Orla Deck Flashcards
What is the primary objective of DG ECHO?
a. Protecting civilian populations and providing humanitarian aid
b. Managing humanitarian funding and relief efforts
c. Promoting development and humanitarian partnerships
d. Coordinating international emergency response
a. Protecting civilian populations and providing humanitarian aid
DG ECHO’s primary objective is to provide humanitarian aid and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations affected by crises, such as natural disasters and conflicts. While managing funding, promoting partnerships, and coordinating responses are also important tasks, the core mission is focused on humanitarian assistance and protection.
Which is an example of a non-structural mitigation measure?
a.Reinforcing buildings
b.Developing evacuation routes
c.Constructing dams
d.Building levees
b. Developing evacuation routes
Non-structural mitigation measures refer to strategies that do not involve the physical construction of infrastructure but instead focus on policies, planning, education, and preparedness. Developing evacuation routes is a non-structural measure because it involves planning and organizing how people can safely evacuate during a disaster, rather than building physical structures.
The other options—reinforcing buildings, constructing dams, and building levees—are structural measures because they involve the construction or reinforcement of physical infrastructure to reduce disaster risk.
What key technology does the ERCC use to monitor disasters?
a.Maritime radars
b.Satellites and drones
c.Blockchain technology
d.Underground sensor networks
b. Satellites and drones
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) primarily uses satellites and drones to monitor disasters. These technologies allow for real-time data collection, aerial surveillance, and mapping of disaster-affected areas, enabling efficient coordination and response to emergencies.
Other options like maritime radars, blockchain, and underground sensor networks are not typically used for disaster monitoring in the context of the ERCC’s operations.
Which of the following is a function of the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) in crisis management?
a. Managing refugee crises
b. Monitoring environmental disasters
c. Providing geospatial intelligence
d. Coordinating cyber defense
c. Providing geospatial intelligence
The European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) plays a key role in crisis management by providing geospatial intelligence, which includes satellite imagery and data analysis to support decision-making in crisis situations. This function is critical for monitoring and responding to various types of crises, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies.
The other options—managing refugee crises, monitoring environmental disasters, and coordinating cyber defense—are not the primary functions of SatCen, though some of these may overlap with broader EU initiatives.
In what year was DG ECHO established?
a.2000
b.1995
c.2005
d.1992
d. 1992
DG ECHO was established in 1992 as the European Community Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO). In 2009, it was turned into Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department of the European Commission. Ever since has been responsible for providing emergency assistance and coordinating the European Union’s humanitarian response to crises worldwide.
Question 6: What is a significant challenge in managing cross-border crises?
a.Coordinating multiple jurisdictions
b.Language barriers
c.Media coverage
d.Availability of resources
Answer a: in international disaster response, coordinating multiple jurisdictions is a significant challenge. The European Union (EU) addresses this through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which fosters cooperation among national civil protection authorities. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) plays a central role in coordinating disaster-response efforts across member states and international partners
Which EU body is responsible for coordinating the Union’s response to major security threats?
Answer
a. Directorate-General for Home Affairs
b. Crisis Coordination Centre
c. Political and Security Committee (PSC)
d. European Security Council
The PSC is a permanent body within the European Union that monitors the international situation in areas covered by the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It plays a central role in crisis management by: a) Providing political control and strategic direction of EU crisis management operations; b) Coordinating responses to major security threats, including conflicts, terrorism, and other external crises c) Preparing recommendations for the Council of the European Union on how to address security challenges.; d) Ensuring implementation of the Council’s decisions in the realm of security and defense.
In crisis management, what does the term ‘resilience’ refer to?
a.The ability to prevent disasters
b.The efficiency of emergency services
c.The strength of physical infrastructure
d. The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
d. The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
In crisis management, resilience refers to the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. It is the ability of individuals, communities, organizations, or systems to withstand, adapt to, and bounce back from adverse events such as natural disasters, economic disruptions, or other crises.
How many hours per day does the ERCC operate?
a.24 hours on working days
b.8 hours on working days
c.12 hours on working days
d.24h/ 7d
d. 24h/7d
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This continuous operation ensures that the ERCC can monitor emergencies worldwide and coordinate the European Union’s response at any time, providing timely assistance during crises.
