Invitation to submit an expression of interest to benefit from a project under the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) 2025

Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EUROPEAN CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID

OPERATIONS (ECHO) Strategy and Policy

Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building

Brussels,

CORRESPONDENCE SLIP

Addressees: Directors-General for Civil Protection of the Member States and

Participating States of the Union Civil Protection Mechanisms;

Directors-General for Civil Protection of Georgia and Kosovo (1);

Members of the Civil Protection Committee; Member States’

Permanent Representations and Participating States’ Permanent

Missions to the EU; Members of the Early Warning Expert Group;

Disaster Prevention Expert Group; Members of the Union Civil

Protection Knowledge Network Board

Subject: Invitation to submit an expression of interest to benefit from a project

under the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) in 2025

Dear Directors-General,

This is an invitation to submit expressions of interest under the UCPM Technical

Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF).

TAFF is a technical assistance instrument launched in 2024 as a partnership between the

European Commission (DG ECHO) and the World Bank Group and its Global Facility

for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). TAFF aims to support EU Member

States and Participating States of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) as well

as Georgia and Kosovo to increase their technical capacity for disaster prevention and

preparedness and support the implementation of the Union Disaster Resilience Goals

(link). The Facility provides access to turnkey tailor-made technical support through

leading global expertise on disaster and climate resilience.

The work programme (2) of the UCPM for 2021-2027 provides for a funding opportunity

to indirectly support Member States’ efforts in the field of disaster risk management

(1) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and

the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

(2) Commission Implementing Decision C(2024) 7235 final of 22.10.2024 concerning the adoption of the

work programme for 2021-2027 and the financing decision for the implementation of the Union Civil

Protection Mechanism.

2

(Action 5.4, Technical Assistance Financing Facility). As stipulated in the same

document (art. 5.5), the World Bank Group/GFDRR will implement activities under this

action given its robust technical expertise and global practice of disaster prevention and

preparedness and climate resilience.

The purpose of this action is to help national civil protection and other disaster risk

management authorities fill technical and/or financial gaps to preparing investments or to

strengthening their institutional and policy framework for disaster risk management.

Enclosed, you will find the guide for applicants setting out the scope and procedure for

this funding opportunity, the evaluation criteria, an indicative list of possible activities as

well as the template to be used for your expression of interest.

The call for expressions of interest will be published on the TAFF and the UCP

Knowledge Network websites.

Your expression of interest should be submitted to [email protected], and

consulted with the World Bank/GFDRR prior to submission.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 14 March 2025 at 23.59 CET.

Questions on eligibility and the application procedure should likewise be addressed to

[email protected] well in advance of the deadline for submitting

expressions of interest.

We will also organise an on-line information session on Tuesday 04 February 2025

from 12.30 to 15.15 CET on Webex. Interested participants should log into the

following link: https://webcast.ec.europa.eu/information-day-on-the-2025-technical-

assistance-for-disaster-risk-management-call-for-proposals-and-taff-2025-02-04

Yours faithfully,

[e-signed]

Contact: ECHO-CP-P&[email protected]

Erwan MARTEIL

3

Enclosures:

Guide for applicants including evaluation criteria and template for the

expression of interest and an indicative list of possible activities;

TAFF Factsheet;

Booklet with an overview of the 2024 TAFF-supported projects;

Agenda of the Info Day – 04 February 2025 (see next page).

4

UNION CIVIL PROTECTION MECHANISM

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (“TRACK 1”) &

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FINANCING FACILITY (TAFF) &

THE REGIONAL CIVIL PROTECTION PROGRAMME IN THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP

COUNTRIES (PPRD EAST 4)

- INFORMATION DAY -

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2025, 12:30 – 15:15 CET

WEB STREAMING

12:30 Welcome (5mins)

Erwan Marteil, Head of Unit, B.3 Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building, DG ECHO,

European Commission

12:35

12:45

Overview of Track 1 grants (10mins)

Cristina Brailescu, Team Leader, DG ECHO B.3 Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building

Overview of the call for proposals: call document and recommendations for a good

proposal (30mins)

Christian Aagaard, Call Coordinator, and Juan Francisco Galvan Montero, Planning and Programming

Officer, DG ECHO B3

Application process: online platform and application form (10mins)

Vladlena Doroshenko Salatenko, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B.3

Questions & answers – slido.com (20 min)

13:45 Wellbeing break

13:55 Overview of the progress during the 2024 Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

(10 min) Christian Aagaard, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B3

Overview of the 2025 TAFF call for Expression of Interest (25 min), including process and

form

Zuzana Stanton-Geddes, Sr. Disaster Risk Management Specialist, World Bank; and Cristina Otano, Sr.

Operations Officer, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)

Questions & answers – slido.com (25 min)

14:55 Regional civil protection programme in the Eastern Partnership countries (PPRD East 4)

(10 min): Overview of the invitation to submit a proposal & Application process

Paule Gailiunaite, Desk Officer Civil Protection Cooperation, C.1 Southeast Europe, Eastern

Neighbourhood and Central Asia, DG ECHO

Questions & answers – slido.com (10 min)

15:15 Concluding remarks

The livestream link is also published on the Knowledge Network page.

The Track 1 call for proposals is published here:

5

Funding & Tenders Portal

Knowledge Network page

The TAFF call for expression of interest is published here:

Knowledge Network Page

TAFF Page

More information about PPRD East programme can be found here:

PPRD East 3 Knowledge Network page

Questions to the speakers can be asked via Slido.com:

This guide provides key information about the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness. It is relevant for UCPM members and participating states, interested in responding to the Call for Expressions of Interest for TAFF. This guide provides a summary of TAFF objectives, activities, implementation arrangements, eligibility, procedures for allocating funding and approval of activities, reporting, monitoring and evaluation, as well as communications and visibility.

