It ratified by all Member States, the Lisbon Treaty will enter into force in 2009. The Lisbon Treaty aims at rendering the EU more demcratic, legitimate and more efficient. This study highlights the opportunities and the challenges brought about by the Lisbon Treaty for the area of Civil Protection within the EU. A specific focus is made on the implications for Swedish crisis preparedness. The area of Civil Protection is for the first time strengthened as a specific policy area in the EU through the Lisbon Treaty. A solidarity clause is introduced as well. From a short-term perspective no specific consequences for the area of CivilProtection are expected of the solidarity clause. However, from a long-term perspective incentives are given to further deepen the cooperation within the area. Moreover a new Standing Committee on Internal Security within the Council is introduced. Depending on its exact function and composition, Civil Protection may become affected. An important general conclusion is that the Lisbon Treaty will make it important for Sweden and other Member States to act pre-emptively in the policy process of the EU in order to build alliances and to pursue national interests within the area of Civil Protection. Government agencies hereby have an important role in supporting the Swedish Government. A strategic and a long-term Swedish policy in the area as well as a strategic dialogue within the Government Offices and between the Government Offices and the government agencies will be imperative in order to pursue Swedish interests within Civil Protection in the EU.