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This Commission staff working document is the second edition of an overview of the natural and man-made disaster risks that the European Union (EU) may face, prepared under EU legislation on civil protection. The aim of the overview is to capture the trends in the ever-evolving disaster risk landscape, discuss the major drivers shaping it, take a closer look at 12 selected disaster risks of particular relevance for Europe and to assess the implications of developments in disaster risks for risk management. The purpose of the overview is to foster a sound understanding of disaster risks facing Europe’s population and to inform decisions on risk management to prevent loss of life and damages.

The report indicates that the disaster risk landscape in Europe is constantly evolving. There are multiple forces at play that are (re)shaping hazards and threats as well as the exposure and vulnerability of its societies to adverse events. In the future, the EU can expect more extreme events, sudden and slow-onset, and potentially causing increasing damage. It is crucial to put in place arrangements to both avoid and face these challenges, through better prevention, preparedness, and improving our capacity to respond to and withstand disasters. Addressing the major causes of risk is essential for the long-term prevention of loss of life, damage to infrastructure, economy, environment and cultural heritage. Additionally, the transboundary nature of disaster risk, increasing complexity and the emergence of new threats require more cooperation across borders and sectors, in all phases of risk management. The report emphasizes that strategic investment in prevention, preparedness and resilience remains a priority.