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How the IPCR crisis response mechanism works

Explanation of how the IPCR crisis response mechanism works

The integrated political crisis response (IPCR) arrangements is one of the EU's crisis response mechanisms. The presidency of the Council can use it coordinate the political response to major and complex crisis, including terrorist acts.  

When a crisis occurs:

    • natural or man-made disasters
    • inside or outside the EU

The Council's crisis response mechanism can be activated

    • by the presidency of the Council
    • or when a member state triggers the solidarity clause

The Council presidency brings together the relevant actors from:

    • EU institutions
    • affected member states
    • other key stakeholders

The crisis response mechanism provides concrete tools to:

    • share information
    • work together easily
    • coordinate the crisis response

3 operational modes are available:

  • Monitoring mode

    • share existing reports on the crisis
    • 24/7 contact point

  • Information-sharing mode

    • share existing reports on the crisis
    • 24/7 contact point
    • analytical reports of the situation
    • web platform to exchange and collect information

  • Full activation mode

    • share existing reports on the crisis
    • 24/7 contact point
    • analytical reports of the situation
    • web platform to exchange and collect information
    • crisis meeting with EU ambassadors or ministers
    • proposals for EU action

For more information on the integrated political crisis response (IPCR) arrangements, see:

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Last review: 1 August 2025