Commission DGs

Responses to major disasters and disaster prevention measures touch on other areas of EU policy. Areas related to both prevention and response include justice and home affairs, environment and climate change. Special arrangements apply to marine pollution. The European Community has played a vital role in the field of response to marine pollution since 1978. The EU Seveso Directive lays down rules for the prevention of major industrial accidents and the limitation of their consequences. During emergencies in third countries, European civil protection teams work closely with humanitarian aid experts and the EU Delegations on site.