This 📘 Joint Policy Study explores how countries across the region can strengthen cooperation, enhance preparedness, and build resilience through innovation, inclusivity, and shared governance.

The Mediterranean region stands at a critical crossroads, as the frequency and intensity of natural disasters and climate-related crises continue to grow.

By analysing national approaches to disaster risk management (DRM) in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Lebanon, the study highlights the Mediterranean’s multidimensional vulnerabilities — from water scarcity and urbanisation to conflict and governance fragility. It examines the role of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in fostering cross-border cooperation and advancing a shared framework for prevention, preparedness, and recovery.

Particular attention is given to the integration of technology and early warning systems, including artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GIS), to enhance forecasting, risk assessment, and decision-making. At the same time, the study underscores the importance of inclusive strategies that involve marginalised communities, refugees, and displaced populations in disaster planning and recovery.

Ultimately, the study argues that regional cooperation, technological innovation, and inclusive governance are essential to safeguarding communities and achieving long-term resilience. It calls for a renewed EU–Southern Neighbourhood partnership, leveraging mechanisms like the UCPM and the Pact for the Mediterranean to build a more cohesive and people-centred approach to crisis management.

DG ECHO – Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

DG MENA – Directorate-General for Middle East and North Africa (within the European Commission’s external relations structures)

DRMU – Disaster Risk Management Unit

DRR – Disaster Risk Reduction

MHEWS – Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems

UCPM – Union Civil Protection Mechanism