Since 2021, renewed activity across two interacting volcanic systems in the Reykjanes Peninsula has resulted in repeated fissure eruptions, tectonic deformation, and persistent seismicity. To support recovery planning in Grindavík, technical assistance was provided through the Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) to inform decision-makers and stakeholders in Iceland and to share examples and knowledge with stakeholders beyond Iceland.

Every year on 17 May, the world marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT).The date commemorates the 1990 decision by the World Health Organization to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases and has since become a global moment to highlight ongoing discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ people.

On 16 April 2026, 14 new projects funded under the Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP-PVPP) 2025 call for proposals were officially launched during a kick-off event in Brussels.

International Firefighters’ Day this year marks the launch of a new European Commission initiative: the first UCPM Exchange of Young Firefighters. This six-day exchange, hosted and co-organised by the Polish Fire University in Warsaw, is designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation, knowledge-sharing and operational skills among young firefighting professionals across Europe.

The European Commission is launching a new call for expressions of interest under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) peer review programme, offering national and regional authorities an opportunity to assess and strengthen their disaster risk management and civil protection systems.

The 9th European Civil Protection Forum will take place on 3–4 November 2026 in Brussels (Tour & Taxis), bringing together stakeholders from across the disaster risk management community to shape the future of preparedness in Europe. The call for exhibitors for the upcoming edition is now open!

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

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

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

Preparedness for Operational Monitoring and Prediction of contaminant Transport in the Sea.

Training Centre Network on 3D and VR.

Managing Complex Floods in North Albania through Cross Border Host Nation Support and Joint Cooperation.