Which is a primary consideration in crisis communication?
a.Limiting media access
b.Minimizing public awareness
c.Delaying response efforts
d.Speed and accuracy of information
d. Speed and accuracy of information
In crisis communication, the primary consideration is to ensure that information is delivered quickly and accurately to the public and stakeholders. This helps manage the crisis effectively, build trust, and reduce panic or misinformation.
Question 11: Which of the following best describes the function of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?
a.Providing medical care
b.Issuing weather forecasts
c.Conducting military operations
d.Managing emergency response
d. Managing emergency response
An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as a centralized location where officials coordinate and manage the response to emergencies and disasters. It facilitates communication, resource allocation, and decision-making to ensure an effective and organized response.
What mechanism does the EU use to provide rapid assistance to countries affected by natural and man-made disasters?
a.EU Civil Protection Mechanism
b.Crisis Response Team (CRT)
c.Emergency Support Instrument (ESI)
d.Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)
a. EU Civil Protection Mechanism
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is the primary tool used by the European Union to provide rapid and coordinated assistance to countries affected by natural or man-made disasters. It facilitates cooperation among EU Member States and participating countries, pooling resources and expertise to respond effectively to emergencies.
What is the main advantage of using CECIS in emergencies?
a.Acceleration of coordinated responses
b.Increased profits
c.Cost reduction
d.Strengthened diplomatic relations
a. Acceleration of coordinated responses
The Common Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS) is a secure web-based platform used within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to facilitate communication and coordination among participating states. Its main advantage is the acceleration of coordinated responses during emergencies, ensuring timely and efficient resource deployment and information sharing.
Which EU directive aims to improve the infrastructure for disaster risk management across member states?
a.Infrastructure Resilience Directive
b.Critical Entities Resilience Directive
c.Disaster Risk Management Directive
d.Critical Infrastructure Directive
b. Critical Entities Resilience Directive
The Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER Directive) aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure across EU Member States, including its ability to withstand and recover from disasters. It focuses on improving disaster risk management by ensuring that critical entities take appropriate measures to assess and mitigate risks.
The ERCC is part of which European body?
a. DG ECHO
b. European Parliament
c. European Central Bank
d. European Council
a. DG ECHO
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is part of DG ECHO (the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations). The ERCC plays a central role in coordinating the EU’s disaster response efforts both within and outside the EU.
How many members does the ERCC team have?
a.20
b.50
c.30
d.70
XXXXXX
Can a Member State mobilize resources from other Member States in a crisis?
a.No, each Member State manages its own resources
b.No, that is the role of the United Nations
c.Yes, but only with the European Parliament’s approval
d.Yes, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
d. Yes, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Member States can mobilize resources from other Member States during a crisis using the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This mechanism facilitates cooperation among participating states, enabling them to request and offer assistance, including resources, expertise, and coordination, in times of emergency.
What is the focus of humanitarian assistance during a crisis?
a.Ensuring economic growth
b.Delivering aid and relief
c.Conducting military operations
d.Providing legal counsel
b. Delivering aid and relief
The focus of humanitarian assistance during a crisis is to deliver aid and relief to affected populations. This includes providing essential resources such as food, water, shelter, medical care, and support to meet immediate needs and alleviate suffering.
What is the main benefit of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for Member States?
a.Sharing intervention costs
b.Free training for rescue personnel
c.Coordination and mutual support
d.Access to additional funds
c. Coordination and mutual support
The main benefit of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for Member States is the coordination and mutual support it provides during emergencies. By pooling resources and expertise, the mechanism enables countries to respond more effectively and efficiently to disasters, offering assistance to those in need while reducing the burden on individual Member States.
Which of the following is a primary goal of the EU’s climate action policies in crisis management?
a.Reducing emissions from industrial sectors
b.Enhancing cross-border trade
c.Increasing energy independence
d.Building resilience against climate impacts
d. Building resilience against climate impacts
A primary goal of the EU’s climate action policies in crisis management is to build resilience against climate impacts. This involves preparing for and adapting to the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and increased natural disasters, to protect communities and infrastructure.
Which EU strategy focuses on improving the Union’s response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats?
