One hundred and fifty citizens from various European Union member states convened online from April 24 to 26 for the second session of the European Citizens’ Panel on Preparedness. The primary goal of the discussions is to formulate actionable strategies detailing how EU citizens can enhance their readiness for future shocks. The sessions aim to ensure that measures implemented under the EU preparedness union strategy are inclusive and directly responsive to the needs of the populace.
Participants are deepening the exploration of priorities previously identified in March. Key themes under discussion include bolstering citizen engagement, implementing comprehensive education, fostering solidarity and inclusion, maintaining the integrity of communication (which involves combating disinformation and misinformation), and enhancing overall crisis management across Europe. Among the attendees are four Bulgarian representatives hailing from Sofia, Burgas, Isperih, and Reberkovo.
Speaking to BTA, Antoaneta Petkova, one of the Bulgarian participants from Reberkovo, expressed hope that the group—which includes members from Germany, Italy, and Czechia—would continue debating proposals such as mandatory educational training for all age groups, covering both theoretical and practical crisis response skills. Petkova noted that the panel would also address four other critical concepts related to disaster and crisis response. These efforts underscore a concerted focus on improving EU-wide preparedness through direct input from its citizens.
The plenary session proceedings are available for live viewing on the panel’s official website.
Topics: #citizens #preparedness #bulgarians
