This collection of essays provides a legal and policy analysis of the European Union's involvement in global emergencies. Bringing together leading academics and officials from European institutions, the book offers a sophisticated analysis of the theoretical and practical issues arising from the EU's action and reaction to global challenges. The issues covered include: the global financial system, climate change, global security and the prevention of terrorism, as well as global public health and threats to food, energy, and water security. These subjects are all highly topical and the essays will appeal to academics, legal practitioners, political scientists, and policy makers. The contributions take account of the amendments introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, making it especially relevant.