On 4 June 2026, the SUNSHINE projectopens in new tab consortium successfully delivered a full-day online Technical Webinar dedicated to the operational use of Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) data and products in the context of floods and wildfires.
The morning opened with a session dedicated to the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS), covering its purpose, operational workflows, notifications, and complementary role with national systems. Participants were guided through the procedures to access and use the service, including how to interpret and act upon the notifications it issues before and during flood events. A key focus of this session was the concept of EFAS pre-tasking of the CEMS Rapid Mapping (RM) service, highlighting how EFAS alerts can help civil protection authorities trigger Rapid Mapping requests earlier, thereby improving coordination and operational response during flood emergencies.
The second part of the morning was dedicated to a comprehensive overview on the CEMS Rapid Mapping (RM) service. Participants were presented the purpose and added value of the service, its timeline, and the full scope of its product portfolio. The session placed particular emphasis on how to effectively request the activation of the service to support the emergency response phase, including step-by-step guidance on completing a service request form (SRF). Trainers also shared best practices for civil protection practitioners, providing practical recommendations to help agencies maximise the operational value of the Rapid Mapping products.
The afternoon opened with a detailed presentation of the CEMS Risk & Recovery Mapping (RRM) service. Participants were introduced to its distinct role within the broader CEMS framework, covering the preparedness and recovery phases. The session explored the relative product portfolio and its potential applications, walking participants through the complete workflow: from how to submit a service request, to how to access and interpret the resulting products.
The final thematic session of the afternoon provided an overview of the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), introducing participants to what the system is and the range of data and products it delivers. The presentation covered the use of the Current Situation Viewer and other key EFFIS tools, highlighting how the system can support civil protection authorities in developing response plans, monitoring active fire situations, and analysing the impacts of wildfire events. The webinar concluded with a workshop on EFFIS, which provided participants with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the day in a realistic operational scenario.
The case study was based on the wildfires which broke out in September 2024 in the municipalities of Oliveira de Azeméis, Sever do Vouga, and Albergaria-a-Velha, in the Aveiro region of northern Portugal. Working through this real-world event, participants practised recognising the key parameters visualised in the Current Situation Viewer and learned how to navigate within EFFIS applications to locate specific events and support mitigation activities.
The SUNSHINE project continues to build operational capacity across the European civil protection community through its programme of targeted webinars, in-person seminars, and simulation exercises. The next event in the calendar is the fourth and final Training Seminar, taking place in Zagreb, Croatia, from 23 to 26 June 2026. Expressions of Interest to participate can be submitted hereopens in new tab until Friday, 12 June.
Seminar participants will also be invited to take part in the second and final SUNSHINE Simulation Exerciseopens in new tab, scheduled for 6-7 October 2026 in Brussels, in which the knowledge and skills developed throughout the project will be tested in scenario-based operational environments.
🎥 Missed the webinar?
Watch the full recording of the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpkyXo6cV5Y
Check and download the slides here: https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/media/sunshine-training-webinar-slides-4-june-2026
Sectors
Education & Training
Resilience
Risk reduction & assessment
Risk drivers
Climate change
Environmental degradation
Urbanisation
Thematic series
Prevention and preparedness activities