Latest news and events

In response to the unprecedented wildfires in Spain in August, the Dutch Civil Protection deployed 2 firefighting helicopters, type Chinook, via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Our latest UCPKN newsletter is out now!

The quarterly UCPKN Newsletter is full of UCPM-related news, updates from the Community and information on upcoming events, learning opportunities and new resources in the field of civil protection and disaster risk management.

NewsUCPKN Newsletter

An Italian civil protection expert with AI glasses.

New EU Academy eLearning on AI in Disaster Risk Management

A new eLearning course, "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Disaster Risk Management (DRM)" is now available on the EU Academy platform.

News13 March 2026Disaster Risk Management

A man wearing a civil protection jacket and a firefighter rescue plane.

Call for observers for the European Citizens‘ Panel on Preparedness

The European Commission is inviting researchers, practitioners, and civil society representatives to apply to join the European Citizen's Panel on Preparedness as observers. The panel will bring together 150 randomly selected citizens from across the EU to discuss how Europe can strengthen its preparedness and resilience in the face of future crises.

News10 March 2026Preparedness

Women in Civil Protection: leadership, responsibility and action

To mark International Women’s Day 2026 the Knowledge Network highlights the experiences of women working across civil protection and disaster risk management. In this special series, four professionals — Zisoula Ntasiou, Adisa Bala, Mirnesa Softic and Eleonora Tilcerová — share their perspectives on leadership, responsibility and the evolving role of women in the sector.

Story Collection8 March 2026International Women's Day

UCPM peer review for Czechia

Four senior experts (‘peers’) from Sweden, Poland, Romania and Portugal are this week (2-6 March 2026), taking part in an on-site mission to Czechia under the UCPM Peer Review Programme. The mission will contribute to a final report with recommendations to further strengthen resilience and civil protection capacities in the country.

News4 March 2026Peer review

An empty stage during the last Civil Protection Forum.

SAVE THE DATE- 9th European Civil Protection Forum

Shaping a disaster-resilient Union: Charting a path for the future of European civil protection. Preparations are already under way for the 9th edition of the Civil Protection Forum, which will take place on 3-4 November 2026, in Tour & Taxis, Brussels.

Event3 - 4 November 2026European Civil Protection Forum

Civil Protection in the Media

A round up of media stories on civil protection matters which are relevant to our community.

Some of the helicopters involved in the wildfire response in Bulgaria – those mobilised from Czechia, Slovakia and France - are part of the EU’s joint firefighting fleet, rescEU – the EU’s strong tool in the face of disasters.

Capacity Development

The Knowledge Network Capacity Development pillar aims to connect, promote and strengthen capacity development initiatives relevant to civil protection and disaster management.

Science & Research

Through the Knowledge Network, the scientific community and operational stakeholders in disaster management have a new space to connect and share knowledge.

Civil protection exercises

The exercise programme of the Knowledge Network offers a variety of civil protection exercises to enhance prevention, preparedness and disaster response.