The CROSSFLOOD Full-Scale Exercise (FSX), held in Suceava County, Romania, from 28 September to 2 October 2026, brought together nearly 400 participants, including international emergency response teams, civil protection authorities and experts, to strengthen European preparedness, operational coordination and cross-border cooperation in complex emergency situations in a post-conflict environment.
Over several days, response teams from Romania, Austria, Czechia, Estonia, France and Ukraine participated in realistic field scenarios designed to test their operational capabilities and interoperability. Activities included flood rescue operations, high-capacity pumping, decontamination procedures and explosive ordnance disposal. The scenarios challenged participating teams to coordinate resources, share information and make critical operational decisions under demanding conditions.
A key highlight of the exercise was the high level visit of Michela Matuella, Director of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which underscored the importance of the exercise for European civil protection cooperation. Her presence highlighted the relevance of multinational exercises in strengthening operational readiness and ensuring that European response capacities can be effectively mobilized and coordinated during major emergencies.
The exercise also welcomed 12 EU observers, who followed the different operational scenarios and assessed the coordination, procedures and response capabilities demonstrated throughout the exercise. Their participation provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and the identification of lessons learned, which they will take back to their respective countries and organizations. By sharing these experiences and best practices at the national level, the observer programme contributes to strengthening civil protection preparedness, interoperability and response capacities across Europe.
Beyond testing technical capabilities, CROSSFLOOD provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, mutual learning and cooperation among participating organizations. The exercise offered valuable insights into the challenges of managing simultaneous hazards, particularly when natural disasters are compounded by post-conflict threats and hazardous contamination.
The full-scale exercise marked an important milestone for the CROSSFLOOD project, translating months of planning, preparation and training into practical field operations. The lessons learned will contribute to improving response procedures, strengthening interoperability and supporting future civil protection exercises and operations across Europe.
CROSSFLOOD demonstrated the value of international collaboration, realistic training and coordinated action in building a stronger, more resilient and better-prepared European civil protection community.
A heartfelt thank you to all participating teams, organizers, partners, observers and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the CROSSFLOOD Full-Scale Exercise. Your dedication, professionalism and commitment made this exercise a valuable experience and an important step towards strengthening civil protection preparedness in post-conflict areas of operation.
