EURO-MED-REACT Project Nearing End: Significant Progress in Civil Protection and Future Steps

The International Centre for Chemical Safety and Security (ICCSS) hosted the Lessons Learned Meeting (LLM) for the EURO-MED-REACT project on September 21-22, 2023. The meeting had both virtual and in-person participants, with participants from Jordan, Moldova, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Poland. On 21st September, a series of intensive bilateral meetings were conducted at the ICCSS with Moldova and Ukraine partners

EURO-MED-REACT implemented in 2022-2023 under the ICCSs international leadership, has played a key role in boosting civil protection measures in Eastern Europe, especially in Moldova and Ukraine, and in the Middle East (Jordan). The focus has been on aligning these countries with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), thereby improving the effectiveness of crisis response. It has encouraged cooperation between countries in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The ICCSS plans to continue overseeing the project even after it officially ends in December 2023.

Achievements and Deliverables

LLM confirmed, the EURO-MED-REACT project has notably improved civil protection capabilities in Moldova and Ukraine. The project exercises conducted in Ukraine (December 2022) and in Moldova (July 2023) were practical tools which assisted both countries to join the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The project will continue under ICCSS guidance to enhance Moldova and Ukraine civil protection and UCPM implementation. The ICCSS will also coordinate assistance to other countries (with an emphasis on Jordan) to align with the UCPM.

Practical training suggestions and draft reports were discussed and got support. A Way Forward process, targeting future civil protection actions, was also kicked off. Future steps like study tours and the creation of civil protection training guidelines are being planned.

Future Direction and Long-term Effects

The LLM set the next moves, making a roadmap for ongoing civil protection work. Moldova, Ukraine and ICCSS are taking the lead in crafting training guidelines. Activities such as study tours are in the works to strengthen UCPM implementation in these countries and potentially others. Jordan also showed interest in the UCPM, pointing to the project's wider influence.

The EURO-MED-REACT project has clearly made a positive difference in civil protection efforts and regional and international cooperation.

For more info please visit: www.emr.iccss.eu