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Priorities.................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Types of activities ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Implementation arrangements .................................................................................................................................. 4

Implementation principles ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Eligibility.................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Selection of activities ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Timeline .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting ....................................................................................................................... 6

Communication and visibility .................................................................................................................................... 6

Submission of an Expression of Interest .................................................................................................................. 6

List of acronyms and abbreviations

DG ECHO European Commission’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid

Operations

DGs Directorate Generals

DRGs (European Union) Disaster Resilience Goals

DRM Disaster risk management

EC European Commission

ECA Europe and Central Asia

EOI Expression of interest

EU European Union

GFDRR Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery

TAFF Technical Assistance Financing Facility

UCPM Union Civil Protection Mechanism

UCPKN Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network

TAFF Contact: [email protected]

Annex 2: TAFF Guide for Applicants – Expressions of Interest

Introduction

The European Union (EU) and its Members of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) are vulnerable

to a wide range of hazards including earthquakes, floods, landslides, wildfires, heatwaves, and other

extreme weather events. Between 1980 and 2020, natural disasters affected nearly 50 million people in the

EU and caused on average an economic loss of €12 billion per year. With climate change these events are

increasing in number and becoming more intense and frequent, causing significant impacts on the economies in

the region, on the physical infrastructure, but more importantly on people. Without climate adaptation interventions,

more than 400,000 jobs could be lost annually by 2050, with the overall cost of climate-related extreme weather

reaching €170 billion by the end of the century.

Strengthening disaster resilience by enhancing prevention and preparedness is a priority for the European

Commission (EC). In 2020, the EC approved the European Green Deal as a set of policy initiatives with the

overarching aim of making the EU climate neutral in 2050. In 2023, EU-wide Disaster Resilience Goals (DRGs)

were adopted by the EC,1 in the form of a Recommendation to Member States2 and a Communication to the

Parliament and the Council.3 In November 2022, the Council of the EU called for proactive crisis response, stressing

the importance of effective disaster risk reduction (DRR), anticipatory action, and risk-informed development.4

The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a

partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and

Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction

and Recovery (GFDRR).5 TAFF forms part of a range of initiatives focusing on prevention and preparedness led

by DG ECHO and the UCPM in line with the above EC policy framework. Per the UCPM financing decision for 2025,

the TAFF budget for 2025 is €4 million.

TAFF is a mechanism which allows national civil protection and disaster risk management (DRM)

authorities to access technical assistance and global knowledge on prevention and preparedness to

support country efforts on DRM. TAFF is aligned with:

• The EU-wide DRGs, which a focus on enhancing UCPM response capacity, strengthening crisis and

emergency preparedness of civil protection, improved risk analytics, anticipation and planning, enhanced

early warning systems, and increased risk awareness of the population, and findings of the Niinistö

Report and forthcoming Preparedness Strategy.

• The World Bank’s strategy in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, which focuses on supporting a

green transition, building and strengthening institutions, and boosting resilience.

• The GFDRR mission to support communities and countries to reduce risk, prepare for, and recover from

disaster by integrating DRM and climate change adaptation into development strategies and programs,

and contributing to country efforts in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk

Reduction 2015–2030.

Objectives

TAFF’s overarching objective is to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of countries under the UCPM

for disaster prevention and preparedness.

This will be achieved by focusing on the following specific objectives:

1 European Commission. 2023. European Union Disaster Resilience Goals. DG ECHO. February 8, 2023. Link.

2 European Commission. 2023. Commission Recommendation of 8.2.2023 on Union disaster resilience goals C(2023) 400 final.

Brussels. DG ECHO. Link.

3 European Commission. 2023. Communication from the Commission European Union Disaster Resilience Goals: Acting

together to deal with future emergencies COM(2023) 61 final. Brussels. DG ECHO. Link.

4 Council of the EU Press release 28 November 2022. Link.

5 GFDRR is a multi-donor partnership and grant making facility housed within the World Bank. It helps communities and

countries understand their climate and disaster risks, reduce and prepare, and to recover after an event.

• To strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities in scaling up

disaster and climate resilience, in line with the EU DRGs and the European Green Deal, as well as

national priorities.

• To support investments in disaster prevention and preparedness through the development of a project

pipeline and enhanced administrative capacity.

• To improve the knowledge base on DRM, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge, good practices, and

information.

Priorities

Improving anticipation

and disaster risk

management planning to

proactively address

potential hazards.

Raising risk awareness

and preparedness levels

among the population to

effectively respond to

emergencies.

Enhancing early

warning and hydro-

meteorological systems

for timely and accurate

information

dissemination.

Strengthening national

civil protection systems

to strengthen to prevent

and prepare for

disasters.

Types of activities

Activities include various types of analytics, technical studies and recommendations for plans and strategies, piloting

of activities, and capacity-building/training activities to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant

competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments contributing to disaster and climate resilience. A

more detailed list is provided below and in a separate Annex 5.

The expected budget for each activity will range between €250,000–€750,000, with an implementation timeline

of 12 to 24 months (potential extension to maximum 30 months in total). Activities outside this range will be

considered on a case-by-case basis.

Implementation arrangements

TAFF is funded by the EU and administratively managed by the GFDRR. Activities are implemented by World Bank

teams from the ECA Disaster Risk Management and Urban Resilience Unit of the World Bank, and with the technical

support of the GFDRR's global experts. Projects are carried out in coordination with the respective national

counterparts, with DG ECHO, and relevant stakeholders involved in disaster and climate resilience in the region.

Implementation principles

The World Bank/GFDRR teams implement activities, working closely with the beneficiaries to ensure activities are

aligned with their needs, the global Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the EU DRGs,

and the EU-World Bank shared priorities for green, resilient, inclusive and sustainable development practices.

The implementation of activities by World Bank ECA DRM and GFDRR will be conducted taking into consideration the

priorities and activities of DG ECHO to ensure added-value and complementarity of the implemented activities under

TAFF, and to avoid duplication. TAFF projects are subject to quality-review by the World Bank/GFDRR, and reporting,

monitoring, and evaluation procedures.

All activities under the TAFF will be designed taking into account the following operating principles:

• Promote disaster and climate resilience and sustainable development – as part of that, also the greening

of civil protection sector,6 in line with shared global, EU, and World Bank efforts.

• Build country capacity and sustainability – the TAFF will aim to support countries develop new studies,

methodologies, assessments, etc., and it will do so by relying on country knowledge and building capacity on

the beneficiary side for continuing the project in good conditions, once the technical assistance activities end.

• Provide added value to countries’ DRM program and coordination with other actors – e.g., strategic

value of activities in the country’s DRM program, and close coordination with technical and financial partners

already operating in the country on DRM issues.

• Integrate transversal issues, such as social inclusion and gender as a cross-cutting element of the TAFF

activities, including in its trainings, tools, and knowledge products to the extent possible.

• Do no harm, i.e., reduce to the maximum the environmental and social negative impacts of the projects.

• Promote dissemination of activities and findings through the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network

(UCPKN).

