Success stories : prevention and preparedness projects supported by the Union Civil Protection Mechanism : find out more about recent projects and how they have benefitted the UCPM, including innovative disaster risk management tools and solutions.
Date: 2024-12-09
Institutions: Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)
Subjects: EU aid, civil defence, environmental risk prevention, humanitarian aid, in-service training, natural disaster, risk management, the EU's international role

Success stories: Prevention and 
preparedness projects supported by 
the Union Civil Protection Mechanism

Find out more about recent projects and how they have benefitted the UCPM,  
including innovative disaster risk management tools and solutions

UPDATE – October 2024

Contents

Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................4

Disaster Resilience Goals for a resilient Europe  .......................................................................................5

UCPM financing for prevention and preparedness  
projects ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

1. Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk Management (Track 1) ......................................................................... 6

2. Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP)  ....................................................................... 7

Number of project beneficiaries per country ............................................................................................7

Success stories: Prevention and preparedness projects supported by  
the Union Civil Protection Mechanism ...................................................................................................... 9

Assistance in developing a stronger baseline for effective disaster risk management ............................10

Development of a National Disaster Risk Management Plan ................................................................................. 11

Feasibility study for the development of an early warning system based on  
telecommunication  technologies for the State Fire and Rescue Service  of Latvia ................................... 12

Preparation of a proposal (investment project) addressing disaster risk management  
due to possible threats from the Belarussian nuclear power plant ................................................................... 13

Development of a national risk assessment for all types of hazards affecting Montenegro .................. 14

Feasibility studies on the promotion of better practices and on raising the  
capacity of the State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia  ........................................................................................ 15

Preliminary target group studies for the development of  
a risk and crisis communication platform ..................................................................................................................... 16

The Effect of Climate Change on Critical Infrastructure in the Energy Sector 
in Pilot Region: İzmir – Aliağa (Türkiye) ............................................................................................................................17

PREVAIL: PREVention Action Increases Large fire response preparedness  .................................................. 18

CASCADE: Community Safety Action for Supporting Climate Adaptation and Development.................19

WUIVIEW: Wildland-Urban Interface VIrtual Essays Workbench ........................................................................ 20

LODE: Loss Data Enhancement for DRR and CCA Management ........................................................................ 21

West MoPoCo: Western Mediterranean Region Marine Oil and Hazardous  
and Noxious Substances Pollution Cooperation ..................................................................................................... 22

SCORCH: Supportive Risk Awareness and Communication to  
Reduce the impact of Cross-Border Heatwaves ..................................................................................................... 23

EVE: European Volcano Early warning system  .......................................................................................................... 24

BALTPREP: Enhancing regional preparedness and response capacity  
for major accidents in the Baltic Sea region ............................................................................................................... 25

PDF  

ISBN 978-92-68-06542-6  

doi:10.2795/883587 

KR-07-23-302-EN-N

© European Union, 2024

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ProCultHer: Protecting Cultural Heritage from the Consequences of Disasters ........................................26

Ready to Respond: Modernised preparedness and response capacity in South Caucasus ..................27

oVERFLOw: Vulnerability assessment of embankments and bridges exposed to flooding hazards ... 28

SAVEMEDCOASTS 1 and 2: Sea level rise scenarios along the Mediterranean Coasts  .............................29

IMAROS: Improving response capacities and understanding the environmental  
impacts of new generation low sulphur MARine fuel Oil Spills ............................................................................. 30

TAMIR: Advanced tools for pro-active management of impacts and risks induced  
by convective weather, heavy rain and flash floods in Europe ............................................................................ 31

TEAMS 3.0: Training for Emergency Medical Teams and European Medical Corps 3.0 .............................. 32

StrengthVOL: Strengthening Civil Protection Systems through Volunteer Capacities  ........................... 33

AIDERS: Real-time Artificial Intelligence for decision support via RPAS data analytics  ............................. 34

X-Stock: Enhancing cross-border preparedness through shared management  
of emergency stock in South East Europe .................................................................................................................. 35

EUROWA-2: EUROpean Wildlife pollution emergency Assistance-2 ................................................................. 36

SEE ME: Safe and Equal in Emergencies .......................................................................................................................37

TRANS-ALP: Transboundary storm risk and impact assessment in Alpine regions .................................... 38

AFAN: Advanced Fire Analysis Network ........................................................................................................................ 39

ARTION: Disaster Management Artificial Intelligence Knowledge Network ...................................................40

INtegrated DIsaster MAnagement - go digital ............................................................................................................ 41

INEGMA-E2: International Network of Evaluators and Guideline for a  
Methodological Approach to Exercise Evaluation ................................................................................................... 42

ROADMAP: European Observatory on Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Best Practices ............... 43

Ireland: FutureProof-IE ........................................................................................................................................................ 44

Belgium: Paragon – Analysis of the needs and requirements for making a  
Crisis Information Management System usable within the Benelux ................................................................ 45

Lithuania: Grant for disaster risk management in Lithuania.................................................................................46

RASTOOL: European ground motion risk assessment tool ...................................................................................47

NEPTUNE: Nowcasting and impact-basEd PredicTions of inUndations in  
mediterraNean catchmEnts ............................................................................................................................................. 48

EvRe: Evacuation Ready .....................................................................................................................................................49

CROSScade: Cross-border cascading risk management for critical  
nfrastructure in Sava River Basin ....................................................................................................................................50

IRA-MAR: Improving the Integrated Response to pollution Accidents  
at sea and chemical risk in ports ...................................................................................................................................... 51

BORIS: Cross-border risk assessment for increased prevention and preparedness in Europe ............ 52

Latvia: Feasibility study on the development of solutions for the provision  
of forest fire protection and firefighting functions in public and private forests in Latvia ....................... 53

Türkiye: Development of a long-term wildfire prevention framework for  
the Istanbul Forest Region – The implementation phase with an emphasis on green growth ..............54

NAMIRS: North Adriatic Maritime Incident Response System  ............................................................................ 55

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Foreword

As  we  navigate  an  evolving  disaster  risk 
landscape in Europe, we should acknowledge 
the lessons we have learned and the progress 
we have made in finding solutions to some of 
the challenges we have been grappling with. 
Several initiatives funded by the Union Civil 
Protection Mechanism (UCPM) have helped 
come up with innovative and effective solutions, 
and contributed to improving our overall level 

of prevention and preparedness. 

From 2020 to 2023, we have proudly allocated funding to a total of 106 projects, amounting to more than EUR 55.8 million 
in co-financing and more than EUR 63.2 million through the overall projects budget. These initiatives have directly 
benefitted 48 countries, including not only EU Member States and other participating states in the UCPM, but also 
Neighbourhood countries, fostering a collective approach to mitigating a diverse array of hazards. 

This brochure provides examples of 46 of the most representative UCPM prevention and preparedness projects of 
recent years. The chosen projects represent a diverse array of countries, hazards, risk management practices, and 
funding modalities. Each one of them makes a unique contribution to building the capacity and knowledge needed 
for a more resilient Europe. 

A key feature of the projects we showcase is their potential for adaptability and replication. Learning from each other's 
experiences brings an invaluable opportunity for collective growth. Different stakeholders will find inspiration for future 
projects, possibly adapting them to local contexts or facilitating expert exchanges through our Exchange of Experts 
Programme. At the heart of this process is the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network, which ensures that good 
practices and knowledge (including project deliverables) are accessible and disseminated. 

As we look forward, it is important to note that our prevention and preparedness grants are now aligned with the 
Union Disaster Resilience Goals. This alignment brings forth our strategic vision and long-term commitment, which 
is set to continue in 2024 and beyond. 

Together, we continue to build a safer and more resilient Europe. 

Hanna Jahns  
Director for Strategy and Policy, Directorate General for European Civil Protection  
and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), European Commission

4

Disaster Resilience Goals for a resilient Europe 

In the last few years, Europe has faced an alarming convergence of disasters and threats, both natural and man-made, 
some of which have hit all EU Member States simultaneously. While we were recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, 
Russia's war against Ukraine broke out on our eastern borders.   Meanwhile, the climate and ecological crisis has gone 
from an abstract concept to a daily reality with record-breaking floods, heatwaves, and wildfires. 

Recent experience has taught us two things. First, we need to strengthen our resilience going forward, as challenges 
are not likely to subside. Second, we must work on this closely together as the EU, because a coordinated response 
is stronger than the sum of individual Member States acting alone. 

Against this background, in February 2023, the Commission established five Union Disaster Resilience Goals to guide 
our joint efforts towards better anticipation of and preparedness for disasters. These five goals are accompanied by 
five flagship initiatives to help make them a reality. 

The goals and the flagship initiatives are as follows: 

GOAL 1 

GOAL 2 

GOAL 3 

GOAL 4

GOAL 5 

Anticipate

Improve risk assessment, 
anticipation, and disaster risk 
management planning 

Flagship initiative: 10 Europe-wide 
disaster scenarios covering 16 key 
hazards

Prepare

Increase risk awareness and 
preparedness of the population 

Flagship initiative:  Pan-European 
awareness-raising programme for 
disaster resilience targeting European 
citizens

Alert

Enhancing early warning

Flagship initiative: Link global early 
warning to local action in Europe

Respond

Enhance the capacity of the EU 
Civil Protection Mechanism to 
respond to disasters

Flagship initiative: Scale up the 
strategic reserve of EU response 
capacities ‘rescEU' 

Secure

Ensure a robust civil  
protection system

Flagship initiative: Stress-test 
the emergency operation centres 
across Europe  

The Union's Disaster Resilience Goals represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse challenges 
confronting Europe. Through better anticipation, alerting and communication of potential disasters, stepping up of 
preparedness efforts, and strengthening of the resilience of civil protection as a critical societal function, Europe will 
enhance its ability to prevent and withstand disasters and protect its citizens. 

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UCPM financing for prevention and preparedness projects

The UCPM serves as the main platform to foster cooperation among EU Member States and UCPM participating states 
on disaster prevention and preparedness. Recognising the transboundary nature of disasters, the UCPM facilitates 
joint efforts to safeguard lives and economies. 

The UCPM's financing for prevention and preparedness aims to achieve the following key objectives: 

•  Enhancing cross-border protection against disasters: The UCPM aims to achieve a higher level of protection 
against multi-country disasters by reducing their impact and promoting a culture of prevention and preparedness.

•  Implementing EU disaster resilience goals: The UCPM supports the implementation of the EU Disaster Resilience 
Goals by fostering the development of risk management tools, operational concepts, procedures and knowledge 
exchange.

•  Capacity building: The UCPM supports the development of competencies, skills, knowledge, and expertise in 

civil protection and disaster risk management.

•  Fostering knowledge partnerships: The UCPM strengthens collaboration between civil protection and disaster 

risk management entities, integrating scientific findings into operational strategies.

•  Raising community awareness: The UCPM aims to raise awareness among communities about risks and strategies 

to mitigate vulnerabilities.

The  UCPM  offers  funding  opportunities  through  annual  calls  for  proposals.  As  of  2023,  grants  for 
prevention and preparedness actions fall under the 'Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk Management'  
(single-country, also known as ‘Track 1') and the 'Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness' (multi-
country) categories.

1. Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk Management (Track 1)

These grants provide financial support to eligible countries to carry out strategic disaster risk management actions. 
These actions could include, for example, a strategic framework for disaster risk management, investments for 
disaster risk management and improvement of crisis management capabilities, as well as investments to improve 
crisis preparedness. The technical assistance grants have been known as ‘Track 1: Single-country grants' during the 
period 2019–2022. 

