DARE – Deployment And Engagement of Resources and Citizens for European Emergency Response
Natural crises in Europe are becoming more frequent and intense, yet responses often remain fragmented with unaligned procedures and chains of command. In line with Efus’ strategy to better involve local authorities in crisis management, DARE aims to strengthen European resilience by harmonising practices and fostering closer cooperation among Member States.
The main objective is to improve European cooperation in disaster response.
- To develop key tools such as a shared digital dashboard or a citizen engagement platform (“VolunTinder”)
- To fill the gaps in operational standardisation, limited integration of digital tools, low citizen engagement
The project is led by Fraunhofer INT. The partners are the Pau Costa Foundation, Entente Valabre, Formont, BBK, ESAF, VOST Portugal, LINKS Foundation, Trilateral Research, PSCE, CARR Communications, University of Split, European University of Cyprus and Efus.
The activities are:
- Diagnosis and analysis of existing practices, including command and control arrangements and operational procedures for floods and wildfires.
- Development of shared tools and approaches, notably a common situational dashboard and the harmonisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Trials and validation activities carried out in several European cities to test coordination mechanisms and operational practices in real or simulated conditions.
- Formulation of recommendations and a European roadmap to support local authorities in strengthening preparedness, interoperability, and long-term resilience.
- Pilot training activities to support capacity building and the uptake of harmonised procedures by local and regional actors.
Efus plays a central role in the DARE project by mobilising the cities within its network and ensuring that the voice of local actors is fully represented in the consortium’s work. Efus coordinates the involvement of pilot cities, supports their exchange of experiences, and leads the Communities of Practice (structured group of practitioners who share experience, challenges, and practical knowledge on a common topic) to foster mutual learning and co-creation. Additionally, Efus is responsible for disseminating the project’s outcomes and promoting their long-term sustainability among local authorities and beyond.
Bamba Niang – Programme Manager – niang@efus.eu
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Erasmus + fund. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
