Top officials and experts will gather in Brussels to assess achievements and tense gaps, hinting at bold proposals for stronger European crisis readiness.

In Brussels, a two-day conference kicks off to mark the first anniversary of adopting the Union Readiness Strategy. The event is to be attended by the Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Minister of Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba.

According to the European Commission’s press service, the gathering will bring together government representatives, civil protection experts, military personnel, private-sector leaders, and partners from across Europe to take stock of progress and outline the next steps.

“Today the European Union opens in Brussels a landmark two-day conference marking the first anniversary of the Union Readiness Strategy. It will bring together government representatives, civil protection experts, military personnel, private-sector leaders, and partners from across Europe to take stock of progress and outline the path forward.”

– European Commission Press Service

Key Messages and Expected Steps

On March 23, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission Roxana Minzatu and EU Commissioner for Equality, Readiness, and Crisis Management Aja Labib will open the session together with Oleksiy Kuleba.

According to the press service, the strategy launched in March 2025 responds to global shifts, where geopolitical developments, climate events, and technological risks are increasingly demanding a holistic and coordinated European approach.

Special attention at the event will be given to lessons learned from Russia’s war against Ukraine, and to defining the next steps on the path toward the Union’s full readiness.

The Euro Council urges leveraging Ukraine’s experience to bolster Europe’s defense readiness.

Applying the conclusions should strengthen coordination among member states and improve the joint response to crisis challenges, particularly in civil protection and crisis management.

The final summary of the event should outline the next steps in strengthening the EU’s defense and crisis readiness, as well as deepen the integration of member states’ efforts in the joint system for responding to emergencies.