Action Programme for civil protection

The Programme covers initiatives dealing with prevention, preparedness and response to disasters, as well as information and awareness-raising activities. In addition, specific thematic priorities/actions are set every year within this overall context, in the framework of annual calls for proposals. It also intends to implement actions that facilitate cooperation, exchange of experience and mutual assistance between Member States.

The Programme provides financial support - in the form of grants - for activities such as major projects of general interest for several Member States, workshops, conferences, as well as information and other support actions. According to the Programme these activities should give a contribution to:

• preventing the risks and damage to persons, property and environment, in the event of natural and technological disasters;
• increasing the preparedness of those involved in order to increase their ability to respond to an emergency;
• detecting and studying the causes of disasters;
• improving the immediate aftercare following an emergency; and
• public information, education and awareness, so as to help citizens protect themselves more effectively.

The total amount available for projects is €2 million. Applicants who propose more than one major project must submit a separate proposal for each one. The programme will fund between 50% and 75% of total project costs.

Applications are open to any legal person based in one of the 25 EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

The deadline for applications is 6 July

The detailed criteria for applying for funding under this call, i.e. the Grant application guide 2006 and the Grant application AT and F forms 2006 are available for download at:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/prote/cp14_en.htm