Non eligible activities: In line with World Bank policies for Bank-executed activities, non-eligible activities include the drafting of legislation, risk assessments for specific assets, feasibility-level studies such as engineering assessments at asset level, developing technical specifications, prioritization of specific investments (asset level), purchase of goods, software development of online applications, websites, or software, etc. Also, civil works or purchase of equipment are not eligible under World Bank-executed technical assistance. The World Bank does not engage in providing support on nuclear energy/management of nuclear hazards.

6 European Commission, Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Akitis, E.,

Arnold, F., Davies, S. et al., Study on greening the Union Civil Protection Mechanism – Final report – Main report, Publications

Office of the European Union, 2023, Link.

5

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for TAFF Component 1 activities, beneficiaries and affiliated entities must:

• be legal public entities (public bodies)

• be the national level civil protection authority or a national authority with DRM responsibilities of eligible

countries

• be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:

• EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,

Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden

• UCPM Participating Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, the Republic of Moldova,

Montenegro, Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine

• Other countries: Georgia and Kosovo7 in view of their ongoing efforts to join the UCPM.

Selection criteria and prioritization principles (see separate Annex 3) to ensure appropriate targeting and

effectiveness of implemented activities.

Selection of activities

Eligible countries may request country-specific technical assistance through an Expression of Interest (EOI)

per agreed templates (see separate Annex 3). Based on evaluation criteria described below, a shortlist of EOIs shall

be prepared by the World Bank and reviewed with DG ECHO at TAFF annual review and planning meeting. For

approved shortlisted EOIs, technical assistance projects are developed by World Bank and GFDRR teams in

coordination with national counterpart(s) and then implemented by the World Bank and GFDRR. The beneficiary will

show its commitment by signing a letter of intent, i.e., before being involved in the implementation of the project. The

technical content will be developed and agreed in coordination with the national counterpart(s). The project design will

integrate the knowledge generation and sharing arrangements to ensure that the beneficiary country retains full

ownership of the project and its results. The development and implementation will be done in consultation with relevant

stakeholders and DG ECHO, to ensure alignment, added value, and avoid any duplication. The EOIs will be accepted

on an annual basis within defined timeframes. Proposals outside this range, particularly due to emergency situations,

will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The evaluation criteria focus on (1) eligibility conditions (Yes/No questions) and several key aspects including

(2) quality; (3) relevance, and (4) impact. The assessment score for criteria 2, 3, and 4 takes into consideration a

minimum pass score for each and across. In case of over-demand, additional criteria will be applied for shortlisting

EOIs. The evaluation will only consider information provided in the EOI template as submitted. Applicants should

coordinate with World Bank teams before submitting the EOI. Details on the application of the criteria are included in a

separate Annex 4.

7 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the

Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

6

Timeline

The indicative timeline for the selection and implementation of activities is the following:

• 14 January 2025: Launch of the Call for EOI by DG ECHO and World Bank/GFDRR.

• 14 March 2025: Deadline for submission of EOIs by Countries per Template (see separate Annex 3).

• 14 March – 1 April 2025: Shortlisting by World Bank/GFDRR per agreed criteria.

• 16 April 2025: Approval of shortlist as part of TAFF annual work plan and budget by DG ECHO.

• 22 April 2025: Official notification on shortlisting by DG ECHO and World Bank/GFDRR.

• 22 April – 30 May 2025: Proposals developed by World Bank/GFDRR for shortlisted proposals/countries in

coordination with respective counterparts and stakeholders.

• June – July 2025: Launch and implementation of activities by the World Bank/GFDRR teams in

coordination with respective counterparts and stakeholders.

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

TAFF follows the standard evaluation requirements outlined in the World Bank Group Financial Framework Partnership

Agreement between the World Bank and the EU. A report will be published yearly.

Communication and visibility

All activities financed under the TAFF will clearly indicate that they have received funding from the EU; all

program products and events financed under this initiative will carry EU, WB, and GFDRR logos. A dedicated

webpage is available for TAFF under the UCPKN website and the GFDRR website. Key outputs and information will

be shared via the UCPKN and may be conducted in collaboration with existing UCPKN initiatives.

Beneficiary organizations shall commit to disseminate the relevant outputs of their projects on their own websites and

through their own information channels.

Submission of an Expression of Interest

The Call for EOIs will be published on the TAFF webpage hosted on the GFDRR website and DG ECHO website.

In order to be admissible, your EOI should be submitted to [email protected], within the deadline stipulated

in the call. It is necessary to strictly follow the template for the EOI.

Any questions about the template for the EOI (see separate Annex 3) or the procedure to follow can be addressed to

[email protected]. However, applicants are asked to send your questions at least seven days before the

submission deadline.

Please fill in and share with [email protected], by March 14, 2025, 11:59 PM CET time

1. Project title:

2. Proponent(s):

3. TAFF Priority Areas:

4. Type of activities:

Country:

Lead Entity / Associated Entity:

Which TAFF priority/-ies will this activity most contribute to? (Mark as relevant, single or multiple)

Which type of activities is envisioned? (Mark as relevant, single or multiple)

Anticipate - To improve risk assessments, anticipation, and disaster risk management planning

Prepare - To increase risk awareness and preparedness of the population

Alert - To enhance early warning

Secure - To ensure a robust civil protection system

Analytics and technical studies

Plans, strategies

Piloting approaches

Capacity-building/training

Other (Please indicate type)

ANNEX 3 Template for Expression of Interests

General information

TAFF Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness

5. Indicative project timeframe (Add in months or years)

6. Indicative project budget estimate: (If known, add in EUR)

7. Endorsement of EOI:

8. Contact(s):

9. Consultation with World Bank country team

Has this EOI been endorsed by the legal representative of the organisation requesting the activity?

Please indicate name (contact [email protected] in case questions on the country focal point):

(Please note that TAFF assistance is provided in-kind through World Bank/Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction experts; funds are not directly channeled to selected bene- ficiary institutions. There is no budget transfer, as there is no intention to add additional burden to the beneficiary.)

Yes No

Yes

Technical level contact(s): (Please include name, title, institution, email and telephone number. Please note that TAFF assistance can be provided to national civil protection authorities or national-level authorities with mandated responsibilities in disaster risk management – provided it is endorsed by the national civil protection authority.)

Name:

Title:

Tel. nr.:

Institution:

Email:

Has this EOI been discussed with the World Bank country team?