Level of EU co-financing: 95%
2023 awarded budget: EUR 7.6 million

• 
• 
•  Average grant per project in 2023: EUR 507 170 
•  Beneficiaries: National authorities of EU Member States and UCPM participating states1 ,  

Georgia and Kosovo2 

1.  Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine

2.  This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo 

Declaration of Independence.

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2. Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP) 

This call for multi-country project proposals strengthens cooperation among EU Member States and UCPM participating 
states through disaster prevention and preparedness actions, including by providing a testing environment and a 
learning opportunity through full-scale exercises. It merges three previous calls (‘Prevention and Preparedness', 
‘Knowledge Network Partnership' and ‘Full-Scale  Exercises') for a streamlined application process. 

Level of EU co-financing: 85% 
2023 awarded budget: EUR 13.7 million 

• 
• 
•  Average grant per project in 2023: EUR 859 822 
•  Beneficiaries: Civil protection and disaster risk management stakeholders from EU Member States, UCPM 
participating states, and Neighbourhood countries (e.g. local and national civil protection authorities, first 
responders' organisations, universities, research institutes, and NGOs)

Number of project beneficiaries per country

This map showcases the geographical spread of UCPM project partners across Europe. The darker the blue, the higher 
the concentration of beneficiaries in that country. 

The map covers the following calls for proposals between 2019 and 2023: Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk 
Management (Track 1), Prevention and Preparedness (Track 2), and Knowledge Network Partnership.

Number of beneficiary 
organisations

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-10

11-17

18-32

33-43

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8

Success stories: Prevention and 
preparedness projects supported by  
the Union Civil Protection Mechanism

Find out more about recent projects and how they 
have benefitted the UCPM, including innovative 
disaster risk management tools and solutions.

9

Assistance in developing a stronger baseline for effective 
disaster risk management

Anticipate

Prepare

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Main outputs:

•  Draft  Disaster  Risk  Management  Strategy  and 
new national Risk Assessment and Data Collection  
Guidelines, which were subsequently adopted by the 
Government of Croatia

•  Brochures and leaflets to inform the population on 
how to manage their personal risks and participate in 
community risk management

Project summary:

The key objective of the project was to establish a more 
efficient  national  disaster  risk  management  system 
in  Croatia  by  drafting  a  new  national  Disaster  Risk 
Management Strategy and improving risk assessment 
guidelines.

The Disaster Risk Management Strategy was developed 
with support from the project and adopted by the Croatian 
government in October 2022. The strategy builds synergies 
with other sectoral strategies in the areas of environment, 
climate change adaptation, sustainable development 
and spatial planning. The document provides guidance 
for disaster risk management financing activities in the 
period 2021–2027.  It also makes it possible to track disaster 

risk management investments and monitor progress. The 
strategy is accompanied by an action plan that outlines 
the pipeline of projects and investments aimed at boosting 
prevention of and resilience to disasters.

Another important output of the project were new Risk 
Assessment  and  Data  Collection  Guidelines,  which  
provide a basis for a robust assessment of disaster risks 
faced by the country. The new guidelines address gaps 
identified in the national risk assessment process, such 
as data gaps.

In  addition,  dedicated  awareness-raising  measures 
focused on informing the general public of the 11 highest 
disaster risks in Croatia. Brochures and leaflets produced 
by the project are available for download through the  
DRR  Portal  (under  the  subtitle  „Podizanje svijesti i 
edukacija“).

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  The Disaster Risk Management Plan fulfilled the relevant 
enabling condition for the 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy 
Funds Programming, allowing for increased investment 
in disaster risk management financed by national and 
international sources

Funding source: 2019 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 72 376

Beneficiary country: Croatia

Beneficiary name: Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia

Implementation period: 2019–2020

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Development of a National Disaster Risk Management Plan

Anticipate

Main outputs:

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Increased awareness of the cross-sectoral nature of 
civil protection and disaster risk management, built 
consensus  between  stakeholders,  informed  the 
wider public about risk management measures and 
resources, and contributed to building a culture of 
disaster prevention

•  An example of a National Disaster Risk Management 
Plan for other countries who are considering developing 
or updating theirs

•  Greek National Disaster Risk Management Plan

Project summary:

This project set out to draft a Greek National Disaster 
Risk Management Plan. The plan sets out horizontal risk 
management measures relevant to multiple hazards, as 
well as hazard-specific measures, their implementation 
timeline, and responsible authorities. It helps translate 
goals set out in the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework 
for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, and the Sustainable 
Development Goals into concrete action in Greece. The 
plan supports the fulfilment of the enabling conditions 
that had to be met in order to access the EU Cohesion 
Policy funds for disaster resilience available to Greece 
in 2021–2027. 

The project has been continued with financing from the 
EU Technical Support Instrument, which notably aims 
to develop and support the implementation of a risk 
prevention, emergency preparedness and response 
action plan, as well as a comprehensive climate change 
adaptation and civil protection strategy and action plan.

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 617 500

Beneficiary country: Greece

Beneficiary name: General Secretariat for Civil Protection, Ministry of Citizen Protection of Greece

Implementation period: 2020–2021

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Feasibility study for the development of an early warning system 
based on telecommunication  technologies for the State Fire and 
Rescue Service  of Latvia

Alert

The  implementation  of  the  early  warning  and  public 
information  system  designed  with  Track  1  funds  is 
expected to be supported by 2021–2027 EU investment 
funds.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  An example for other UCPM countries seeking to 
develop early warning and public information systems

Main outputs:

•  Feasibility study for the development of a national 
early warning system, including its architectural and 
technical specifications

Project summary:

The project aimed to implement a new all-hazard early 
warning system for the State Fire and Rescue Service 
of Latvia in order to fulfil the national and European 
regulations.

The key outcomes of the project included a feasibility 
study comparing the various solutions that telecom 
companies could provide, a survey among the population 
to understand the disaster-alert awareness level of the 
Latvian population, and a draft of the architecture of the 
proposed system, including the required infrastructure 
and interoperability. 

Funding source:  2019 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 81 122

Beneficiary country: Latvia

Beneficiary name: State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia

Implementation period: 2019–2021

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Preparation of a proposal (investment project) 
addressing disaster risk management due to possible 
threats from the Belarussian nuclear power plant

Anticipate

TRACK1/
807526

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Main outputs:

•  Investment proposal to support the management of 
risks linked to a Belarusian nuclear power plant located 
near the Lithuanian border

Project summary:

The main objective of the project was to prepare an 
investment proposal to support the management of risks 
linked to a Belarusian nuclear power plant located near 
the border with Lithuania. As such, the project intended 
to identify Lithuania's needs to prepare and respond to 
a severe nuclear accident at this nuclear power plant.

The investment proposal aimed to assess and describe 
the preparedness of Lithuanian state institutions and 
municipalities to implement the functions set out in the 
State Plan for the Protection of the Population in the Event 
of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency. The 
proposal evaluated the investment needs (e.g. equipment, 
works, services), and identified and compared alternative 
investment options.

During the project implementation, several workshops 
and meetings were organised. Some aimed to consult 
relevant national and international stakeholders on the 
investment proposal, while others aimed to disseminate 
the project results.

An international workshop was organised on the draft 
investment plan, with more than 100 representatives 
from Lithuanian ministries, institutions and municipalities, 
and  17  representatives  of  other  EU  Member  States, 
including  Romania,  Latvia,  Poland  and  Sweden.  The 
recommendations of the workshop informed the final 
version of the investment project.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Basis  for  comprehensive  and  evidence-based 
preparedness  for  the  risk  of  a  nuclear  accident, 
including the use of available EU, national and other 
international funding for this purpose

Funding source: 2019 UCPM Track 1 grants*

EU contribution: EUR 127 439

Beneficiary country: Lithuania

Beneficiary name: Fire and Rescue Department, Ministry of the Interior of Lithuania

Implementation period: 2019–2021

(*some of the priority components designed with the support of Track 1 have already been funded by the Lithuanian national budget – in future, EU funds could also be used)

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Development of a national risk assessment for all types of 
hazards affecting Montenegro

Anticipate

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Main output:

•  Multi-hazard national risk assessment of Montenegro

Project summary:

The aim of the project was to develop the national risk 
assessment of Montenegro. The risk assessment is key to 
enable a more realistic and comprehensive overview of the 
risk characteristics and levels of impact that citizens and 
the environment face in Montenegro. It should also serve 
as the foundation for planning in the implementation of 
many programmes and projects in the field of disaster risk 
reduction, through EU funds and other sources of funding. 

The national risk assessment of Montenegro outlines 
the types of risks which endanger citizens, material 
and cultural goods, as well as the environment. The 
document  provides  different  scenarios  with  one  or 
more risks and a varying degree of threat posed by those 
risks. It contributes to fostering a culture of prevention 
and enhancing cooperation between civil protection 
authorities and other rescue and protection services.

This document also helps Montenegro to fulfil a legal 
obligation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism – namely, 
to develop risk assessments at national or appropriate 
sub-national level (Article 6 of Decision no 1313/2013/EU 
on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism). It enables a better 
understanding of risks and threats faced by its citizens, 
material and cultural assets, and the environment.

Follow-up to the project has included the development 
of a Disaster Risk Management Capability Assessment of 
Montenegro (to be completed in 2023) and a Strategy for 
Disaster Risk Reduction of the Government of Montenegro, 
with an action plan for the period 2025–2030.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Up-to-date national risk assessment to be used as a key 
tool for improving national disaster risk management 
in Montenegro

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Track 1 grants 

EU contribution: EUR 447 618

Beneficiary country: Montenegro

Beneficiary name: Directorate for Emergency Management, Ministry of Interior of Montenegro

Implementation period: 2020–2021

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Government of Montenegro 
Ministry of Interior 
Rescue and Protection Directorate 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Feasibility studies on the promotion of better practices and 
on raising the capacity of the State Fire and Rescue Service 
of Latvia 

Prepare

Respond

Main outputs:

•  Feasibility study on the promotion of clean and energy-
efficient road transport vehicles for the State Fire and 
Rescue Service

•  Feasibility study on the creation and implementation 

of risk prevention awareness-raising classes 

•  Feasibility study on the creation and establishment of 
an educational training complex (Fire Safety and Civil 
Defence College)

Project summary:

The  first  feasibility  study  explored  the  possibility  of 
integrating the use of environmentally friendly and energy-
efficient vehicles in the activities of the State Fire and 
Rescue Service. This included analysis of the costs and 
capabilities of environmentally friendly firefighting trucks 
and passenger cars, as well as determination of the 
capacity needed to create a new technical and repair 
base model.

the right behaviour in emergency situations, thereby 
contributing to raising awareness of fire safety and civil 
protection issues.

The last feasibility study aimed to study the educational 
processes, resources and infrastructure necessary for 
the college to improve its operation.

All  studies  were  performed  via  subcontracting  to 
consulting companies. All the studies of this project 
have been made public and published on the website of 
the beneficiary. The studies were used for planning and 
designing projects to further develop the Latvian State 
Fire and Rescue Service; discussions are ongoing on 
possible use of EU funding for financing the identified 
investments (EU Cohesion Policy 2021–2027).