Answer
a. EU Security Strategy
b. European Crisis Management Plan
c. EU CBRN Action Plan
d. CBRN Response Strategy
c. EU CBRN Action Plan
The EU CBRN Action Plan focuses on improving the Union’s preparedness and response to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. It aims to enhance risk assessment, prevention, detection, and response capabilities across Member States.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/eu-action-plan-on-chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-security.html
What is a major consideration when coordinating with international actors in crisis management?
a.Military strength
b.Media influence
c.Cultural differences
d.Technological advancements
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), “Cultural Sensitivity in Crisis Management”
The correct answer is: Cultural differences
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), “Cultural Sensitivity in Crisis Management”
What is the allocated budget for the EU’s Horizon Europe program focusing on disaster risk management and resilience?
Answer
a.€20 billion
b.€10 billion
c.€5 billion
d.C. €15 billion
The correct answer is: €20 billion (TO BE DISCUSSED). HE is quite big and there are various destinations/missions there.
Some other figures mention 30 million. https://www.crisis-response.com/Articles/615328/Horizon_Europe_Working.aspx. On the other hand, we have info that Cluster 3 – Civil Security for Society, with a total budget of 1.6 billion euros in seven years has the aim to support wider EU responses to security challenges.https://www.seren-project.eu/images/Documents/How_to_beginners_guide.pdf
How many countries are currently members of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism?
a.27
b.37
c.35
d.30
The correct answer is: 37 - all EU MS + 10 non-EU participating STATES Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine
European Commission - EU Civil Protection Mechanismhttps://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_fr
What technology is used by CECIS to ensure data security?
a.Blockchain
b.Neural network
c.Artificial intelligence
d.Advanced cryptography
European Commission - CECIS security
The correct answer is: Advanced cryptography
What is the function of the situation room within the ERCC?
a.Monitoring and coordinating emergency responses
b.Organizing political meetings
c.Storing EU documents
d.Providing space for diplomatic negotiations
European Commission - ERCC operations
The correct answer is: Monitoring and coordinating emergency responses
Which EU directive addresses since 2013 the safety of offshore oil and gas operations to prevent environmental disasters?
a.Environmental Protection Directive
b.Oil and Gas Safety Directive
c.Marine Safety Directive
d.Offshore Safety Directive
D: Offshore Safety Directive puts in place a set of rules to help prevent accidents, as well as respond promptly and efficiently should one occur. Before offshore gas or oil exploration, companies must prepare a “Report on Major Hazards” for their offshore installation. It must contain a risk assessment and an emergency response plan and companies must keep resources at hand in order to put them into operation when necessary. EU countries must ensure that companies are well-financed and have the necessary technical expertise and technical solutions, to ensure the safety of installations. This must be independently verified and done prior to the installation going into operation.
https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-security/safety-offshore-oil-and-gas-operations_en
Question 28 How does the ERCC communicate with Member States in emergencies?
a.Using the Emergency Response Coordination Network (ERCN)
b.Via the European Crisis Communication System (ECCS)
c.Through the Common Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS)
d. Through diplomatic representatives
European Commission - ERCC communication
C: Through the Common Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS)
Which body coordinates the EU’s foreign policy, especially during crises?
a.European Parliament
b.European External Action Service (EEAS)
c.Council of Europe
d.European Commission
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en
Tb: European External Action Service (EEAS)
How does DG ECHO ensure the visibility of its actions on the ground?
a.Through co-branding with its partners
b.Through annual reports
c.Through seminars and conferences
d.Through advertising campaigns
The correct answer is: Through co-branding with its partners https://www.dgecho-partners-helpdesk.eu/ngo/actions-implementation/visibility
Which of the following is essential for effective crisis communication?
a.Speed and accuracy
b.Uncertainty and secrecy
c.Secrecy and caution
d.Wide audience and uncertainty
Communication - Crisiscenter
The correct answer is: Speed and accuracy
How much did the EU allocate for the Emergency Support Instrument (ESI) to address the COVID-19 crisis?
a.€5 billion
b.€2.7 billion
c.€10 billion
d.€1 billion
The correct answer is: €2.7 billion. Part of the total ESI funding was allocated to the Mobility Package. It covered 3 actions: cargo transport of medical items, COVID-19 vaccination-related equipment and therapeutics to the EU from third countries and within the EU
transfer of patients within the EU and from the EU to third countries
transport of medical personnel and teams within the EU and into the EU from third countries, and operational support for mobile medical response capacities.
https://ec.europa.eu/echo/funding-evaluations/financing-civil-protection/emergency-support-instrument_en
Which of the following is NOT a key phase in emergency management?
