EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is the heart of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Disasters know no borders and can hit one or several countries simultaneously without warning. Through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), the European Commission plays a key role in coordinating the response to disasters in Europe and beyond.
ERCC coordinates the delivery of assistance to disaster stricken countries, such as relief items, expertise, civil protection teams and specialised equipment.
DSB is the Norwegian focal point for the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and coordinates Norway's participation, including deployment of expert teams, equipment or other capacities. If needed, DSB can request assistance from EU through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
Having a well-coordinated joint response means that when national authorities are overwhelmed, they have one point of contact, rather than multiple to deal with. A joint approach further helps to pool expertise and capacities of first responders, avoids duplication of relief efforts and ensures that assistance meets the needs of those affected.
Pooling together civil protection capacities and capabilities allows for a stronger and more coherent collective response. Since its inception in 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has responded to over 330 requests for assistance inside and outside the EU.
Contact at DSB: Duty officer, int@dsb.no