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Feasibility studies created a pipeline of projects to be 
co-funded by the European Regional Development  
Fund

The  second  feasibility  study  focused  on  identifying 
the most effective way to set up stationary and mobile 
practical  training  facilities  to  educate  the  public  on 

• ‘Clean vehicle' component supports efforts to green civil 
protection, and may be replicated in other countries

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 200 090

Beneficiary country: Latvia

Beneficiary name: State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia

Implementation period: 2020–2021

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Preliminary target group studies for the development of a 
risk and crisis communication platform

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Main outputs:

•  Research on the use of crisis information by the general 

public and official institutions in Estonia

•  National web platform for crisis communication 

Project summary:

The project's first phase consisted of analysing people's 
crisis awareness, users' information management and 
media consumption habits (to better design different 
messages and disseminate them through traditional and 
social media, as well as an app, for a more effective impact), 
and international good practices on crisis awareness 
raising. 

Its second phase focused on researching the need for 
and use of crisis information among key target groups 
– the general population and institutions. This included 
co-creation workshops to study different crisis scenarios.

Currently,  the  Rescue  Board  of  Estonia  manages 
a  national  crisis  communication  platform  
(https://www.olevalmis.ee/en),  while  the  Women's 
Voluntary Defence Organisation manages an application 
called  ‘Olevalmis!'  for  smartphones  and  tablets 
(downloaded by 104 627 people: nearly 10% of the Estonian 
population). This platform forms part of a larger package of 
tools to inform and educate the public on risks and crises, 
as well as to prepare and activate individuals to safeguard 
their wellbeing and that of others in the context of risk 
and crisis situations.

The  government's  website  (https://kriis.ee/en/main-
page) is connected to this platform, and provides official 
information  about  ongoing  crises.  Finally,  the  state 
helpline ‘1247' (https://www.112.ee/en/instruction/state-
helpline-1247) provides information about ongoing crises.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Risk and crisis awareness-raising and communication 

tools which may inspire other countries

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 95 000

Beneficiary country: Estonia

Implementation period: 2020–2022

16

 
 
 
 
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The Effect of Climate Change on Critical Infrastructure in the 
Energy Sector in Pilot Region: İzmir – Aliağa (Türkiye)

Anticipate

Prepare

Main outputs:

•  Report on prioritising critical assets

•  Report on analysis of disaster risks caused by climate 

change

•  Development of risk assessment maps

Project summary:

The  project  aimed  to  identify  and  safeguard  critical 
infrastructure  within  the  energy  sector  of  Türkiye's 
İzmir Aliağa Region, with a primary focus on minimising 
the adverse effects of climate-induced technological 
disasters. To achieve this goal, it took several strategic 
steps.

First, it conducted a comprehensive review of global good 
practices to assess their suitability for implementation 
in the region. It also provided training and awareness-
raising  activities  for  stakeholders  from  43  different  
institutions, ensuring a broad spectrum of expertise and 
perspectives.

Then,  the  project  generated  a  detailed  roadmap 
grounded in an extensive risk analysis of the region. This 
analysis considered data spanning from 1980 to 2022, 
encompassing a variety of natural events like fires, floods, 
and storms.

As a result, the project successfully applied a risk analysis 
methodology tailored to the İzmir Aliağa region, pinpointing 
critical infrastructure vulnerable to climate change and 
natural disasters.

A seminar was held to disseminate the project's findings 
and recommendations. Notably, the project documents 
received official endorsement from the Disaster and 
Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) in February 
2022.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Collected  and  investigated  good  practices  and 
methodologies  from  around  the  world  for  the 
management of critical infrastructure

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 509 675

Beneficiary country: Türkiye

Beneficiary name: Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), Ministry of Interior of Türkiye

Implementation period: 2020–2021

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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PREVAIL: PREVention Action Increases Large fire 
response preparedness 

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The project results show that ‘smart' solutions – that are 
sustainable over time, cost-efficient and innovative, and 
achieve synergies and cooperation – can help make fire 
suppression more effective and less costly. The objective 
of such a solution could be, for example, to transform the 
landscape to become more fire resilient by promoting 
sustainable land management strategies and practices.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Innovative and cost-effective solutions for integrated 
wildfire  management  through  landscape  fuel 
management solutions

Main outputs:

•  Decision support system for effective fuel management

•  Catalogue of innovative and smart fire prevention 

solutions

•  Dedicated repository for smart fuel management 

programmes: ‘Lessons on fires' platform 

Project summary:

The PREVAIL project evaluated the effectiveness of fuel 
management in reducing the likelihood of large fires 
occurring and spreading. The project found that although 
the probability of a fire to become large seems to be 
influenced by the simultaneous occurrence of large 
fires and relatively low humidity, a diversified landscape 
with a mosaic of vegetation and other types of land use – 
including areas with low fuel levels (such as vineyards and 
orchards, annual crops and grazing land) – offers more 
opportunities to stop and control wildfires. 

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 496 891

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal

Implementation period: 2019–2021 

18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASCADE: Community Safety Action for Supporting Climate 
Adaptation and Development

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Main outputs:

•  Toolbox of disaster risk management in relation to 

climate driven disasters

•  Training  course  in  disaster  risk  reduction  for  civil 

protection experts and city planners

Project summary:

The CASCADE project focused on local climate change  
risk  management  in  the  Baltic  Sea  region  through 
collaborative efforts between civil protection specialists 
and climate change adaptation experts. 

The project began by creating a comprehensive overview 
of climate change-related risks specific to the Baltic Sea 
region. This overview encompassed both existing risks 
and emerging climate-related threats, including their 
potential impacts.

Subsequently,  the  project  developed  a  local-level 
risk  assessment  methodology  designed  to  factor 
in  the  unique  climate  change  context  of  the  region. 
Simultaneously, CASCADE initiated a region-wide policy 
dialogue  centred  on  the  UN  Sendai  Framework  for 
Disaster Risk Reduction. This dialogue aimed to establish  

cross-sectoral cooperation across different governance 
levels, fostering greater policy coherence regarding 
climate risk assessments.

CASCADE also formulated 'Guidelines for integrated 
climate change and risk reduction management for local 
authorities'. These guidelines offer practical support to 
local authorities and advocate for the creation of cross-
sectoral working groups at the local level, bringing together 
all relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, they facilitate 
local risk assessments and contribute to enhancing 
preparedness and response efforts in the face of climate 
change-related disasters.

To implement this methodology effectively, CASCADE 
developed a training course specifically tailored to civil 
protection experts and city planners. This ensures that 
the project's insights and tools can be put into practice 
for the benefit of the Baltic Sea region's resilience and 
preparedness.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved risk assessments and enhanced cross-border 

and regional cooperation

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 635 839

Beneficiary countries: Finland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Denmark

Implementation period: 2019–2021

19

 
 
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WUIVIEW: Wildland-Urban Interface VIrtual Essays Workbench

Anticipate

Prepare

Main outputs:

•  Tools for wildfire hazard and vulnerability analysis in 

wildland-urban interface (WUI) communities

Project summary:

WUIVIEW aimed to enhance wildfire resilience in wildland-
urban interface (WUI) communities by developing a set 
of essential risk management tools.

First, WUIVIEW introduced a framework for conducting an 
in-depth analysis of fire impact on properties situated in 
a wildland-urban interface. This served as the foundation 
for assessing the potential risks and vulnerabilities faced 
by these communities. Additionally, the project generated 
the methodology for a self-assessment tool. This tool 
focused on evaluating structural vulnerability and the 
suitability of sheltering in place (as opposed to evacuating) 
during wildfires. 

The project conducted surveys to examine the aftermath 
of wildfire incidents, helping to identify patterns and 
scenarios  that  were  commonly  responsible  for  the 
destruction of houses. Furthermore, fire experiments were 
carried out to analyse the physical processes involved 

and vulnerabilities to fire. Particular attention was given 
to the role of residential fuels, including green hedges, 
domestic gas tanks, and accumulated fuel packs, in fire 
infiltration and its impact on buildings.

Drawing  from  these  findings,  the  WUIVIEW  project 
established critical criteria for safety distances and 
residential  fuel  management.  These  criteria  were 
integrated into the risk management tools, making them 
even more practical and effective.

Moreover,  WUIVIEW  provided  fresh  insights  into  the 
vulnerability of materials and buildings, and these insights 
were translated into performance criteria for assessing the 
vulnerability of structures. This comprehensive approach 
ensured that the project's tools covered a wide spectrum 
of factors, ultimately contributing to the wildfire resilience 
of WUI communities.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Evidence  on  what  makes  a  residence  vulnerable 
to wildfires, which could be translated into public 
guidance by national authorities

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 572 015

Beneficiary countries: Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Sweden

Implementation period: 2019–2021

20

 
 
LODE: Loss Data Enhancement for DRR and CCA Management

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Main outputs:

•  Disaster loss database information system 

•  Input to scoping work on the climate protection gap 
(with gap analysis and experience from its showcases 
on disaster loss data)

Project summary:

The LODE project tackled the issue of post-disaster 
damage  and  loss  data  management  by  identifying 
weaknesses in existing systems. It then focused on 
developing an information system tailored to optimise 
data collection, storage, and retrieval, serving multiple 
purposes for disaster mitigation and preparedness.

To eliminate duplication and inconsistencies, the database 
was designed to incorporate sector-specific data. In this 
process, LODE engaged extensively with a wide network 
of stakeholders, drawing upon their collective knowledge, 
experience, and good practices related to data collection 
in various European countries.

Several public administrations are already implementing 
adaptations to their procedures and tools as a result of 
the project's insights. For example, the Catalonia Civil 
Protection Authority in Spain introduced a dedicated 
tool for emergency use which supports the collection 
of  damage  data  for  infrastructure  and  assets.  This 
improvement helps them to better identify priorities 
during emergencies.

Similarly, the Umbria Region utilised the LODE methodology 
by testing it on previous flood events and leveraging the 
obtained results in their preparation for a Solidarity Fund 
application. This showcases how the LODE project has 
had a tangible impact on enhancing data management 
and preparedness measures across different European 
regions.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved collection of disaster loss data, one of the 
components of the Sendai Framework for Disaster 
Risk Reduction

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 799 108

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Portugal, Serbia

Implementation period: 2019–2021

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
West MoPoCo: Western Mediterranean Region Marine Oil and 
Hazardous and Noxious Substances Pollution Cooperation

Secure

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Main outputs:

•  Multi-regional  Marine  Hazardous  and  Noxious 

Substances Response Manual

•  National manuals providing an overview of available 
response equipment and experts at the national and 
sub-regional level

Project summary:

of the Marine Environment in the North-East Atlantic, 
the Bonn Agreement, and the Regional Marine Pollution 
Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea.

In addition to this, the project upgraded the Maritime 
Integrated Decision Support Information System at the 
Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for 
the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC), focusing on chemical 
substance transport. 

The Western Mediterranean is home to vulnerable marine 
ecosystems. As a semi-closed sea, it faces dense maritime 
traffic and significant human activity. Pollution from oil 
and hazardous substances poses severe environmental, 
social, and economic risks, emphasising the need for 
regional cooperation.

Finally, the project conducted a comprehensive feasibility 
study exploring synergies among three sub-regional 
actors. This study resulted in a set of recommendations 
encompassing legal requirements, institutional structures, 
and  operational  procedures,  which  aim  to  enhance 
cooperation among Western Mediterranean countries.