Answer
a. Prevention
b.Preparedness
c.Response
d.Development
The correct answer is: Development is not among the usual phrases by the DG ECHO. Prevention: Implementing measures to avert potential crises. Preparedness: Establishing plans and resources to effectively respond to crises. Response: Taking immediate action to manage and mitigate the impact of a crisis.
Recovery: Restoring and improving conditions post-crisis to return to normalcy.
What is the legal basis for DG ECHO’s activities?
a.The Treaty of Rome
b.The United Nations Charter
c.The Maastricht Treaty
d.The Treaty of Lisbon
The correct answer is: The Maastricht Treaty (formally the Treaty on European Union, signed in 1992) provided the first explicit legal basis for humanitarian aid in the European Union. This was formalized under Article 214 (formerly Article 179) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It emphasized the EU’s responsibility to promote international cooperation. The European Community was tasked with delivering humanitarian assistance to populations affected by crises, including conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Following the provisions in the Maastricht Treaty, the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) was formally established in 1992. ECHO became the operational arm of the EU in delivering humanitarian aid worldwide.
What is the maximum deployment duration for ERCC teams?
a.12 months
b.3 months
c.1 month
d.6 months
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), as the operational hub of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, coordinates various response teams during emergencies. The deployment durations for these teams are tailored to the specific mission and the type of team involved.
Deployment Durations:
1. EU Civil Protection Teams (EUCPTs):
o Typically deployed for 2 to 3 weeks.
o Composed of experts from EU Member States, these teams assess needs, facilitate coordination, and support local authorities in disaster-stricken areas.
2. Technical Assistance and Support Teams (TASTs):
o Deployment duration is mission-dependent.
o Provide logistical, administrative, and communication support to EUCPTs and other response teams.
3. Specialized Teams (e.g., Search and Rescue, Medical Teams):
o Deployment durations vary based on the nature and requirements of the mission.
o These teams are mobilized to address specific needs, such as medical assistance or search and rescue operations.
While the ERCC itself does not have a fixed deployment duration, the Emergency Toolbox, managed by the ERCC, provides first-line funding in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. The maximum duration of an action under this toolbox is limited to either 6 or 12 months, depending on the specific instrument activated.
Which initiative is part of the EU’s external action in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response?
Answer
a. Global Crisis Response Programme
b.EU Aid Volunteers
c.International Relief Initiative
d.European Humanitarian Corps
The correct answer is: EU Aid Volunteers. The EU Aid Volunteers initiative is part of the EU’s external action in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response. It brings together volunteers and organizations from different countries to provide practical support in areas affected by disasters. The European Humanitarian Corps is not a formal or operational initiative under the EU’s framework for disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response. Instead, it may refer to a broader conceptual idea, but it is not an established program like EU Aid Volunteers or other initiatives within the EU’s humanitarian strategy.
efforts.https://ec.europa.eu/echo/what/humanitarian-aid/eu-aid-volunteers_en
Since 2001, how many times the ERCC coordinated assistance in response to activations of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism?
a.More than 100 times
b.More than 700 times
c.More than 300 times
d.More than 2000 times
The correct answer is: More than 700 times. In 2022, the Mechanism was activated 106 times to respond to (i) war in Ukraine; (ii) wildfires in Europe; (iii) COVID-19 in Europe and worldwide; and (iv) floods in Pakistan.
https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordination-centre-ercc_en
What is the role of the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) in crisis management?
Answer
a.To finance emergency operations and reconstruction
b.To provide immediate relief to individuals
c.To coordinate military responses
d.To offer long-term loans to businesses
The correct answer is A: To finance emergency operations and reconstruction, The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) supports EU Member States and accession countries by offering financial support after severe natural disasters and, since 2020, major health emergencies. https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/solidarity-fund/
What is the main language used in CECIS communications?
a.French
b.Spanish
c.German
d.English
European Commission - CECIS operations
The correct answer is: English
What is the primary objective of crisis mitigation measures?
a.Conducting post-crisis analysis
b.Reducing the impact of potential disasters
c.Providing immediate relief
d.Ensuring media coverage
National Institute of Building Sciences, “Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves”
The correct answer is: Reducing the impact of potential disasters