No

Are the counterparts ready to start collaboration on this project or do any pre-conditions need to be met (such as completion of another activities, etc.): (max. 150 words)

b. Readiness:

Please provide a short summary of proposed activities/components: (max. 300 words)

a. Technical soundness:

Quality

What is/are the main project objective(s): (max. 150 words)

Brief project description

f. Operational relevance: How does the project align with other projects or activities (past, ongoing, planned) or fill specific gaps? (max. 150 words)

e. Strategic relevance: Which relevant strategic documents or initiatives does the project align with? (such as inter- national/EU/national/sub-national or sectoral strategies, plans, regional mechanisms etc.): (max. 150 words)

d. TAFF priorities: How the proposal and its activities contribute to the achievement of the general and specific objectives of TAFF: (max. 150 words)

c. Targeting: What are the key issues/challenges that the project will address: (max. 150 words)

Relevance

h. Dissemination:

i. Sustainability:

How project results will be disseminated? (max. 150 words)

How would the project results be used and sustained after the project’s completion? (max. 150 words)

g. Project impact: What are the expected results and impact of the project / planned activities, and beneficiaries? (max.300 words)

Impact

Summary: The following evaluation criteria facilitate the rating of the Expressions of Interest (EOIs) based on the set

objectives and priorities of the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF). The criteria focus on (1) eligibility, and

several key aspects including (2) quality; (3) relevance, and (4) impact. The assessment score for criteria 2, 3, and 4

takes into consideration a minimum pass score for each and across. In case of over-demand, additional criteria will be

applied for the shortlisting of EOIs (additional information at the end of this Annex). The evaluation will only consider

information provided in the EOI template as submitted.

1. Eligibility (Yes/No)

EOIs will be first checked against formal eligibility requirements (see Table 1). EOIs that are considered eligible will be

evaluated against the other set of criteria (see Table 2) and ranked according to their scores. EOIs that do not fulfill the

evaluation criteria will be disqualified.

Table 1. TAFF Eligibility check

Section Criteria Guidance

Eligibility

(Yes/No/ To be

clarified)

Eligible country A country shall be eligible if established in one of the eligible countries,

i.e.:

• EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,

Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,

and Sweden.

• UCPM Participating Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Iceland, Montenegro, Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia,

Türkiye, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

Annex 4: Evaluation of the Expressions of Interest – Description of Evaluation Criteria

2

• Other countries: Georgia and Kosovo1 in view of their ongoing efforts to

join the UCPM.

Eligible entity Submitting entity, beneficiaries and affiliated entities must:

• be legal public entities (public bodies)

• be the national level civil protection authority or a national authority with

disaster risk management (DRM) responsibilities of eligible countries

Eligible activities See eligible and non-eligible activities in Annex 5:

List of Potential Activities Supported under TAFF

Duration 12-24 months (potential extension to max 30 months total).

Budget between €250,000–€750,000

Endorsement Confirmation that the EOI is endorsed by a legal representative.

Consultation with WB Confirmation that the EOI was discussed with World Bank Country team

On time submission Before announced date/time (14 March 2025, 23:59 CET time)

2. Quality (25 points)

Quality refers to commitment, technical feasibility, maturity, readiness, and sustainability of the project, specifically:

• Commitment: the EOI is signed by the head of the organization/legal representative and is supported by the

relevant Ministry (5 points).

• Technical soundness: description and soundness of the proposed project objective(s) and activities (10

points).

• Readiness: Are the counterparts ready to start a collaboration on this project or do any pre-conditions need

to be met (such as completion of another activities, etc.). (10 points)

3. Relevance (35 points)

Relevance refers to strategic relevance of the proposed activity, specifically:

• Targeting: key challenges/issues that the project will address. (10 points).

• TAFF Objectives: Extent to which the EOI and its activities contribute to the achievement of the TAFF

objectives and priorities (10 points).

1 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the

Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

3

• Strategic relevance: Extent to which the proposed activities are aligned with existing strategic documents,

plans or initiatives, or demonstrate a clear and sound rationale (i.e., peer review recommendations,

evaluations, lessons learned, previous studies, etc.) (10 points).

Operational relevance extent to which the EOI is aligned with other projects or activities (past, ongoing, or planned)

or fills specific gaps (including alignment and avoiding duplication with other initiatives) (5 points).

4. Impact (30 points)

Impact refers to expected impact of the activity, specifically:

• Impact of the project: Extent to which the EOI puts forward tangible and realistic impacts (10 points).

• Dissemination: Extent to which the dissemination strategy is clear and adequate to communicate on the

project results and to share results with other Participating States (10 points).

• Sustainability: Extent to which the EOI puts forward a convincing sustainability plan and demonstrates

commitment to build on the EOI results (10 points).

Assessment score: Each EOI will be assigned an assessment score. EOIs need to simultaneously meet two

requirements: (1) to reach the minimum pass score per EOI criteria, and (2) to reach at least 45 points in total for the

three EOI criteria. Only EOIs passing both thresholds will be considered for shortlisting — within the limits of the

available budget. Other EOIs will be rejected.

Table 2. TAFF Award Criteria

Criteria Minimum pass score Maximum score

Relevance 20 35

Quality 10 25

Impact 15 30

Sum across criteria 45 90

Additional criteria in case of over-demand (15 points)

In case of over-demand, the following additional criteria will be applied for the shortlisting of EOIs (based on information

provided in the EOI):

• Relevance to UCPM: extent to which the project deals with issues that are potentially relevant to multiple countries

in the UCPM (5 points).

• Contribution to DRM Knowledge base: extent to which the project introduces innovative approaches or deal with

topics that are emerging/have relevance for knowledge agenda on DRM (5 points).

• Potential synergies between projects: extent to which commonalities can contribute to synergies with other TAFF-

supported projects (5 points).

Activities focus primarily on disaster prevention and preparedness to promote a balanced and holistic

approach to disaster risk management (DRM).

Country-specific activities should be directly relevant for the four priority areas listed below. This includes, for example, analytics (i.e., diagnostics, technical

studies, recommendations) and related technical assistance activities (i.e., trainings, meetings, etc.) related to understanding risk, strategic planning (DRM or disaster

risk reduction [DRR] plans/strategies), investment planning at portfolio level (not asset-level specific), risk awareness, modernization of early warning systems (EWS)

and hydrometeorological systems and communication, preparedness, resilient recovery, and reconstruction.

Transversal issues such as social inclusion and gender will be integrated as a cross-cutting element of the TAFF activities, including into its trainings, tools, and

knowledge products to the extent possible.