To address these challenges, the West MoPoCo project 
played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among 
partner institutions and streamlining approaches. It 
facilitated knowledge exchange among participating 
nations and leveraged their experiences to create a 
‘Multi-regional Marine Hazardous and Noxious Substances 
Response Manual'. This manual is a valuable resource 
for the broader marine pollution response community. 
It  received  endorsement  from  key  Regional  Seas 
Conventions, including the Convention for the Protection 

These efforts collectively contribute to safeguarding the 
fragile environment of the Western Mediterranean and 
the wellbeing of its communities.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Enhanced cross-border marine pollution preparedness

•  Improved information management during marine 

pollution events among affected countries 

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 651 312

Beneficiary countries: France, Italy, Algeria, Malta, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, United Kingdom

Implementation period: 2019–2021

22

 
 
SCORCH: Supportive Risk Awareness and Communication to 
Reduce the impact of Cross-Border Heatwaves

Prepare

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Main outputs:

•  Recommendations  for  national  heatwave  risk 
communication plans for the general population and 
vulnerable groups in Israel, Georgia and Tunisia

Project summary:

SCORCH aimed to mitigate the impact of heatwaves 
on  vulnerable  urban  populations  by  enhancing  risk 
communication strategies based on existing EU plans 
and guidelines.

To achieve this, the project conducted a comprehensive 
review of 15 national heatwave plans/guidelines and 
international literature. This review served as a foundation 
for understanding existing strategies and good practices.

Next,  SCORCH  compiled  scientific  evidence  related 
to  heatwave  planning  processes,  and  identified 
relevant stakeholders involved. It specifically focused 
on  supporting  vulnerable  populations  such  as  older 
individuals, outdoor workers, and children. Additionally, the 
project analysed various risk communication approaches 
used to protect these vulnerable groups.

To engage the community and raise awareness about 
heatwaves  and  associated  health  risks,  the  project 
organised focus groups and workshops. These events 
aimed to educate participants on the importance of better 
preparation and response to heatwaves.

The project culminated in the publication of an article 
summarising its key findings. This article serves as a 
valuable  resource  for  the  broader  risk  management 
community,  highlighting  the  need  for  a  more 
comprehensive and structured approach to governance 
within national heat health action plans. This approach 
should involve stakeholders from diverse sectors beyond 
health,  recognising  the  multi  dimensional  nature  of 
heatwave risks.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Recommendations for the national heatwave risk 
communication plans can be used as inspiration by 
other countries

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 715 212

Beneficiary countries: Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Israel

Implementation period: 2019–2021

23

 
 
EVE: European Volcano Early warning system 

Anticipate

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Main outputs:

•  VOLCANBOX platform to conduct volcanic hazard 

assessment and forecast volcanic eruptions

Project summary:

The EVE project aimed to provide an easy and rapid way to 
forecast real-time volcanic eruptions, facilitating prediction 
of eruption scenarios and their potential impacts. This early 
warning system benefits civil protection authorities by 
enabling better prevention and preparedness for these 
potentially destructive events. 

The project conducted short-term analyses of several 
eruptions in different locations, such as La Palma in the 
Canary Islands, Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland, Piton de 
la Fournaise in Reunion Island, and Etna and Stromboli in 
Italy. These analyses underscored the critical importance 
of real-time volcano monitoring and long-term hazard 
assessment for predicting potential eruptions.

EVE promoted cooperation among authorities at regional 
and international levels. The project contributed to the 
consolidation of a scientific working group focused on 
volcanic hazard assessment and management at the 
European level. This group's purpose is to provide scientific 
evidence to inform policymakers and risk managers.

The VOLCANBOX multiplatform developed by the project 
fosters interaction and cooperation between scientists 
and  national  civil  protection  authorities,  facilitating  
the  sharing  and  standardisation  of  procedures, 
methodologies, and technologies for improved volcanic 
risk assessment and management.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved early warning systems for volcanoes

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 718 300

Beneficiary countries: Spain, Iceland, France, Italy, Portugal

Implementation period: 2019–2021

24

 
 
BALTPREP: Enhancing regional preparedness and response 
capacity for major accidents in the Baltic Sea region

Secure

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Main outputs:

•  15 preparedness plans or agreements, the majority 

at national level

•  Regional disaster preparedness plan of the Baltic 
Sea region's Red Cross national societies, tested in a 
table-top exercise

Project summary:

The BALTPREP project aimed to enhance the response 
capabilities for major incidents in the Baltic Sea region. It 
began with an assessment of existing response capacities 
and assets across participating countries, leading to a 
better understanding of the region's readiness.

This understanding paved the way for comprehensive 
training and skill development to ensure that staff and 
volunteers were well-prepared for effective responses. 
Simultaneously,  the  project  established  a  solid  sub-
regional  framework  for  preparedness,  fostering 
cooperation through working groups and preparedness 
planning.

The project recognised the importance of psychosocial 
support during emergencies, and worked to increase 
capacities and interoperability in this area. It also focused 
on enhancing cooperation between civil protection and 
humanitarian aid actors, acknowledging the need for 
collaboration among different organisations.

The project emphasised trans-border and macro-regional 
cooperation to address incidents that transcend national 
boundaries.  The  result  was  improved  coordination, 
response  quality  and  interoperability  among  civil 
protection  authorities,  communities  and  Red  Cross 
National Societies.

The  project's  long-term  vision  was  to  contribute  to 
building lasting capacity within each participating Red 
Cross Society. Beyond these Societies, the project's 
impact extended to a broader circle of civil protection 
professionals and volunteers, as well as the general public, 
raising awareness about the importance of preparedness 
for major emergencies.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Enhanced  preparedness  for  major  emergencies 
within Red Cross Societies and among various actors, 
including civil protection authorities

Funding source: 2017 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 749 127

Beneficiary countries: Finland, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland

Implementation period: 2019–2021

25

 
 
ProCultHer: Protecting Cultural Heritage from the 
Consequences of Disasters

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Main outputs:

•  Key elements of a European methodology to address 
cultural heritage protection during emergencies

•  Standard  operating  procedures  for  emergency 

preparedness and response

•  Multidisciplinary  capacity  to  provide  guidance 
on  preparedness  measures  for  cultural  heritage 
protection (and to be deployed when needed)

Project summary:

PROCULTHER aimed to enhance the protection of cultural 
heritage during emergencies. The project focused on 
establishing the necessary technical and operational tools 
and procedures for the activation and deployment of an 
interdisciplinary UCPM module dedicated to preserving 
cultural heritage.

Drawing on the collective experience and competencies 
of the project countries, PROCULTHER demonstrated the 
urgent need for cross-sectoral cooperation between 
disaster  risk  managers  and  cultural  heritage  actors. 
The collaboration aimed to reduce the risk of disasters 
affecting cultural heritage.

One of the project's significant achievements was the 
definition of 'Key elements of a European methodology 
for protecting cultural heritage during emergencies'. 
This methodology provides a standardised approach 
to  safeguarding  cultural  heritage  in  times  of  crisis. 
PROCULTHER also contributed tools to facilitate initial 
actions for developing national and European capacities in 
cultural heritage protection, thus enhancing preparedness 
and response capabilities.

Furthermore, building on the contacts and knowledge 
established  during  the  PROCULTHER  project,  the 
PROCULTHER-NET project (which ended in December 
2023) aimed to create a European thematic community 
dedicated to cultural heritage protection. Its goal was to 
equip civil protection experts with the knowledge and 
skills they need to ensure the continued preservation of 
cultural heritage during emergencies.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Enhanced awareness of civil protection authorities on 
the importance of integrating preparedness measures 
for cultural heritage protection in national plans

•  Multidisciplinary  capacity  readily  deployable  in 

international emergencies

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 599 307

Beneficiary countries: Italy, France, Spain, Türkiye

Implementation period: 2019–2021

26

 
 
Ready to Respond: Modernised preparedness and response 
capacity in South Caucasus

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Main outputs:

•  Development and strengthening of the Armenian and 
Georgian Red Cross Societies' standard operating 
procedures, disaster response teams, and emergency 
operation centres

•  Better integration of the Red Cross Societies in national 

emergency response plans

Project summary:

The  Ready  to  Respond  project  strengthened 
interoperability, experience exchange, and coordination 
between civil protection authorities and humanitarian aid 
actors in Armenia and Georgia. This was achieved through 
the development and strengthening of the Armenian 
and Georgian Red Cross Societies' standard operating 
procedures, disaster response teams, and emergency 
operation centres, which also helped to further clarify 
the specific roles and responsibilities of the Armenian 
and Georgian Red Cross Societies in national emergency 
response plans. 

A  key  achievement  of  ‘Ready  to  Respond'  was 
strengthening the use of volunteers in emergencies 
through disaster response teams. This was realised 
through the development of contingency plans and 
standard operating procedures, as well as by conducting 
training and exercises.

The capacities of the Red Cross Societies were further 
enhanced in relation to cash preparedness and mental 
health and psychosocial support. The vital nature of a 
cash and voucher assistance methodology and related 
training was shown during the COVID-19 response.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Enhanced  cross-border 

interoperability  of 
EU  Neighbourhood  Red  Cross  Societies  and  
clearer national emergency response plans

Funding source: 2018 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 425 652

Beneficiary countries: Denmark, Armenia, Georgia, Austria, Iceland

Implementation period: 2019–2021

27

 
 
 
 
 
oVERFLOw: Vulnerability assessment of embankments and 
bridges exposed to flooding hazards

Anticipate

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Due to significant seismic events during the project 
implementation, activities also addressed the seismic 
vulnerability of the flood protection system. Based on 
the identified vulnerability, a risk tool was developed 
and applied on two case study areas in Croatia and 
the  Netherlands.  Both  the  vulnerability  assessment 
methodology and the risk tool were taken on board by 
the participating civil protection agencies. 

Furthermore, oVERFLOw developed an adaptation plan to 
increase the resilience of identified critical infrastructure 
to flood events.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved risk assessment understanding and tools, 
which contribute to the protection of citizens and 
property in case of disasters

Main outputs:

•  Vulnerability assessment of critical infrastructure, 
including a risk tool and a GIS online platform containing 
the inventory of critical infrastructure in pilot areas

•  Guidelines for civil protection authorities on how to 
implement the risk assessment and vulnerability results 
in existing procedures and plans

Project summary:

The oVERFLOw project sought to contribute to climate 
adaptation  through  climate-resilient  infrastructure. 
This  was  achieved  through  an  improved  risk-based 
methodology to assess the vulnerability of flood defence 
levees and bridges, and the assessment of vulnerable 
infrastructure in high-risk areas.

After an information management platform was developed 
and implemented in the geographic information systems 
of relevant stakeholders, a vulnerability assessment of 
critical infrastructure was undertaken. This included 
development of advanced protocols for investigation 
works and monitoring of embankments and riverbanks, 
as well as bridge monitoring. 

Funding source: 2019 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 498 260

Beneficiary countries: Croatia, The Netherlands, Slovenia

Implementation period: 2019–2022

28

 
 
19

SAVEMEDCOASTS 1 and 2: Sea level rise scenarios along 
the Mediterranean Coasts 

Anticipate

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Main outputs:

•  Geospatial data sharing hub with interactive thematic 

maps

•  Detailed sea level rise, flood and multi-hazard scenarios 

for 2100

•  Awareness-raising actions in communities within areas 

of high flooding risk

Project summary: 

The SAVEMEDCOASTS project developed a methodology 
to improve the assessment of risks stemming from sea 
level rise, and highlighted the most exposed coastal 
areas – 163 ‘hotspots' (that are less than two metres 
above sea level) – around the Mediterranean Sea. The 
project  provided  detailed  sea  level  rise  projections, 
including information on the local acceleration due to 
land subsidence, and potential amplification of tsunami 
risk and storm surge events (abnormal rise in seawater 
level during a storm) for selected zones.

