The EU and Global Emergencies: Competence and instruments

Abstract

This chapter addresses the Union’s competences and the instruments it may use in emergency situations. Based on the principle of conferred powers, the Union is not all-competent. It must base its actions on a legal basis that will determine the scope and nature of its powers. On the basis of its specific ‘emergency powers’, the EU developed four main instruments to coordinate its response to global emergencies: (a) the Humanitarian Aid Regulation; (b) the Stability Instrument; (c) the Civil Protection Mechanism; and (d) crisis management missions within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy. However the Union has also used ‘non-emergency powers’ in emergency situations and the second part of the chapter considers the potential of these powers to contribute to the EU’s role in global emergencies.