Only World Bank-executed activities are eligible. Non-eligible activities include drafting of legislation, risk assessments for specific assets, feasibility-level

studies such as engineering assessments at asset level, developing technical specifications, prioritization of specific investments (asset level), purchase of goods,

software etc., development of online applications, websites, or software. Also, civil works or purchase of equipment. The World Bank does not engage in providing

support on nuclear energy/management of nuclear hazards.

Annex 5: List of Potential Activities Supported under TAFF

Priority

area Objective Type of Activities Type of Output

1

Anticipate

To improve risk assessments,

anticipation, and disaster risk

management planning. Focus

on improved understanding of

risk, modelling of hazards,

development of impact

scenarios, use of risk

information for strategic and

investment planning, technical

and economic studies to support

the planning and preparation of

policies and investments, in line

with the objectives of the EU

Green Deal, sharing and

advising on methodological

approaches, and best practice

examples

Risk analytics and use of information for DRM planning, e.g., risk analytics for

specific hazards (floods, earthquake, landslide, wildfire; portfolio-wide (not asset

level specific) vulnerability assessment of public facilities – i.e. schools,

emergency response buildings based on construction characteristics, network

assessments/criticality & vulnerability assessments e.g. related to transport

sector/other sectors, rapid exposure mapping, guidance on risk analytics

methodologies/available options, sharing of good practice and examples

Different types of

technical

assessments (not

at asset level) Different types of pre-feasibility level economic assessments – cost-benefit

assessment, Triple Dividend assessments related to civil protection/DRM sector (not to

specific asset-level investment), poverty and disasters analytics, analytics related to

climate mitigation and adaptation, costs/benefits of greening of civil protection

sector, etc. sharing of good practice and examples

Development of recommendations for prioritization frameworks for investment

programs (portfolio level) related to civil protection/DRM/and other critical sectors, sharing

of good practice and examples

Prioritization

frameworks and

recommendations

Support the preparation of national DRM/DRR, prevention or preparedness

strategies/plans, hazard-specific/multi-hazard strategies and action plans, including

diagnostic and consultations, DRM action plans for specific sectors studies related to

implementation of European Union Disaster Resilience Goals, etc.

Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports

Technical review/recommendations related to country programs, including EU

funds or funds available to countries from EC for DRM, sharing of good practice and

examples

Seismic resilience and energy efficiency reviews for sectors, sharing of good practice

and examples

Diagnostic on nature-based solutions and green infrastructure, reviews, sharing of

good practice and examples

Diagnostic of land use planning regulation/building regulation with policy

recommendations, urban resilience reviews, sharing of good practice and examples

Other sectoral risk analytics/planning related to urban, water, energy, transport,

education, health, social protection, among others (cultural heritage tbc)

2

Prepare

To increase risk awareness

and preparedness of the

population. Focus on public

awareness and preparedness,

Support piloting of risk awareness activities (analytics and related communication

outputs, as well as support in dissemination): development of

studies/analysis/recommendations related to communication strategies/actions plans,

tools to disseminate risk information to support inclusive DRM, materials or learning

Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports

examples, pilots, scalable

activities.

modules for capacity-building related to improved risk awareness, studies focusing on

awareness of specific segments of population, such as people with disabilities or

vulnerable groups etc., sharing of good practice and examples

Promote open access to, and utilization of, risk information data, tools, and analytics,

- i.e., studies for the development of a risk and crisis communication platforms, sharing of

good practice, etc., sharing of good practice and examples.

Trainings on the above topics Trainings

3

Alert

To enhance early warning:

Focus on technical analysis on

various aspects such as

assessment and modernization

of EWS and hydro-

meteorological systems and

communication (warning)

Technical reviews/technical assessments (diagnostics, proposed roadmaps, and

advisory input to action plans) of EWS and national hydromet, focusing on all/select

components, system review of climate services provided vis-a-vis user needs,

coordination, etc., review of hydrometeorological investments, sharing of good practice

and examples

Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports Technical reviews focusing on enhancing human and technical aspects of public

warning, sharing of good practice and examples

4

Secure

To Ensure a robust civil

protection system: Focus on

technical analysis on various

aspects such as civil protection

systems, such as readiness to

respond, preparedness for

response and recovery planning,

including financial, strategic and

technical elements

Preparedness and response analytics, such as Ready2Respond diagnostica, capacity

review of existing arrangements, etc., sharing of good practice and examples Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports

Technical reviews and recommendations related to recovery, such as post-disaster

financing/financing for recovery, damage and loss systems or methodologies,

inclusive and gender responsive post disaster assessments, recovery planning

frameworks, etc., sharing of good practice and examples

Trainings, e.g., for first responders on how to interact with people with disabilities Trainings

On demand - application of the Global Rapid post-disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) approach assessment (2-3 weeks delivery) b

GRADE report

Notes: a. Ready2Respond is a methodological approach with details available here. b. The GRADE approach (developed by the World Bank and GFDRR) can provide an initial rapid estimation of

the physical post-disaster damage incurred by key sectors within two weeks of the disaster. The approach aims to create an independent, credible sectoral quantification of the spatial extent and

severity of a disaster’s physical impact, addressing specific damage information needs in the first few weeks after a major disaster, and complementing the more comprehensive post-disaster

needs assessment (PDNA) process. More information about the methodology is available here.

Overview of 2024 Project Brief

1 2 3

Context Strengthening financial resilience, making smart investments for disaster and climate resilience, and enhancing institutional capacity and preparedness makes economic sense. There are however recurring barriers, such as gaps in financial frameworks, limited institutional capacity, and difficulties in accessing EU funding, identified in the report Understanding the Needs of Civil Protection Agencies under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), conducted by the World Bank and DG ECHO. To be better prepared for disasters, there is a need to scale up investments to bolster disaster prevention and preparedness across the EU and through the UCPM. To address these needs, and in response to challenges identified in the report Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness, the Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) has been established to facilitate access to technical assistance and global knowledge on prevention and preparedness for national civil protection and disaster risk management authorities to support country and EU efforts on disaster risk management (DRM).

About The TAFF is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).

Its overall objective is to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of countries under the EU’s UCPM for disaster and preparedness with a focus on:

Strengthening the capacity of civil protection and other

‘relevant competent authorities in scaling up disaster and

climate resilience in line with the Union Disaster Resilience Goals

and the European Green Deal, as well as the countries’ national

priorities.