The second phase of the project (SAVEMEDCOASTS 2) 
expanded this work to other vulnerable Mediterranean 
areas. The project conducted awareness-raising actions 
in communities in areas of high flood risk through the 
‘KnowRiskFlood' campaign for schools. It focused on youth, 
involving students and their teachers in workshops, and 
providing them with knowledge resources and educational 
tools. It also improved sea level rise projections, flood and 
multi-hazard scenarios, spatial decision support systems, 
and disaster risk management plans in the target areas.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved risk assessment for coastal areas in the 

Mediterranean basin

•  Disaster risk awareness-raising and education tools

Funding source: 2016 and 2019 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness calls

EU contribution: EUR 1 117 580

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Spain

Duration of the projects: 2017–2019 and 2019–2022

29

 
 
21

IMAROS: Improving response capacities and understanding the 
environmental impacts of new generation low sulphur MARine 
fuel Oil Spills

Anticipate

Secure

Main outputs:

•  Overview of existing products of low sulphur fuel oils

•  Suitability analysis of different response technologies 

for low sulphur fuel oil spills

Project summary:

Successful oil spill response after ship incidents reduces 
impacts on the marine environment and socio-economic 
impacts  for  affected  coastal  communities.  Recent 
changes in the International Maritime Organisation's 
regulations to reduce air emissions from ships have 
resulted in a ‘new generation' of fuel oils (very low sulphur 
and ultra-low sulphur fuel oils). These new fuel types 
may be challenging during accidental oil spills, and their 
behaviour after a spill was previously not well known. 

IMAROS aimed to bridge this gap by identifying relevant 
characteristics of the new generation of low sulphur fuel 
oils used in Europe. The suitability of different response 
technologies for such spills was established through 
practical equipment tests. 

IMAROS  developed  recommendations  for  oil  spill 
response  involving  the  new  generation  of  fuel  oils, 
including capacities and methods for response at sea 
and on shorelines. The project results can guide European 
countries on possible challenges in responding to low 
sulphur fuel oil spills. An effective response at sea will 
reduce the amount of oil that reaches the shorelines.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved understanding of the environmental risks of 
‘new generation fuel oil' spills and appropriate response 
solutions

Funding source: 2019 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 747 507

Beneficiary countries: Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, France, Malta

Implementation period: 2020–2022

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TAMIR: Advanced tools for pro-active management of impacts 
and risks induced by convective weather, heavy rain and flash 
floods in Europe

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On a regional scale, the project demonstrated convective 
storm  impact  nowcasting  (description  of  weather 
conditions now and in the immediate future, up to 60 
minutes ahead). These high-resolution multi-hazard 
nowcasts  enable,  for  example,  a  local  emergency 
responder to visualise the potential impact more easily 
at town level. Nowcasts have been used to improve hazard 
level estimation, effectively reducing false alarms of flash 
flood events during snowfall episodes.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Protection and early warning of population and assets 

from extreme natural hazards

•  Tools accessible to national authorities in the EU

Main outputs:

•  Improved European early warning systems to support 

decision making by civil protection authorities

•  Flash flood impact forecasts

•  Multi-hazard nowcasts for convective storms on a 

regional level

Project summary:

The TAMIR project built on a series of previous UCPM 
projects that developed improved early warning systems 
for  extreme  events.  TAMIR  developed  flash  flood 
hazard and impact forecasting tools (translating the 
physical hazard characteristics into socio-economic 
consequences) on a pan-European scale. The forecasts 
extend from current time to five days ahead.

Different exposure datasets, including population density 
and critical infrastructure, have been integrated to better 
assess potential impacts. TAMIR outputs have also been 
added into the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS), 
thus providing added-value on a pan-European level.

Funding source: 2019 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 987 140

Beneficiary countries: Finland, Spain

Implementation period: 2020– 2022

31

 
 
 
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TEAMS 3.0: Training for Emergency Medical Teams and European 
Medical Corps 3.0

Respond

Main outputs:

•  Training package for Emergency Medical Teams through 

an open, free-of-cost eLearning platform 

•  Evidence-based operational exercises and trainings 

for four teams

Project summary:

The TEAMS 3.0 project followed two previous project 
phases that supported the European Medical Corps to 
mobilise medical and public health teams and equipment 
for emergencies inside and outside the EU. TEAMS 3.0 
continued efforts to improve the capabilities of national 
emergency medical teams by revising and updating the 
training package developed in the previous projects with 
new scenarios and exercises, as well as an extended 
consortium.

The TEAMS 3.0 project worked on emerging training 
needs by identifying global disaster risk trends, and new 
scenarios and operational challenges encountered by 
national emergency medical teams in disasters. The 
TEAMS training package was then updated accordingly, 
including with new exercises. 

The new TEAMS training was delivered to four emergency 
medical teams from Türkiye, Norway, Portugal and Germany, 
and was evaluated with the support of the academic 
partners. The TEAMS training package is available through 
an open, free-of-charge eLearning platform, which allows 
the training to reach a global audience.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  TEAMS training package allows UCPM emergency 
medical teams to harmonise their training activities

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 492 808

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Sweden, Israel, Türkiye, Norway, Portugal, Germany

Implementation period: 2020–2022

32

 
 
 
 
StrengthVOL: Strengthening Civil Protection 
Systems through Volunteer Capacities 

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Main outputs:

•  Action plan for increased deployability of volunteer 

response capacities

•  Civil protection volunteering models corresponding 

to specific country context

The StrengthVOL project significantly strengthened civil 
protection volunteering in the framework of the Eastern 
partnership by consolidating emergency response in 
the municipalities where volunteer groups have been 
established. The project also supported dialogue on civil 
protection volunteering within three countries – Ukraine, 
Georgia and Armenia – of the EU Eastern Neighbourhood 
partnership. The role of civil protection volunteers and 
their diverse needs have been part of the discussions, 
as well as lessons identified in the past.

StrengthVOL prepared recommendations for developing a 
civil protection volunteering model that can also be used 
by other countries. Furthermore, the project strengthened 
cooperation between civil protection authorities and the 
Red Cross National Societies on long-term volunteering 
development. The project showed that civil protection 
volunteer groups can be established with limited financial 
means if municipalities are strongly involved in the process.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Strengthened capacities for emergency response in 

the EU Neighbourhood

•  Volunteering models and recommendations may be 

used by other countries for inspiration

Funding source: 2019 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 400 000

Beneficiary countries: Austria, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Ireland

Implementation period: 2020–2022

ო სიტუაციების მართვის ს

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AIDERS: Real-time Artificial Intelligence for decision support 
via RPAS data analytics 

Secure

Main outputs:

•  An artificial intelligence toolkit that provides relevant, 

reliable , and timely information

•   First responders training on the use of the project's 

results

Project summary:

The AIDERS project focused on the development of a 
technologically advanced solution for first responders 
seeking to introduce remotely piloted aircraft systems into 
their operations, enabling them to quickly make sense of 
the deluge of data to inform incident commanders in the 
field. AIDERS set out to develop an artificial intelligence 
toolkit to allow first responders to quickly and accurately 
convert the large volume of data collected into actionable 
decisions for improved emergency response.

AIDERS was able to facilitate cooperation between first 
responders and technical partners to identify application-
specific needs. A novel artificial intelligence toolkit was 
developed and tested in real-life exercises, providing 
relevant,  reliable,  and  timely  information  from  data 
collected through sensors on drones. The testing and 
evaluation during the field exercises allowed for drafting of 
processes and procedures for use of artificial intelligence. 
This materialised into training activities, which provided 
a platform for first responders to familiarise themselves 
with artificial intelligence techniques and the AIDERS 
artificial intelligence toolkit.

The AIDERS artificial intelligence toolkit is an open-source 
software available to any interested party for download 
through the AIDERS project website.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Enhanced tools for better situational awareness in 

emergencies

Funding source: 2019 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 920 406

Beneficiary countries: Cyprus, Italy, France, Greece

Implementation period: 2020–2022

34

 
 
 
X-Stock: Enhancing cross-border preparedness through shared 
management of emergency stock in South East Europe

Secure

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Main outputs:

•  Software for shared emergency stock management 

•  Standard operating procedures for relief goods transfer 
among South-Eastern Europe Red Cross national 
societies

Project summary:

The X-Stock project boosted cross-border preparedness 
for emergencies through collaborative management 
of emergency stockpiles, and establishment of cross-
border agreements for joint stock management. This 
resulted in the development of a comprehensive regional 
stock management strategy, complemented by a user-
friendly  software  application  often  referred  to  as  a 
'virtual warehouse'. This innovative tool enables users 
to seamlessly access information about shared relief 
supplies in neighbouring countries and, when necessary, 
request support directly through the system. Notably, 
it also automates much of the paperwork required for 
shipping relief items across south-eastern Europe.

Furthermore,  the  project  introduced  standardised 
operating procedures for the transfer of relief goods 
among partner organisations, significantly enhancing 

operational  efficiency. This  minimised  excessive 
stockpiling and eliminated unnecessary expenditures 
on new purchases, representing a substantial cost-saving 
measure.

The tool's benefits extend beyond Red Cross Societies, 
as it also provides civil protection authorities with access 
to crucial stock information. This enhanced coordination 
means civil protection authorities can leverage the Red 
Cross's resources to complement their national efforts.

Additionally, the X-Stock project contributed valuable 
recommendations for refining procedures, policies, and 
agreements related to emergency stock management, 
and called for the revision of pre disaster agreements 
between civil protection authorities, the Red Cross, and 
other emergency response stakeholders. Looking ahead, 
X-Stock aims to share recommendations for replicating 
and scaling up this successful initiative in other countries, 
further advancing cross-border preparedness on a global 
scale.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  More efficient use of emergency stocks and shorter 

response times

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 492 197

Beneficiary countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia,  Serbia

Implementation period: 2021–2023

35

 
 
EUROWA-2: EUROpean Wildlife pollution emergency 
Assistance-2

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Main outputs:

•  New educational tools and guidelines for authorities 
on how to plan for and manage an effective response 
to oiled wildlife

•  A coordinated international network of accredited 

wildlife response experts

Project summary:

The EUROWA-2 project built upon its predecessor by 
expanding the pool of accredited experts available for 
mobilisation within the EUROWA module. This expansion 
was designed to address incidents occurring in Europe 
or the broader Mediterranean region, particularly those 
affecting sea turtles.

EUROWA-2  aligned  with  the  strategic  goals  of  the 
European Regional Sea Agreements and the European 
Union, fostering a comprehensive approach to managing 
marine pollution emergencies. It delivered a valuable toolkit 
of technical guidance tools for authorities, including 
exercise guidelines and a forward-looking vision document 
outlining the future of oiled wildlife response in Europe.

To ensure effective utilisation of these resources, the 
project conducted informative workshops for national 
authorities, and developed instructional animation videos 
illustrating key challenges in responding to oiled wildlife 
incidents.

Furthermore, EUROWA-2 introduced three new training 
packages covering oiled sea turtle response, biological 
risk and impact assessment, and a managerial course for 
oiled wildlife response. New protocols specifically for oiled 
sea turtle response were also established.

Overall, EUROWA-2 contributed to enhancing Europe's 
readiness and capability to respond to incidents involving 
oiled wildlife, aligning with regional and EU strategies 
for effective marine pollution emergency management.

 Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Supports authorities to increase their preparedness 

to protect wildlife from marine pollution

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 602 955

Beneficiary countries: Belgium, Spain, Finland, The Netherlands

Implementation period: 2021–2023

36

 
 
SEE ME: Safe and Equal in Emergencies

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Main outputs:

•  Awareness-raising  campaign  on  equal  rights  in 

emergencies

•  Guidelines related to the protection and rescue of 

people with disabilities in emergencies

Project Working-Source-Filesry:

SEE ME aimed to ensure that people with disabilities 
have equal access to help in emergency situations. In 
disasters and their aftermath, people with disabilities are 
disproportionately more at risk of injury and death than 
the general population, and their lives depend almost 
exclusively on the knowledge, skills and equipment of first 
responders. While in the past, concerns for people with 
disabilities played a marginal role in disaster management 
planning,  civil  protection  actors  have  become  more 
concerned with improving the consideration given to 
this vulnerable group.

