A European Commission initiative has allocated close to 8 million euros for Spain, according to EFE’s community resources, to fund the purchase of emergency shelters that can be deployed quickly after disasters or crises.
This payment forms part of a total investment of 116 million euros to be distributed by the Community Manager. In addition to Spain, funding targets Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, and Turkey.
The purpose is to bolster Europe’s mobile shelter reserve for populations affected by disasters. Known as “RescEU,” the program is designed to be activated when a country’s resources or response capacity are exceeded.
The first new bunkers announced today are planned to be available next year. The Commission outlined, in a formal statement, that these shelters will help nations facing natural disasters, accidents, or the unpredictable arrival of migrants or refugees. For example, these units will be designed to support immediate needs in such events.
Brussels reported the procurement with a commitment item of 116 million euros for high-quality prefabricated shelters. These facilities come in the form of flat containers or tents and are designed for rapid deployment.
Beyond accommodation, the shelters will host showers, toilets, industrial kitchens, laundry facilities and common areas. The Community Manager notes that they will offer a high degree of comfort even in emergency contexts.
The concept is that the shelters will serve not only as a place to sleep but also as day care centers where affected people can receive information, stay in a warm environment, and where children can play safely.
About 20 percent of these facilities, including both common areas and living spaces, are designed to be accessible for people with mobility challenges or disabilities.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič described the shelter procurement as an important step in the EU’s crisis response, stating that it strengthens readiness for immediate, large-scale action. He emphasized that shelter is a basic human need, offering security, protection, and dignity to those uprooted from their homes.
Shelters in the “RescEU” reserve are available for use by EU Member States and by non-member countries participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Brussels coordinates the community’s response to disasters through this mechanism.
In addition to the 27 EU members, non-member countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Iceland, Norway, and Turkey participate in the Civil Protection Mechanism.
Thanks to the existing shelter reserve, the EU has deployed more than 3,000 accommodation centers in Ukraine and in other nearby nations dealing with refugee arrivals.
The European Commission noted that Turkey received 500 shelter units and 2,000 emergency tents after the February earthquakes, which affected the southeast of the country and Syria.