Overview

Description

The SUNSHINE project directly supports the objectives of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) by promoting the uptake of EU Space data and services — such as Copernicus EMS, Galileo EWSS, SSA, and GOVSATCOM — to strengthen disaster resilience and improve civil protection operations. Through trainings, technical assistance, exercises, and recommendations, SUNSHINE will improve the understanding of the EU Space services, and will help UCPM stakeholders and civil protection authorities across Member States exploit the full potential of these space-based capacities.

In response to a European Parliament request, and under the coordination of European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), SUNSHINE is an EU-funded project which aims to strengthen disaster resilience across Europe by facilitating the uptake of EU Space Programme data and services within civil protection frameworks, in line with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) EU Disaster Resilience Goals.

This initiative demonstrates the EU’s commitment to fostering the use of its space-based assets in support of Member States’ civil protection authorities. Leveraging existing and to-be-developed state-of-the-art materials and resources, SUNSHINE is implementing a robust capacity-building programme. This includes:

• Trainings: Tailored sessions to build foundational and advanced expertise in using EU Space services such as Galileo EWSS and Copernicus EMS.
• Demonstrations: Practical showcases of EU Space services in action, highlighting their value in real-world disaster scenarios.
• Simulation Exercises: Hands-on activities which replicate disaster events, enabling participants to apply EU Space data and tools in a controlled environment to improve response capabilities.
• Support the integration of Galileo EWSS: The project will provide online and onsite technical assistance and tailored guidance to help national authorities effectively integrate Galileo EWSS into their national alert systems. 

In addition to these strategic efforts, SUNSHINE will provide an in-depth analysis of the EU Space Programme’s current offering, identifying user needs, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Its recommendations will not only shape future activities in the realm of user uptake but also inform the ongoing development of the EU Space Programme product and service portfolio, ensuring alignment with operational requirements.

The SUNSHINE comprehensive approach will help develop a more resilient and prepared Union and represents a key milestone in strengthening Europe’s leadership in space-enabled disaster management.

Links

• DG DEFIS – European Commission
• DG ECHO – European Commission
• EU Disaster Resilience Goals
• Copernicus Emergency Management Services (CEMS)
• Galileo EWSS at EUSPA

Project content

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