EU in Emergencies

🤔 Do you know what a peer review is? It’s a unique way for countries to learn from each other, identify strengths and gaps in their disaster risk management systems, and build stronger resilience together. This week, Kosovo* is undergoing such a review. A team of senior experts from Spain, Sweden, Finland and Germany is in Pristina, meeting with national and local authorities, first responders, civil society, academia and the private sector. Their goal? To take stock of Kosovo’s disaster risk management system — from flood preparedness to wildfire response — and provide practical recommendations to strengthen coordination, prevention, and response capacities. The findings will be presented to the Kosovo authorities in April 2026. 📘 Learn more about how the UCPM Peer Review Programme helps countries boost their disaster preparedness: https://lnkd.in/deK6w5YA #EUCivilProtection #PreparednessSavesLives

The European Union, represented by High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, handed over equipment worth €6.5 million to our partners at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, National Police of Ukraine and State Special Transport Service of Ukraine to help them fulfil vital tasks like evacuating civilians safely and protecting and restoring energy infrastructure. And we will deliver more, including stronger connectivity for first responders, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure.   During her visit, High Representative Kallas also met with Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska to discuss the importance of protecting child rights in conflict and the EU’s recent accession to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.   This is #EUForeignPolicy in action!

🔥 On the wildfire frontline: Kaarel’s story This wildfire season has been one of the most severe since records began. Across Europe, firefighters have stood shoulder to shoulder — wearing different uniforms, but united by one mission: protecting lives and land. Some were prepositioned before disaster struck, while others were mobilised after urgent calls for assistance through the #EUCivilProtection Mechanism. In the first part of our 4-part series, meet Kaarel Langemets, a forest fire and firefighting water supply expert from Estonia, who led a team prepositioned in Spain. Read his story 👇 © European Union, 2025.

🫁🦠Respiratory infections such as Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (#RSV) and #COVID-19 continue to challenge our societies and health systems. Yet we have the tools to prevent them, and preparation begins long before the next outbreak. On #EUFluDay, DG #HERA reaffirms the European Commission’s commitment to strengthen #preparedness through prevention — from #vaccination and surveillance to innovation and manufacturing capacity. 👉 Our goal is clear: ensure that safe and effective medical countermeasures are available when and where they are needed, protecting citizens and #healthsystems across Europe. Preparedness is not only about responding to crises — it’s about building resilience every day. #EURespiDay

In a world facing fragmentation and uncertainty, #globalhealth remains one of the strongest forces that still brings nations together.   At the World Health Summit in Berlin, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib joined world leaders and conveyed that, despite increasing divisions, collaboration in health continues to connect us all.   Here are the key takeaways from her intervention 👇   💬 Preparedness starts with trust. Building confidence between governments, scientists, and citizens is the foundation for any effective response to crisis.   🧬 Innovation drives resilience. Through DG #HERA, the #EU is investing in early warning systems, agile manufacturing, and research to make vaccines, treatments and diagnostics available when and where they are needed.   🤝 Cooperation keeps us strong. Global health threats know no borders — that is why Europe works hand in hand with international partners to transform challenges into collective preparedness.   Health remains a bridge — not a barrier — in a fragmented world.   #WHS2025 #EUinEmergencies

What is IDDRR? It’s the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction! 🌍 The world faces many challenges - from climate change and natural hazards to cybersecurity and conflicts. Preparedness isn’t about fear; it’s about awareness and resilience. Being aware and prepared helps communities respond effectively when unexpected events occur. The EU works with countries and communities across Europe to strengthen preparedness, cooperation, and response - because together, we are stronger. 💙 Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/daAvgmWq #EUSolidarity #PreparednessSavesLives © European Union, 2025.

🌍 #WorldMentalHealthDay Today, we reflect on the importance of mental health, especially for communities affected by conflict. Amid immense challenges, these communities continue to show remarkable resilience. We stand with the dedicated health providers supporting them on their journey toward healing. In Ethiopia, the European Union is working to advance trauma healing, mental health, and psychosocial support. Together with the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia, AGENCIA ESPAÑOLA DE COOPERACION INTERNACIONAL PARA EL DESARROLLO - AECID, universities, and local actors, we are committed to delivering essential care and support. By prioritising mental health, we plant the seeds for individual recovery and lasting peace in affected communities. Our shared mission is to make mental health resources accessible to all. Together, we can ensure that #MentalHealthMatters today and every day. #EUForeignPolicy

If you are interested in science for emergencies, AI for disaster risk reduction, early-warning systems... today is the last opportunity to register to attend the #EUSciencePreparedness conference. Take a look 👇