The European Commission in Brussels marked the 25th anniversary of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism — a system created to coordinate assistance to member states during emergencies and natural disasters. As emphasized in the press release, over the past quarter century, European states have pooled resources and efforts to respond swiftly to catastrophes and save human lives. The mechanism is considered one of the most striking examples of practical solidarity among EU member states. It allows member states to request assistance — from rescue teams and equipment to expert support — in the event of natural or man-made disasters that exceed the capacity of national emergency response services. During its existence, the system has been deployed in response to forest fires, floods, earthquakes, and other crisis situations both within the European Union and beyond its borders. The Commission notes that the anniversary is an opportunity not only to take stock but also to discuss the further development of the mechanism in light of new challenges, including climate change and the increasing number of emergencies. European officials stressed that solidarity and joint emergency response readiness remain key principles in the union's civil protection efforts.