Peer review report: Portugal 2019

This peer review of disaster risk management and civil protection systems provides Portugal with a unique opportunity to reflect on its readiness to cope with natural hazards and human-induced disasters and to identify ways of strengthening its prevention and preparedness policy and practices. It also facilitates the exchange of good practices. The peer review programme is a tool made available to civil protection authorities of Member States, participating states, enlargement and neighbourhood countries under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism legislation. It is managed by the Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department.

This report of Portugal's Disaster Risk Management (DRM) system highlights its strengths, particularly in its multi-level governance structure that empowers municipalities to play a central role in disaster risk planning and response. However, there are notable areas for improvement. Recommendations emphasize enhancing coordination between national and local levels, particularly regarding wildfire risk management and communication strategies. It also stresses the need for further integration of climate change adaptation into risk assessments and land-use planning, with a focus on multi-hazard risks such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and wildfires. The report recommends strengthening the early warning systems, increasing preparedness measures at the municipal level, and promoting public awareness of risks through coordinated communication strategies.