The SEE ME project sought to improve the safety of 
persons with disabilities and ensure they have equality 
in emergencies by raising awareness of equal rights in 
emergencies, analysing gaps and needs in the protection 
and rescue of persons with disabilities, collecting and 
exchanging good practices, and developing guidelines and 
protocols for local authorities. This included ‘Guidelines 
for dealing with people with disabilities in emergency 
situations'. Accompanying training was also delivered 
on this topic, as well as an exercise to test the learners' 
acquired skills. Overall, the project advocated for people 
with disabilities to play an active role in civil protection 
prevention and planning activities.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Concrete  ideas  for  better  reflecting  the  needs 
of  vulnerable  groups  in  disaster  prevention  and 
preparedness activities

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 312 642

Beneficiary countries: Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro

Implementation period: 2022–2023

37

 
 
 
 
TRANS-ALP: Transboundary storm risk and impact 
assessment in Alpine regions

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Main outputs:

•  Multi-hazard  storm  risk  assessment  and  impact 

forecasting methodology

•  Cross-border  risk  assessment  reports  for  storm-
related hazards in the Alps, supported by common 
standardised methodologies and a data sharing tool

Project summary:

The overall goal of TRANS-ALP was to provide innovative 
multi-hazard  storm  risk  assessment  and  impact 
forecasting methodology, tailored to the needs of civil 
protection authorities in cross-border mountain regions. 
This involved critically scrutinising the vulnerability of 
existing multi-hazard risk assessment approaches and 
socio-economic asset mapping techniques.

The project also supported decision making processes for 
disaster risk prevention in mountain areas, and encouraged 
the adoption of common standards by comparing good 
practices across borders. 

In order to better understand extreme weather events and 
develop more efficient impact forecasting methodologies, 
TRANS-ALP built a database of selected events that 
occurred between 1980 and 2020 which had damaging 
effects in the border area between Austria and Italy.

The project created a cross-border framework to model 
possible exposure to natural hazards, which accounts 
for issues like the changing number of people in given 
areas during daytime, at night, and during peak commute 
times. It also created a cross-border risk re-assessment 
framework to estimate the potential increase in avalanche 
hazard in the months following a wind-storm event. 

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Innovative solution for prevention and preparedness 
in case of extreme meteorological phenomena (heavy 
snow, rain, avalanches) in mountain areas

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 501 795

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Austria

Implementation period: 2021–2022

38

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AFAN: Advanced Fire Analysis Network

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Main outputs:

•  European wildfire expert knowledge sharing network

•  AFAN Toolkit

•  Compilation of key outcomes for wildfire experts and 

practitioners

Project summary:

The AFAN Toolkit offers various resources on fire risk 
analysis and risk reduction, with one notable example 
being  the  guidelines  for  fire  analyst  competencies 
and skills. These guidelines represent an initial effort 
towards establishing a unified European framework for fire 
analysis. They encompass an inclusive approach, involving 
organisations at various levels, and aim to assess current 
knowledge, existing gaps and opportunities in the field.

The toolkit also includes guidelines that focus on the 
utilisation of tools, scientific principles and good practices 
for fire analysis. These guidelines consolidate a diverse 
array of tools and methodologies commonly employed 
by fire analysts across the European Union.

Moreover,  to  highlight  the  advantages  of  remote 
assessment and analysis support during wildfires, the 
guidelines for remote assessment units concentrate on 
seven crucial areas: communication flow and analysis 
translation, essential information requirements, support 
tools for remote analysis, exchanged analysis outputs, 
communication channels, delineation of responsibilities, 
and the identification of critical issues and lessons learned.

In summary, the AFAN Toolkit encompasses valuable 
resources and guidelines that promote standardisation 
and knowledge sharing within the field of fire analysis, 
benefiting  organisations  at  all  levels  and  fostering 
collaboration between fire analysts throughout the EU.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Increased  visibility  of  the  existing  fire  analysis 

knowledge and network

•  Mutual learning and exchange of experience between 

ten European countries

•  Compilation of open access guidelines for fire analysts

Funding source: UCPM Knowledge Network Partnership

EU contribution: EUR 298 054

Beneficiary countries: France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom

Implementation period: 2021–2022

39

 
 
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ARTION: Disaster Management Artificial Intelligence 
Knowledge Network

Anticipate

Main outputs:

•  Increased capacity of first responders in the use of 

artificial intelligence (AI) technology

•  Stimulation of further AI research towards application-
specific challenges in the disaster risk management 
(DRM) cycle

•  A disaster management AI portal

Project summary:

The Training and Networking pillar focused on developing a 
training manual on a selection of topics, such as modelling 
approaches for different hazards, and a detailed approach 
for  testing  and  evaluating  AI  disaster  management 
technologies. Additionally, this pillar provided training 
and networking opportunities to relevant stakeholders.

These opportunities included Quantifiable Field Exercises, 
where the most promising algorithms were tested and new 
open-source data sets were created to develop under the 
last pillar of the project – Open Knowledge.

ARTION was built on four main pillars: Research and 
Innovation, Quantifiable Field Exercises, Training and 
Networking, and Open Knowledge.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Creation of training material for first responders

The  first  pillar,  Research  and  Innovation,  reviewed 
existing AI tools, identified open research questions, 
and developed and tested novel algorithms. 

•  Compilation of data sources and algorithms for AI in 

disaster management

Funding source: UCPM Knowledge Network Partnership 

EU contribution: EUR 299 928

Beneficiary countries: Cyprus, France, Italy, Poland

Implementation period: 2021–2022

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INtegrated DIsaster MAnagement - go digital

Respond

Main outputs:

•  A network concept for better, holistic civil protection 

and DRM

•  Integration  of  all  stakeholders  in  pre-planned 

preparedness and response activities

Project summary:

The network concept developed by INDIMA aimed to 
create a matrix for the integration of new stakeholders 
into the DRM framework. To this end, a checklist was 
created to ensure proper response to a variety of natural 
and manmade hazards. This concept was tested in a 
simulation exercise with participants from four UCPM 
member states. This virtual reality-supported table-top 
exercise simulated a severe weather event, and tested 
both national and cross-border response. 

Key take-aways from this exercise include the need 
to  make  checklists  adaptable  to  each  country,  the 
importance of further back-up strategies, and resource 
prioritisation.  Using  the  feedback  from  the  exercise, 
an updated disaster risk management checklist was 
developed as the final outcome of this project.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  A  strategic  framework  for  the  integration  of  new 
stakeholders into existing disaster risk management 
structures

•  Exchanges between different types of stakeholders 

from the public and private sector

Funding source: UCPM Knowledge Network Partnership 

EU contribution: EUR 166 598

Beneficiary countries: Austria, Hungary, Romania, Poland

Implementation period: 2021–2022

41

 
 
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INEGMA-E2: International Network of Evaluators and Guideline  
for a Methodological Approach to Exercise Evaluation

Respond

Main outputs:

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Versatile  evaluation  strategy  for  civil  protection 

•  Harmonised evaluation strategy for a range of civil 

exercises

protection exercises

•  Training concept and skillset for evaluators

•  Potential to create an international pool of evaluators 

to be accessed by relevant institutions

•  Review and development of existing data collection 

tools

Project summary:

INEGMA-E2 developed standard operating procedures 
for  the  evaluation  of  civil  protection  exercises.  The 
evaluation concepts were based on table-top, functional, 
command post, and full-scale exercises. Good practices 
were examined during the pre-exercise, exercise, and 
post-exercise phases. 

By exploring a number of existing data collection tools, like 
software and technical solutions, tools for evaluation of 
disaster management exercises were further developed. 
Additionally, the project identified and prioritised a set 
of skills and competencies that evaluators should have, 
and developed a training concept to ensure high-quality 
evaluation of exercises.

Funding source: UCPM Knowledge Network Partnership 

EU contribution: EUR 459 950

Beneficiary countries: Austria, Finland, Germany, Poland, Romania

Implementation period: 2022–2023

42

 
 
ROADMAP: European Observatory on Disaster Risk and Crisis  
Management Best Practices

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Main outputs:

•  A  European  doctrine  on  disaster  risk  and  crisis 

management

•  Review of over 40 case studies and identification of 

59 good practices

•  Continuation with follow-up project, ROADMAP2

Project summary:

The good practices identified by ROADMAP were published 
in three thematic papers. 

‘Multi hazard risks stemming from a pandemic scenario' 
examines the context of simultaneous, cascading or 
cumulative hazardous events, using the example of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. 

‘Risk and crisis communication' evaluates good practices 
based on criteria from the Sendai Framework, focusing 
on aspects such as data accessibility and dissemination 
of disaster risk information through community-based 
stakeholders. 

The final thematic paper, ‘Build back better and leave no 
one behind', identifies good practices for operational 
continuity, new legislation for building back better, and 
increasing preparedness and response capacities.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Further development of a common European approach 

and shared vison on disaster risk management

•  Exchanges and cooperation between the scientific 
community and disaster risk management authorities

•  Identification of good practices from UCPM member 

and participating states

Funding source: UCPM Knowledge Network Partnership 

EU contribution: EUR 279 350

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Norway, Portugal

Implementation period: 2021–2022

43

 
 
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Ireland: FutureProof-IE 

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Main outputs:

•  Research methodologies in emergent risk forecasting. 

•  National risk assessment methodology.

Project summary:

The FutureProof-IE project developed a new national 
risk  assessment  methodology,  with  a  focus  on 
horizon scanning for emerging risk and emergent risk 
management. This new methodology comprised the 
assessment of traditional risks, emergent risks, and 
emergent risk management to produce a comprehensive 
model  for  national  strategic  risk  management.  This 
research  also  links  with  another  EU  funded  project, 
which  sees  Ireland  partnering  with  Finland  and 
Estonia  to  develop  a  methodology  to  integrate  the 
risk assessment requirements of Article 5 of the EU 
Directive on the resilience of critical entities with the 
requirements of Article 6 of Decision no 1313/2013/EU 
on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism. 

The  partnership,  within  FutureProof-IE,  of  the 
Department  of  Defence  of  Ireland  and  Dublin  City 
University,  highlights  the  importance  of  academic 
research in policy-making, particularly given the cross-
sectoral nature of national risk assessment. 

The project improved the Irish national risk assessment 
methodology  by  integrating  a  horizon  scanning 
methodology to identify emerging risks which could 
trigger  a  national-level  emergency.  The  final  report 
of the project presented risk management reporting 
system to embed the oversight of key and emerging 
risks in the annual programme of the Government Task 
Force for Emergency Planning.  

The report also described how the Irish methodology 
includes  public  consultation,  while  setting  out  a 
seven-step  process  for  identification  of  emerging 
risks,  including  how  horizon  scanning  for  emerging 
risks  could  be  integrated  into  the  national  system. 
Finally, it provided an implementation guide to deliver 
an improved approach to strategic risk management. 

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Innovative approach to national risk assessment which 

could be replicated elsewhere.

