In May 2026, the CivPro-LiNC pilot course for Liaison Officers was successfully conducted. Developed within the framework of the CivPro-LiNC project, the course brought together 19 participants from Germany and the Netherlands to strengthen cross-border cooperation in civil protection.
The pilot course followed a blended-learning approach, combining face-to-face training with self-paced online learning. Classroom sessions took place at the Institute of the Fire Service North Rhine-Westphalia (IdF NRW) in Münster on 7th/8th May and 26th–28th May 2026. Prior to the first classroom session and between the two in-person phases, participants completed several e-learning modules designed to prepare and deepen their understanding of the course content.
The course structure followed the principle of “from the general to the specific”. The first training day focused on the framework conditions of civil protection and disaster management in Germany and the Netherlands. Participants explored and compared organisational structures, legal foundations, and cooperation mechanisms in both countries.
On the second day, the focus shifted to the role of the Liaison Officer, including the key competencies, responsibilities, and practical tools required to operate effectively in cross-border contexts.
The third day featured case studies from real-life operations. Experienced liaison officers shared their insights and lessons learned from cross-border emergency responses, providing valuable practical perspectives and fostering exchange among participants.
Day four concentrated on intercultural competencies, highlighting the importance of communication, cooperation, and mutual understanding in international emergency management settings.
The final day culminated in a table-top exercise, during which participants applied the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course in a realistic cross-border scenario.
The project team is satisfied with the successful implementation of the pilot course. We are pleased by the active participation and valuable contributions of all 19 attendees, whose engagement significantly enriched the learning experience.
We look forward to presenting the results of the course evaluation at the upcoming Stakeholder Meeting in Arnhem and discussing the next steps towards the further development and implementation of the CivPro-LiNC training programme.
