In the wake of a series of major crises ranging from COVID-19 and Afghanistan, to the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it became clear that the EEAS needed a permanent crisis response capability. The EEAS Crisis Response Centre was created to strengthen the EU’s response to security and consular crises around the world, in line with the EU Strategic Compass.

Operating 24/7, all year round, the Centre is the single entry point on all crisis-related issues in the EEAS. It provides global situational awareness and steers work to prepare, evaluate and respond to emergencies threatening the safety of the staff in EU Delegations, or affecting EU citizens abroad.

European Union, 2023

It also facilitate the consular protection of EU citizens – particularly those without diplomatic representation in the country – and their repatriation when needed, by ensuring EU consular coordination and supporting Member States.

The Centre consists of around 150 committed staff members, including close to 70 Regional Security Officers based in EU Delegations around the world.

To ensure a coordinated and coherent EU response to crises, the Centre works in close cooperation with the European Commission (in particular DG ECHO’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre), the Council of the European Union (including in the framework of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR)), as well as with the crisis centres of EU Member States and like-minded partners.

Watch the video of the inauguration