Funding source: 2022 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 57 027 

Beneficiary country: Ireland 

Implementation period: 2023–2024

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Belgium: Paragon – Analysis of the needs and requirements for 
making a Crisis Information Management System usable within 
the Benelux

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 The Paragon team is now invested in a follow-up project 
called  ‘IMPACT'  (‘IMplementation  of  Paragon  Cross-
Territory'). In this project the previously delivered literature 
study and analysis will be developed, implemented and 
released in the current Paragon platform to enable the 
cross-territory use of Paragon and connection with crisis 
management systems of the neighbouring countries, with 
a primary focus on the Benelux countries.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Functional crisis management platform connecting all 
relevant stakeholders, in a multi-country and cross-
sectoral approach.

•  Good practice for a web-based platform connecting risk 
assessment, with planning, prevention, preparedness, 
and response.

45

Main outputs:

•  Development  of  the  Paragon  crisis  information 
management system, adapted to an international 
context and for cross-border application.

Project summary:

The  Paragon  Benelux  project  contributed  to  the 
development  of  an  information  and  communication 
online platform for crisis management. The project also 
consisted of an extensive literature study describing 
the institutional and legislative situation in Belgium, 
Germany,  Luxemburg,  Netherlands  and  the  EU  as 
regards crisis and disaster management. 

Paragon's ambition was to develop a crisis management 
solution on an international level. The Belgian National 
Crisis  Center  (NCCN)  launched  Paragon,  the  new 
Belgian  emergency  management  portal,  in  July 
2024. Its purpose is to allow all Belgian emergency 
management authorities to share information quickly 
and efficiently during a crisis. Paragon is a map-based 
interface including a number of useful features, such as 
a repertoire of approved emergency plans that can be 
activated and feeds to record actions. Paragon already 
has over 9 000 users and continues to train future ones.

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 740 000

Beneficiary country: Belgium

Implementation period: 2022–2024

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Lithuania: Grant for disaster risk management in Lithuania

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Main outputs:

•  Feasibility  study  on  the  national  health  emergency 

management system. 

•  Information technology application to facilitate coordination 
and promote cross-sectoral management of COVID-19 and 
similar major health crises.

•  Training courses on crisis prevention, risk identification 

and management for health professionals.

Project summary:

The project aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness 
and response capabilities, focusing on managing risks like 
COVID-19 and major health crises. Key accomplishments 
include the development of a feasibility study for a Lithuanian 
national health emergency management system, identifying 
systematic problems and proposing solutions such as 
regulatory changes and IT system modernisation. Moreover, 
a new ‘National health system hazards and emergencies risk 
analysis' framework was established and piloted, aligning 
with the World Health Organization's guidelines (‘Strategic 
Toolkit for Assessing Risks' methodology) and improving 
emergency preparedness monitoring.

The  project  prioritised  training  and  capacity  building, 
conducting training needs assessments and providing crisis 

management training to employees of the Health Emergency 
Situations Centre and other healthcare institutions of the 
Lithuanian national health system. Business processes within 
the Health Emergency Situations Centre were optimised 
through workshops, documentation development, and risk 
management system implementation, enhancing efficiency 
and effectiveness.

Communication  and  public  awareness  initiatives  were 
strengthened through the development of a communication 
strategy and its implementation plan, crisis communication 
training  for  the  Health  Emergency  Situations  Centre 
employees, and the improvement of the centre's website. 
Social media presence was expanded, bolstering visibility 
and outreach efforts.

Overall,  the  project  accomplished 
its  objectives, 
demonstrating a holistic approach to improving emergency 
management systems, enhancing response capabilities, and 
fostering cross-sectoral coordination. By focusing on policy 
development, system enhancements, capacity building, 
and communication strategies, the project significantly 
contributed to bolstering emergency preparedness and 
response mechanisms for current and future crises.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved resilience of the Lithuanian health system. 

Funding source:  2021 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 647 429.75

Beneficiary country: Lithuania

Implementation period: 2022–2024

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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RASTOOL: European ground motion risk assessment tool

Anticipate

Main outputs:

•  New free and user-friendly tools to ease the use of the 
European Ground Motion Service for territorial and risk 
management activities.

•  Maps to support ground motion risk assessment over 
the Spain-Portugal, Poland-Czech Republic, Belgium-The 
Netherlands cross-border areas, and over regional areas 
of Italy, and Spain.

•  European ground motion web map for national and regional 
civil protection authorities, geological and geohazard risk 
management entities, research, and citizens.

Project summary:

RASTOOL provided crisis professionals with a set of tools 
for simplifying the Copernicus European Ground Motion 
Service (EGMS) data, to automatically analyse them and 
to generate maps supporting hazard, exposure, and 
risk-assessment against geohazards, both natural and 
anthropogenic.

The Active Deformation Areas tools (ADAtools) aim to 
increase the uptake of the EGMS by any actor involved 
in disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management. 
The tools facilitate the extraction and interpretation of 
the most significant information about ground motion 

phenomena from the huge amount of pan-European 

ground motion service data. The final output of the 

ADAtools is a map that clearly indicates where ground 

motion is affecting exposed elements like structures and 

infrastructures, together with a ranking class to prioritise 

necessary further analysis or interventions. 

The tools have been adapted to the volume, format, and 

specifications of the ground motion service data. Together 

with the scientific groups of the consortium, the tools were 

tested and internally quality controlled by the national 

geological surveys and civil protection authorities of 

Spain and Portugal as well as by the regional geohazard 

risk management authority of Valle d'Aosta (Italy). They 

were then distributed to users, to be applied and validated 

in the cross-border areas of Spain-Portugal, Poland-

Czech Republic, and Belgium-The Netherlands, the Valle 

D'Aosta and Lazio Regions in Italy, and the coastal area 

of Granada (Spain).

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Tools to simplify EGMS data, automatically analyse 

it and generate maps to support risk-assessment 

against geohazards.

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 449 604.12

Beneficiary countries: Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium

Implementation period: 2022–2024

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NEPTUNE: Nowcasting and impact-basEd PredicTions of 
inUndations in mediterraNean catchmEnts

Alert

hydrological and impact-based predictions dedicated 
to civil protection services.

The  project  implemented  precipitation  predictions, 
hydrological modelling (by collecting river-gauge data 
from the various data providers), impact-based predictions, 
evaluation, and implementation. 

The Neptune project poster was promoted at the European 
conference on RADar in meteorology and hydrology (ERAD 
2024) in September.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Improved data and methods for early warnings on 
flash floods and enhanced cross-border cooperation.

Main output:

•  Forecasting tools and methods to improve flash flood 
preparedness and prevention in the transboundary 
French Alpes-Maritimes and Italian Liguria districts of 
the Roya catchment.

Project summary:

The NEPTUNE project developed tools and methods 
that helped improve preparedness and prevention in 
transboundary areas affected by Mediterranean flash 
flood events. The project reinforced the cooperation 
between services of civil protection in the French Alpes-
Maritimes and the Italian Liguria districts with a particular 
focus on the Roya catchment. 

The Roya catchment is an interesting example to analyse, 
being a trans-boundary river basin (severely hit by Storm 
Alex in 2020) and an area where fast and effective cross-
border  collaboration  is  key  to  improve  disaster  risk 
reduction. 

The project collected hydrological and meteorological 
data over the study area. It provided methods and tools 
for improved precipitation predictions, especially in the 
northern part of the Roya catchment, at present poorly 
covered by weather radars. The project also improved 

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 269 437.56

Beneficiary countries: France, Italy

Implementation period: 2022–2024

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EvRe: Evacuation Ready

Respond

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Main outputs:

•  Joint standard operating procedures for evacuation 
centre activities and cross-border operations of four 
Red Cross national societies in the Baltic Sea Region 
(Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania).

•  Training packages for ‘Training of Trainers’ and for leading 
cross-border operations piloted in Finland, Estonia, 
Latvia,  and  Lithuania,  and  translated  into  Finnish, 
Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian.

•  Social media alarm group set up among all the project’s 
Red Cross national societies to share information about 
real-time emergencies for cross-border co-operation.

Project summary:

The  EvRe  project  aimed  to  improve  cooperation  in 
prevention, preparedness, and response activities of 
the Red Cross national societies and civil protection 
authorities in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The 
project strengthened the complementary role of Red 
Cross national societies to the authorities in large-scale 
emergencies at national and regional levels.

More specifically, the project had a focus on enhancing 
capacities for setting up and organising evacuation 
centres.  EvRe  created  joint  standard  operating 
procedures  (SOPs)  for  the  establishment  and 
management of evacuation centres in an emergency 
context to support Red Cross staff, volunteers and other 
stakeholders in planning and providing humanitarian aid 

in those situations. The project also created joint SOPs 
for cross-border operations, with the main objective of 
harmonising host nation support activities in emergency 
situations. During the project implementation, the Red 
Cross national societies trained their staff members 
on  their  host  nation  support  guidelines,  created  a 
volunteers' training package for evacuation centre 
activities, and organised training of trainers in three of 
the involved Baltic Sea Region countries. 

The Red Cross national societies involved in the project 
also tested the developed cross-border cooperation 
capacities in a tabletop exercise and a field training 
exercise. The tabletop exercise focused on receiving 
international assistance and working together between 
Red Cross partners and civil protection authorities. The 
field training exercise was based on a maritime incident 
scenario  with  a  focus  on  establishing  and  running 
evacuation centre activities. 

The project also created a joint tracking package for 
leading cross-border operations, and a joint host nation 
support alarm group in Signal (private messaging app) 
to share information and raise the first alarm about real 
emergencies requiring cross-border cooperation.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Enhanced cooperation among Red Cross national 
societies and civil protection authorities in Finland, 
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 286 231.47

Beneficiary countries: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania

Implementation period: 2022–2023

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CROSScade: Cross-border cascading risk management for 
critical infrastructure in Sava River Basin

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Main outputs:

•  Inventory of critical infrastructure in the cross-border 
area of Croatia and Slovenia and quantified earthquake 
and flood scenarios. 

•  Methodology for risk assessments in the same area to 
support civil protection authorities' and municipalities' 
prevention and preparedness decision-making. 

•  Action  plans  to  increase  the  structural  resilience 
of critical infrastructure and to enhance the cross-
border communication between critical infrastructure 
managers and civil protection agencies.

Project summary:

The CROSScade project developed a risk assessment 
methodology quantifying cross-border hazard scenarios 
with earthquake and high water as triggering hazards. 
This enabled a classification of critical infrastructure in 
the cross-border area of Croatia and Slovenia, based 
on their vulnerability to single and cascading hazards. 
It also developed a risk assessment methodology for 
cross-border areas, providing the basis for development 
of two actions plans: one for increasing the resilience of 
critical infrastructure and one for enhancing the cross-
border communication between critical infrastructure 
managers and civil protection agencies, to reduce the 
risk of cascading event crises. 

The project also implemented the developed methodology 
and calculated the critical infrastructure vulnerability in 
the cross-border area of Slovenia and Croatia, stretching 
from the Brežice power plant in Slovenia to the Jankomir 
bridge in Croatia. This approach helps direct financial 
resources towards the most critical assets. It ensures 
cost-effective improvements in areas that lack resilience, 
and helps create effective and coordinated response 
strategies. 

While the focus of the project was the cross-border area 
of Croatia and Slovenia, the developed methodology 
and tools for vulnerability assessment and risk analysis 
are easily adaptable to any other region sharing similar 
flood and seismic-related issues. After the end of the 
project, the CROSScade partners continue to improve 
the cross-border flood prediction and risk awareness 
model in collaboration with the Sava Commision, which 
provides a geographic information (GIS) service across 
several countries. Common use of this platform will enable 
quicker and more direct transfer of information during a 
cross-border hazard event.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  The development of a risk assessment methodology for 
cross-border hazards affecting critical infrastructure 
that could be replicated by other countries.