Supporting investments in disaster prevention

and preparedness through the development of a project pipeline and enhanced administrative

capacity.

Improving the knowledge base on disaster risk

management, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge, good practices and information.

TAFF has two components:

1. Country-specific technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments contributing to disaster and climate resilience.

Technical assistance includes various types of analytics, technical studies and recommendations for plans and strategies, piloting of activities, and capacity-building/training activities. Key areas of support include:

Factsheet

Improving anticipation and disaster risk

management planning to proactively

address potential hazards

Raising risk awareness and preparedness levels among the

population to effectively respond to emergencies

Enhancing early warning and hydro-

meteorological systems for timely and accurate

information dissemination

Strengthening national civil protection systems to strengthen to prevent and prepare

for disasters

2. Knowledge and capacity building to facilitate the transfer and sharing of knowledge among countries on

disaster risk management and facilitate the sharing of good practices across UCPM countries. Knowledge products and activities include for example studies, collection of best practices and lessons learned, practical guidance/knowledge notes, interactive workshops and technical deep dives/clinics, and training programs.

Partnership: TAFF is fully funded by the EU and managed by the GFDRR and implemented by the World Bank.

How it works: Implementation arrangements: The World Bank/GFDRR teams implement, working closely with the beneficiaries to ensure activities are aligned with their needs, and disseminate knowledge and lessons learned.

Eligible countries include EU Member States, Participating States of the UCPM, and Georgia and Kosovo1 in view of their ongoing efforts to join the UCPM.

Eligible entities include national level civil protection authorities or authorities with disaster risk management (DRM) responsibilities of eligible countries, with the agreement of the national civil protection authorities.

Expressions of Interest and Shortlisting: Eligible entities can respond to a Call of Expressions of Interest (EoI) which will be published on DG ECHO and GFDRR websites, by submitting an EoI. The EoI will be accepted on annual basis within defined timeframes. EoIs outside this range, particularly due to emergency situations, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended for EoIs to be developed in coordination with the World Bank/GFDRR teams.

Proposals and start of activities: Based on the shortlist of EoIs agreed with DG ECHO, the World Bank/GFDRR teams, in coordination with beneficiary country and entity, develop - the full project proposal, and World Bank/GFDRR teams start implementation in line with the agreed scope.

Project duration is expected between 18 and 24 months.

2024 Call of Expressions of Interest: Eight country-specific activities are being implemented in Albania, Germany, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, and Türkiye; as well as one cross-cutting analytical activity (EU-wide).

2025 Call of Expressions of Interest: The 2025 call is expected to be launched in early 2025 with more information available on the DG ECHO and TAFF websites in due time.

Contact Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness: World Bank (all operational matters) [email protected][email protected] European Commisison/DG ECHO (general feedback): [email protected]

1 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Albania – Strengthening Albania’s Fire Risk Management and Search and Rescue Capacity Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – August 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Alert; Secure

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Rescue capacity; Rescue services; Fire protection

Context Wildfire and general fire risk is a growing concern in Albania with heat stress increasing due to climate change. Albania is at high and continuous risk of forest fires, especially in the dry summer season June-September. According to World Bank estimates, 23 per cent of crop area in the country is already under medium to high wildfire risk with 10 municipalities having the highest level of exposure. In 2021 alone, 329 wildfires were recorded, burning a total of 31,275 ha of land. Data from Global Forest Watch shows that fires in Albania are the second leading cause of forest area loss in the country. From 2001 to 2023, the country lost 19.8 kha of tree cover from fires and 26.7 kha from all other drivers of loss. In Albania firefighting and rescue services are the responsibility of municipalities, which carry the mandate of first responders on all incidents posing a danger to the population or environment. While equipment at local levels has been upgraded over the past years, municipalities still lack the capacity and institutional structures to effectively fulfil their mandate to prevent and mitigate incidents. This leads to the need for intervention by the National Civil Protection Agency (NCPA) for even small and medium incidents. To address Albania’s limited capabilities in extinguishing fires, the country’s fire response capacity, infrastructure (e.g., fire stations), technology, and equipment for tracking and extinguishing fires require urgent strengthening.

Objective The objective of the grant is to support the government of Albania in strengthening its fire risk management and search and rescue capacity, thereby improving its ability to respond effectively and efficiently to general fires, wildfires, and emergencies. The results of this technical assistance will inform a proposed investment project in Albania on fire risk management.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Institutional and capacity review of fire protection and rescue services (FP&RS)

This component will review the existing FP&RS capacity in Albania against international best practices to identify potential capacity strengthening, policy, and investment needs to improve the delivery of firefighting services in the country.

COMPONENT 2 Road map for strengthening fire protection and rescue services

A road map will be developed based on Albanian demography, the geographic distribution of damage and loss risks due to fires, and a consultation process with municipalities. The road map will prioritise resources and interventions at the local level regarding infrastructure and equipment, and it will support the identification of needs for training in firefighting and search and rescue.

COMPONENT 3 Strengthening wildfire risk management

This component aims to strengthen wildfire fire risk management in Albania with activities covering forest fire risk assessment and mapping, analysis of current mechanisms to fight wildfires, a review of institutional coordination and community engagement mechanisms, and recommendations for increasing Albania’s capacity to combat wildfires.

Government Counterpart(s) Ministry of Interior; National Civil Protection Agency; Officials of national and local entities.

Sustainability and Coordination This project is part of a broader collaboration between the World Bank, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), and the government of Albania to strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The objective of the grant is to support the government in strengthening its fire risk management capacity. The grant will serve as a basis for the identification, prioritization, and preparation of activities under a proposed World Bank Investment Project Financing (IPF) on fire risk management with the Ministry of Interior. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge being generated through collaborations between government actors, the World Bank, and the UCPM.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Henrike Brecht, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Guillermo Siercke, Disaster Risk Management Specialist; Anita Ellmauer-Klambauer, Urban Development Specialist; Maksimiljan Dhima, Senior Disaster Risk Management Consultant

Counterparts: Ministry of Interior: Arben Cara, General Director for FPRS, Florenc Qosja, Advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last update: September 17, 2024

Germany – Return of Investments in Disaster Resilience Measures: Identifying potential measures and generating evidence to inform decision-making

Overview

Grant Size €250,000

Duration September 2024 – December 2025

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Prepare

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Cost benefit analysis; Smart investments; Prioritisation

Context Germany is vulnerable to disaster risks, particularly those exacerbated by climate change, such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. To strengthen disaster resilience, the country has implemented various measures, including the Federal Government's German Strategy for Strengthening Resilience to Disasters. As one of the world’s leading economies, Germany’s recent experiences with devastating floods underscore the growing pressure on its disaster preparedness systems due to evolving climate risks. As part of the effort to scale up disaster and climate resilience, it is critical to evaluate and prioritise smart investments. Understanding the costs and benefits of such investments, including reduced losses, stimulated economic activities, and socioeconomic and environmental co-benefits, is critical to inform policy dialogue and planning.

