Congratulations to Mechelen for being the European Capital of Volunteering for 2025! Its the first time a Belgian city has received this honor. Mechelen is truly a city of volunteers — one out of five residents is a volunteer. You are a powerful example for Belgium and the rest of Europe.

Volunteers are crucial in preparing for and responding to crises. They are pillars of support for our communities across Europe. You have local insight and expertise and, most importantly, the trust of the community. This trust is the super glue that holds together a new culture of preparedness in the EU.

The threats facing Europe are complex and often connected. Extreme weather events like floods and wildfires are striking us more frequently. Our societies are more vulnerable. Information shared online can be misused.

From the start of my mandate as Commissioner for Preparedness, I have visited countries in Europe and beyond. Each country faces its own challenges. People prepare differently in Finland than in Portugal or in Denmark than in Greece.

No country can face these challenges alone. Thats why the EU takes a holistic and proactive approach with solidarity as our guiding principle.

Last week, we launched our new EU Preparedness Strategy. It focuses on concrete actions to support our member states. We are raising awareness among citizens, working with the private sector, and building trust and responsibility.

The new Strategy focuses on three areas:

First, an all-encompassing approach for all types of disasters. Second, an integrated approach involving all government levels, from mayors to the President of the European Commission. Third, a whole-society approach: everyone, including volunteers, plays a role.

We want people to become the backbone of their own security.

Some examples: We are increasing risk awareness through campaigns and introducing an EU Preparedness Day. We are also improving warning systems with our Galileo satellite system. By the end of the year, Galileo will be able to send warning messages directly to citizens.

We are also involving more young people in building a new culture of preparedness. Programs like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps create a new generation ready for emergencies. Recently, I met 23 young leaders to discuss European Preparedness. Their passion and ideas highlight the importance of youth.

The Strategy ensures no one is left behind. We take care of the vulnerable: children, the elderly, people with disabilities.

As EU Commissioner for Equality, I want to thank the female volunteers. You have a unique role in keeping our continent safe.

Working as one team is also about sharing expertise. Share your best practices through our Civil Protection Knowledge Network Platform. Thats how we all stay safer.

Preparedness isnt just about systems. Its about people willing to help, like you volunteers. You make Europe better prepared. Together, we are safer.