A recent Eurobarometer survey has revealed that Portuguese citizens are among the most skeptical in the European Union regarding their country's preparedness for natural disasters. The survey, conducted between May 26 and June 15, 2026, found that 66% of Portuguese respondents believe that national authorities are not well prepared to deal with disasters such as fires or floods. This places Portugal fourth in the EU, behind only Cyprus, Lithuania, and Greece.
The survey also found that 28% of Portuguese respondents consider national authorities to be "quite well prepared", which is below the European average of 40%. When it comes to local or regional authorities, Portugal recorded the second-highest rate of skepticism in the EU, with 69% of respondents expressing doubts about their preparedness. This is tied with Lithuania and only surpassed by Greece.
In terms of personal preparedness, 66% of Portuguese respondents stated that they do not feel well prepared to deal with disasters or emergencies in their area of residence. This is the second-highest percentage in the EU, behind only Greece. However, the Portuguese are among the most optimistic about the ability of global authorities to deal with natural disasters, with 58% considering them well prepared.
The survey also found that the Portuguese are strongly in favor of EU coordination in responding to national disasters. A significant 97% of respondents believe that EU coordination is important, making Portugal the second country in the EU to do so. Furthermore, 97% of Portuguese respondents agree that the EU's coordination efforts should be strengthened in the future.
The European Commission has welcomed the survey's findings, stating that they demonstrate a "strong support for a coordinated European approach" to disaster preparedness and response. According to the Commission, nine out of ten Europeans consider it important for the EU to help coordinate disaster response, both within the EU and in other countries.
The Eurobarometer survey was conducted among 26,456 Europeans, including 1,060 interviews in Portugal. The results highlight the importance that Europeans place on solidarity, preparedness, and collective action in the face of disasters that know no borders. The survey's findings are seen as a call for continued cooperation and action at the European level.
The Portuguese government's preparedness for natural disasters has been a topic of concern in recent years, with the country experiencing several significant events, including wildfires and floods. The survey's results are likely to inform policy decisions and efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response in Portugal and across the EU.
Key points
- Portuguese citizens are among the most skeptical in the EU about their country's preparedness for natural disasters.
- The survey found that 66% of Portuguese respondents believe that national authorities are not well prepared to deal with disasters.
- The Portuguese are strongly in favor of EU coordination in responding to national disasters, with 97% of respondents believing that EU coordination is important.
