, provide training for civil protection and emergency management personnel and foster interaction and synergies between civil protection and humanitarian actors. The Knowledge Network contributes to lessons learnt, sharing of knowledge, dissemination of results of scientific research and exchange of best practices across the EU.

As part of the Knowledge Network, the UCPM provides for a Training and Exercises Programme featuring a pre-defined training offer tailored to specific target groups, as well as a programme for the organisation of a system of exchange of experts.

As certain needs for knowledge of a specific or technical nature cannot be addressed during training courses or exercises, the Mechanism provides for an exchange programme for civil protection experts, which is part of the Knowledge Network.

The Exchange of Experts Programme is a tool for responding to knowledge and experience gaps and needs in Member States and eligible third countries.