Enhancing risk awareness and promoting technologies for better prepared and resilient EU communities

Discussions included the ways in which the EU population perceives and prepares for different disaster risk scenarios, how EU security research can strengthen the engagement and preparedness of citizens, as well as innovative solutions for leveraging societal resilience in disaster risk management.

DG ECHO shared valuable insights into the results of the special Eurobarometer on disaster risk awareness and preparedness in the EU. These results could enrich the disaster preparedness efforts of EU member states; guiding regional and local authorities in order to close preparedness gaps. Presenters discussed how to address these gaps and proposed solutions for enhancing community resilience through technology and public engagement.

Following up on this, project ENGAGE emphasized the need for better citizen engagement, particularly for marginalized groups, stressing that more inclusive participation is essential in all stages of crisis management. Meanwhile, project LINKS shed light on the importance of risk and crisis communication with the population. Trust and access to information are viable in increasing people’s risk awareness and preparedness. Significantly, traditional media has a high level of trust among the general population, while social media - more predominantly used by younger generations - faces a lack of public confidence in crisis communication.
Additionally, the workshop tackled challenges related to border regions, particularly around cross-border communication, and trust-building. The key takeaways from the workshop included the importance of volunteer involvement, resource allocation and the integration of technological innovations within community-focused strategies.

In conclusion, building a disaster resilient Europe requires coordinated and sustained efforts on several fronts. The workshop emphasized the importance of data driven insights, involvement of citizens, particularly marginalized groups, and regional cooperation. The role of the media in shaping public confidence was also underlined as crucial for preparedness. Therefore, a comprehensive and inclusive approach combining technology, community involvement and cross-sectoral collaboration is essential to strengthen Europe's disaster resilience.