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 498 017

Beneficiary countries: Croatia, Slovenia

Implementation period: 2022–2024

50

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IRA-MAR: Improving the Integrated Response to pollution 
Accidents at sea and chemical risk in ports

Respond

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Main outputs:

•  Study on emergency response in ports, identifying 
good practices and gaps to provide recommendations 
for port authorities. 

•  Tabletop and operational exercises with the main 
stakeholders  involved  in  hazardous  and  noxious 
substances incidents at sea and in ports.

•  Study  and  good  practices  guide  on  the  use  of 
Unmanned  Aircraft  Systems  (UAS)  in  maritime 
emergency response.

•  'One Incident, One Response' framework for holistic 

incident management at sea and on shore.

The IRA-MAR project explored the use of UAS in maritime 
emergencies through a comprehensive approach that 
included a study, field trials, and the creation of a video 
tutorial. The project's goal was to identify optimal drone 
configurations for responding to marine environmental 
scenarios such as oil spills, search and rescue missions, 
and  pollution  monitoring.  Additionally,  the  project 
addressed evolving maritime risks that require changes 
in emergency preparedness at the maritime-coastal 
interface. It developed a holistic incident management 
framework, called ‘One Incident, One Response', which 
was supported by tabletop exercises and serious games 
(OneX) to discuss objectives, strategies and operational 
needs for a coordinated response. 

Project summary:

Key benefits for the UCPM:

Coastal  states  face  complex  risks  from  maritime 
emergencies  caused  by  a  wide  variety  of  chemical 
pollutants, with uncertainties about their impacts on 
the marine environments and human health, as well as 
the safety of first responders and anti-pollution teams. 
The IRA-MAR project aimed at enhancing the response 
to marine pollution, with a particular focus on hazardous 
and noxious substances (HNS) traffic in ports along 
the western Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. The 
project conducted studies and exercises to identify good 
practices and address gaps in emergency response.

•  A holistic marine emergency management framework 
for at-sea and on-shore responses, which can also be 
used by other countries or regions.

•  Technical guides on the best available technologies and 
practices for deploying UAS in maritime emergencies.

•  Good practices and recommendations to enhance 
security and response to HNS incidents in ports.

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 499 999

Beneficiary countries: France, Italy, Tunisia, Belgium, Morocco, Malta, Portugal, Spain

Implementation period: 2022–2024

51

 
 
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BORIS: Cross-border risk assessment for increased prevention 
and preparedness in Europe

Anticipate

Main outputs:

•  Shared  methodology  for  single  and  multi-risk 
assessment to evaluate expected consequences 
of natural hazards, impact comparison and ranking 
in transboundary regions.

•  Platform  for  transboundary  single  and  multi-risk 
assessment  and  representation,  facilitating  the 
storage  and  updating  of  data,  visualisation  and 
sharing of damage and impact results. 

Project summary:

The BORIS project harmonised cross-border approaches 
for assessing and communicating about the multiple 
risks  posed  by  seismic  and  hydro-meteorological 
hazards in the eastern Alps transboundary regions. The 
project developed a shared cross-border methodology 
for single and multi-risk assessment, facilitating impact 
evaluation  for  single  natural  hazards  and  multi-risk 
comparison  in  Italy,  Slovenia,  and  Austria.  It  also 
analysed  the  current  national  risk  assessments  in 
the project countries, underlining differences in their 
approaches.  These  results  were  used  as  input  to 
develop  a  methodology  for  cross-border  single  and 
multi-risk risk assessment.

The project also developed a web-GIS (geographical 
information  system)  platform  for  single  and  multi-
risk assessment and representation. This facilitates 
the  storage  and  updating  of  data,  models,  and 
documentation,  as  well  as  the  representation  of 
damage  and  impact  results.  The  web-GIS  allows 
adaptation to different regions and inclusion of various 
hazards.  It  was  tested  notably  in  the  cross-border 
regions  between  Italy  and  Slovenia  and  between 
Slovenia and Austria.

A  follow  up  project,  BORIS2,  continues  the  efforts 
started  as  it  will  enhance  the  risk  assessment 
methodology and enhance the platform for application 
at sub-municipality scale. It runs from January 2024 to 
December 2025. The civil protection department of the 
Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Italy) joined as partner in 
the BORIS2 project. 

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  A  methodological  approach  for  sharing  and 
comparing  seismic  and  flood  risk  assessments 
cross-risk and cross-border, which may be replicated 
by other regions.

Funding source: 2020 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 748 173

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Türkiye, Montenegro

Implementation period: 2021–2022

52

 
 
 
 
 
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Latvia: Feasibility study on the development of solutions for the 
provision of forest fire protection and firefighting functions in 
public and private forests in Latvia

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Main outputs:

•  Comparative and cost-benefit analysis on scenarios to 
increase forest fire protection and firefighting functions 
of the State Fire and Rescue Service and State Forest 
Service of Latvia.

•  Recommendations based on good practices from four 
countries on forest fire protection and firefighting. 

Project summary:

The project delivered evidence-based recommendations 
for  ensuring  forest  fire  protection  and  firefighting 
functions  in  public  and  private  forests  in  Latvia  and 
ensuring the fulfilment of civil protection tasks and the 
State Civil Protection Plan. It delivered an analysis of the 
current situation in the field of forest fire protection and 
firefighting in Latvia, and on the necessary investments 
to improve the material and technical base, including the 
financial impact on the state budget.

The project developed a feasibility study on the evaluation 
of the current situation and developed solutions for the 
introduction of the optimal model for further provision of 
forest fire protection and firefighting functions in public 
and private forests in Latvia. This feasibility study included 
proposals and recommendations on the optimal solution 
and subsequent measures to be taken. 

This study assessed the capacity of both the State Fire 
and Rescue Service and the State Forest Service in forest 
and bog firefighting, analysed the services' preventive 
activities of forest fire protection, fire protection and fire-
fighting implementation, calculation of damage caused 
by fires, and reduction of CO2 emissions. It also analysed 
the experience of Estonia, Poland, Sweden, and Germany 
in protecting forest and swamps from fire.

A  workshop  to  present  the  solutions  proposed  was 
organised with the State Fire and Rescue Service, State 
Forest Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the 
Interior, and Ministry of Environmental Protection and 
Regional  Development.  An  optimal  model  has  been 
developed  for  further  provision  of  state  and  private 
forest  and  swamp  fire  protection  and  firefighting 
functions, and for improving efficiency and solutions for 
its implementation, which will serve as the basis for the 
preparation and submission of the conceptual report to 
the Cabinet of Ministers.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Evidence-based analysis of the forest fire protection 
and firefighting governance arrangements in Latvia 
and of options for further strengthening it.

Funding source: 2022 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 75 050 

Beneficiary country: Latvia

Implementation period: 2023–2024

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Türkiye: Development of a long-term wildfire prevention 
framework for the Istanbul Forest Region – The implementation 
phase with an emphasis on green growth

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Main outputs:

•  Long-term fire prevention action plan for the Istanbul 
region created by academia, research, and government 
authorities during workshops.

•  Training  of  volunteers  and  staff  of  ministries  and 
universities on fire prevention, and training of trainers 
on  greenhouse  gas  emission  mitigation  for  fire 
management. 

•  Reports on climate adaptation and mitigation, and on 
greenhouse gas emission calculations for forest fires.

Project summary:

The project operationalised the previously developed 
wildfire management strategy (from the 2020 Track 
1  project)  with  an  action  plan  and  strong  capacity 
building components. The action plan also considers 
greenhouse gas emission mitigation options in wildfire 
prevention, with a view to supporting the long-term 
climate strategy of Türkiye. The project also carried 
out  wildfire  risk  awareness  activities  in  primary 
schools.  The  technical  assessments  explored  the 
linkage between forest fire management and emission 
reduction objectives of the country, serving the green 
transition in the forestry sector.

The  project  developed  a  training  programme  report 
and  completed  several  training  workshops  for  both 
volunteers and staff. Workshops for training of trainers 
on  the  greenhouse  gas  mitigation  options  related 
to  fire  management  were  held  for  staff  working  for 
relevant  ministries,  universities,  and  other  related 
agencies. The project also carried out  a study visit to 
Spain to discuss state-of-the-art approaches in fire 
prevention and management including a field exercise 
on prescribed burning. A report on climate adaptation 
and mitigation in relation to forest fires, and a report 
on greenhouse gas emission calculations for forest 
fires were produced. 

The  project  also  conducted  stakeholder  feedback 
on  the  structure  of  the  action  plan  via  a  workshop, 
resulting in positive feedback from the stakeholders, 
which serves as a starting point for the action plan. 

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Enhanced wildfire prevention and preparedness in 

Türkiye.

•  Good  practices  on  greenhouse  gas  emissions 

calculations for wildfire management activities.

Funding source: 2022 UCPM Track 1 grants

EU contribution: EUR 324 900

Beneficiary country: Türkiye

Implementation period: 2023–2024

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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NAMIRS: North Adriatic Maritime Incident Response System 

Anticipate

Respond

Secure

Main outputs:

•  Analysis  of  the  anti-pollution  system  in  the  North 
Adriatic Sea by mapping resources from Croatia, Italy, 
and Slovenia, identifying stakeholders, services, assets, 
and equipment.

•  Risk assessment maps for oil spills and identification of 
priority areas in the North Adriatic Sea combining traffic 
analysis, oil spill simulations, expert knowledge, and 
stakeholder opinions.

•  Training activities for onshore cleaning and response 
planning in Trieste, Rijeka, and Koper for sea response actors, 
and updating of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Project summary:

In the North Adriatic Sea, accidental marine pollution from 
oil spills is a dangerous threat with potentially devastating 
environmental and economic consequences. Existing 
national contingency plans are not sufficient to tackle 
such a transboundary risk. NAMIRS contributed to better 
preparedness and a more coordinated response at a 
transnational level in the North Adriatic Sea, which is in 
line with the Barcelona Convention and related protocols.

Strengthened regional cooperation and cross-sectoral 
coordination was achieved by integrating the knowledge, 
tools, and resources available within the NAMIRS multi-
stakeholder partnership. The consortium put together 

specific guidelines for the revision and update of the 
Sub-Regional Contingency Plan for the Adriatic Sea, which 
was signed by the three partner countries in 2005 but 
never entered into force and is currently being revised 
and  updated  thanks  to  the  support  of  the  Regional 
Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the 
Mediterranean  Sea  (REMPEC).  The  NAMIRS  national 
partner authorities were involved in the revision, and the 
project contributed with its outputs and by participating 
in consultation meetings. 

The project also outlined standard operating procedures for 
first responders, tested in a dedicated training programme 
and later validated in a simulation exercise at sea. This 
cooperative process will result in smoother communication 
and interoperability through the establishment of a ready-
for-operations sub-regional mechanism at prompt disposal 
of North Adriatic Sea countries and facilitate links with the 
Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Furthermore, 
the approach is easily transferable to other Adriatic-Ionian 
countries, which is the goal of a new project funded by the 
Interreg IPA ADRION Programme (ASAP project: Adriatic 
Sensitive Areas Protection Mechanism). This project 
aims to transfer the results of NAMIRS to Albania, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

Key benefits for the UCPM:

•  Oil spills knowledge and risk assessment maps for the 

North Adriatic Sea.

Funding source: 2021 UCPM Prevention and Preparedness call

EU contribution: EUR 807 835

Beneficiary countries: Italy, Slovenia, Croatia

Implementation period: 2022–2024

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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