On 29 June Tina Comes handed over the Science Advice by European Academies (SAPEA) Evidence Review Report on the EUâs Strategic Crisis Management to Maarja Kruusmaa, member of the Group of Scientific Advisors to the European Commission. The report is to inform the EUâs role in strategic crisis management. Since crises affect virtually all aspects of our societies, the report spans field ranging from the use of data and strategic foresight to dealing with the implications of climate change; from food security to improved governance; from (in-)equality to participation.
The Evidence Review Report has been drafted by a working group of experts chaired by Tina Comes, where each expert was nominated by the European academies. After several stakeholder consultations and a rigorous peer review process, the report has been endorsed by the European academies and was handed over to the Group of Scientific Advisors to the EU Commission, who are now drafting the Scientific Opinion, based on the policy options of the report. The Evidence Review, the Scientific Opinion, and a statement of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies will be handed over to the commission in fall.
The Evidence Review Report addresses the major question of: âGiven that crises are becoming the norm, and increasingly drive strategic decision-making across all infrastructures and sector â how can we improve the preparedness of our society?â Given the complexity of our infrastructures, and the increasing amount of transboundary crises and cascading effects, coordination takes a central role. Both coordination of member states and regions, as well as coordination across sectors such as energy, food, or transportation. Other questions are also addressed in the review report, such as: âWhat role should scientists from all disciplines play in advising policymakers on crisis preparedness, and in informing a rapid response? How can we ensure that EU fundamental values and freedoms are upheld?âÂ