Objective The grant's objective is to support Germany strengthen the economic case for ex-ante disaster preparedness and prevention.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Case studies of the socio-economic costs and benefits of disaster prevention measures

This component includes analytics to quantify the return of select investments in disaster prevention and preparedness measures, evaluating floods, heat waves, drought, and health emergencies, among others. The analysis can help inform dialogue and decisions related to public budgeting processes.

COMPONENT 2 Risk communication, learning, and dissemination

This component includes activities (such as presentations) to contribute to increasing the awareness of decision makers within Germany of the crucial role and range of benefits of ex-ante preparedness and prevention measures, as well as to capture and transfer lessons learned from Germany to peers in the European Union and beyond.

Government Counterpart(s) Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK).

Sustainability and Coordination This project builds upon the insights and outcomes of preceding initiatives, notably integrating and operationalising the research from the Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (EDPP2) project. It aims to enrich the existing body of knowledge on smart investments in disaster prevention and preparedness by showcasing new case studies and examples from diverse interventions. For example, project activities can inform government efforts related to the implementation of the German Strategy for Strengthening Resilience to Disasters.

By providing key insights into the costs and benefits of resilience measures, the project will also yield valuable insights for disaster resilience planning that are applicable to countries working towards Sendai Framework targets and the achievement of the Disaster Resilience Goals. The project's results will not only inform the BBK’s efforts to promote a proactive preparedness approach within Germany's disaster resilience strategy but will also serve as a resource for other national ministries and international stakeholders. These insights will be crucial for informing smart investments in resilience and will contribute to a global understanding of effective disaster prevention and preparedness, especially considering climate change and extreme weather events. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected] World Bank: Jun Rentschler, Senior Economist; Soraya Ridanovic, DRM Analyst Counterpart: Office of the National Focal Point for the Sendai Framework, [email protected], Germany

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Iceland - Towards an Integrated Wildfire Risk Management Overview

Grant Size €300,000

Duration September 2024 – November 2025

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Prepare

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Integrated wildfire risk management; Smart governance; Smart policies and investments

Context Considering the growing impact of wildfires across Europe and expected impacts of climate change, the adoption and implementation of an integrated approach to wildfire risk management is becoming an increasingly important priority across Europe, including in Iceland. Although volcanic eruptions remain Iceland's predominant hazard, recent years have seen occasional wildfires in the southern, eastern, and western regions due to dry summer conditions. Wildfires are an increasing risk due to summer houses in forested areas. In the context of climate change, to effectively enhance Iceland's wildfire risk management capabilities necessitates a review of current arrangements and the identification of key gaps/challenges as well as opportunities to improve the framework for integrated wildfire risk management and to inform a future strategic framework and possible stakeholder-led actions.

Objective The grant objective is to provide analytics and recommendations for adopting an integrated wildfire risk management (IWFRM) approach in Iceland.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results

COMPONENT 1 Developing a diagnostic analysis and roadmap of recommendations with short, medium, and long-term priorities This component includes analytics to review and assess the current state of wildfire risk management in Iceland, and to identify key gaps and opportunities for future action. A set of recommendations will be included in a roadmap with short, medium, and long-term priorities to inform stakeholder dialogue and eventual implementation. Consistent with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Wildfire Peer Review Assessment Framework (PRAF) and the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR), and taking into account good practice across various initiatives and examples in Europe and beyond, the analysis will consider different facets of IWFRM. These will include understanding of wildfire risk, risk reduction, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (including financial arrangements), as well as governance, coordination, and current initiatives and investments related to wildfire risk management. The results can inform policy dialogue and planning in Iceland and showcase to other countries practical way to diagnose and identify key areas for future action.

Government Counterpart(s) Iceland Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management

Sustainability and Coordination This project is aligned with priorities and ongoing disaster risk management related initiatives in Iceland, including the ongoing Host Nation project. The approach is fully aligned with the methodological approach of the UCPM Wildfire PRAF, as well as higher-level EU Disaster Resilience Goals, and the SFDRR. The project will consider knowledge generated under previous wildfire PRAF and existing country wildfire risk management practice assessments, as well as EU/country- funded projects and initiatives such as FIRE-RES for fire resilient territories in Europe, and the SAFERS PROJECT. The findings of the project will contribute to the broader knowledge base on IWFRM to further inform and refine its strategies and facilitate the uptake of such practices across UCPM countries. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government actors, the World Bank, and the UCPM.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Zuzana Stanton-Geddes, Senior DRM Specialist; Soraya Ridanovic, DRM Analyst

Counterparts: Ólafur Loftsson, Project Manager; Haukur Grönli, Civil Protection Department

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Kosovo – Improving Disaster Risk Understanding, Impact-Based Forecasting, and Early Warning in Kosovo Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration August 2024 – August 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Early warning; Impact-based forecasting; Community engagement

Context Kosovo is prone to several geological and hydrometeorological hazards such as floods, heavy snowfall, droughts, forest fires, and earthquakes. These hazards affect Kosovo’s varied geography in different ways. Particularly in mountainous areas, Kosovo suffers from riverine and flash floods, and rural areas are often hit by landslides and drought; heat stress is increasing due to climate change with forest fires becoming more frequent and, as 43 per cent of the country is covered with forests, this is becoming a growing concern. In 2021 alone, 92 wildfires were recorded, burning 7,580 ha of land. To support Kosovo in enhancing its resilience against disasters, the country’s capacities on risk assessment, impact-based forecasting and early warning and community engagement require urgent strengthening.

Objective The objective of the grant is to support the government of Kosovo in strengthening its capacity to analyse disaster risks, its capabilities for impact-based forecasting and early warning, as well as efforts in community engagement and education, thereby improving its ability to respond effectively and efficiently to floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Enhancing risk and impact analytics to inform decision-making

This component aims to enhance the evidence base for decision-making on preparedness and resilience building, particularly the accessibility and usability of risk-related information. It will support the collection and digitisation of critical

Project brief

infrastructure data to strengthen disaster exposure assessments, the development of a guidebook for integrating risk analytics into databases, and help enhance the capacity of institutional stakeholders to maintain and develop these systems.

COMPONENT 2 Strengthening capabilities for impact-based forecasting and early warning

This component aims to strengthen capabilities for impact-based forecasting and multi-hazard early warning systems for more effective preparedness systems, with a focus on enhancing the integration and interoperability of technical systems and support last mile communication to reach the most vulnerable. It will support a comprehensive gap analysis of existing systems, processes and institutional frameworks for climate and disaster information, the development of a guidance note, and help enhance capacity of key stakeholders to improve impact-based forecasting and early warning.

COMPONENT 3 Community engagement and education on disaster preparedness and response

This component aims to strengthen the government’s capacity to engage communities and raise public awareness to support community disaster preparedness and response, with a particular emphasis on flood and wildfire risks. It will support the development of a briefing note on community engagement and awareness, support the training of officials in community outreach and emergency preparedness, as well as the development of educational programmes to raise public awareness about disaster risks.

Government Counterpart(s) Kosovo Emergency Management Agency (EMA), MOIA, Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute (KHMI).

Sustainability and Coordination The project supports the achievement of national strategies for emergency preparedness and response, including the State Strategy for Reducing the Risk from Natural Disasters and other Disaster 2023-2028. It is a joint initiative between the Kosovo Emergency Management Agency and the Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute, thereby supporting cross- institutional collaboration for disaster risk management. The project also builds on previous and on-going donor-supported analytical and technical assistance programmes, ensuring continuity and complementarity. This includes the EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)-financed technical assistance “Western Balkans Disaster Risk Management Programme”, implemented by the World Bank 2018-2021. The project aimed to enhance capacities for disaster risk reduction and resulted in the publication of Ready to Respond Reports that analysed gaps in disaster risk management systems. The project is embedded in ongoing strategic dialogues with the World Bank such as the Climate Change Development Reports country dialogues. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge being generated through collaborations between government actors, the World Bank, and the UCPM.

Contacts World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Henrike Brecht, Senior DRM Specialist, Guillermo Siercke, DRM Specialist

Counterparts: Nehat Kocinaj, Head of Division for legal issues public affairs and international cooperation, Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Government of Kosovo

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Moldova – Strengthening Moldova’s Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Project Management Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – September 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Health emergencies; hydrometeorological services; Risk assessments

Context Moldova faces significant challenges when managing natural hazards due to its limited resources and outdated infrastructure. The country has been particularly vulnerable to floods, droughts, and landslides, which have been exacerbated by climate change, as well as earthquakes. Moldova's disaster risk management efforts have been hampered by inadequate data for risk assessments, outdated hydrometeorological services, and insufficient preparedness within the health sector to handle large-scale emergencies. This grant will address these gaps by developing detailed risk assessments, and by identifying opportunities to upgrade weather forecasting systems and strengthen the resilience of health infrastructure.

Objective The grant's objective is to enhance Moldova's emergency preparedness and response capacities concerning natural hazards and climate-related shocks. Prevention will also be increased by better risk assessment analytics developed under the grant.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Supporting the improvement of Moldova’s emergency preparedness and response capacity, including through the development of the methodology for the risk assessment process and disaster risk mapping

The planned activities under this component encompass a multi-tiered approach over 24 months, aiming to develop and pilot a DRM risk assessment methodology at community, district, and national levels, with the involvement of central and local authorities. This includes creating and executing training programmes for risk assessment, conducting training sessions for various authorities, and organising a study tour for knowledge exchange with a country that has a similar disaster risk profile and a record of successful DRM implementation.

Project brief

COMPONENT 2 Supporting the improvement of Moldova’s hydromet system

This component will support the implementation of the Strengthening Moldova's Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Project and conduct a review of Moldova's ICT Hydromet system to identify opportunities to enhance the collection and transfer of weather observations to the WMO Information System in Toulouse, establish efficient data transfer procedures, and upgrade the Chisinau weather radar for full functionality.

COMPONENT 3 Health system disaster preparedness assessment

This activity will provide a summary report with risk assessments and priority recommendations for strengthening disaster preparedness in the health sector. The report will present the findings of a hazard exposure analysis of health facilities and their supporting infrastructure, including an analysis of access times to health facilities. The report will also contain an opportunity assessment for preparedness measures in health system planning, including the roles of hydro- met forecasting and DRM training for health sector professionals. Lastly, the report will highlight opportunities to better integrate health services into existing civil protection and emergency response frameworks.

Government Counterpart(s) Ministry of Interior/General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (GIES); Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Infrastructure; Ministry of the Environment; and Ministry of Health.

Sustainability and Coordination This project is part of a broader collaboration between the government of Moldova, the World Bank, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), and the EU’s Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This project complements ongoing projects and initiatives led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subordinate units, as well as other line ministries to strengthen the resilience of critical emergency response infrastructure and systems. Findings and outputs of this grant activity will inform the design and implementation of ongoing and future World Bank lending operations, including a recently approved World Bank operation to strengthen Moldova's Disaster Risk Management and Resilience capacities. It will also expand on recent analytical activities to assess gaps and opportunities in the face of climate change – including the Moldova Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR). Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between Government actors, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Guillermo Siercke, DRM Specialist; Jun Rentschler, Senior Economist; Axel Baeumler, Senior Urban Specialist; Christoph Klaiber, Consultant

Counterparts: Alexandru Oprea, Head of the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova; Alexandr Tatarov, Deputy Head of the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments for disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

North Macedonia – Resilience Investments, Governance and Recovery for Disaster Risk Reduction Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – June 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Prepare; Alert; Secure

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Risk governance; Critical infrastructure; Resilient recovery

Context North Macedonia faces significant challenges from natural and human-made hazards, with climate-related events occurring more frequently and intensely and earthquakes continuing to be a major concern. More recently, in 2024, the country experienced intense wildfires, highlighting the continuing need for enhanced mitigation and preparedness. To address this, North Macedonia is working to overcome barriers and fill knowledge gaps identified in past national disaster risk management and climate change adaptation assessments, aiming to scale up prevention measures and strengthen preparedness. Challenges remain in addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, improving recovery frameworks and enhancing coordination. The country is committed to building a proactive risk management framework at national and local levels, including clarifying stakeholder roles, improving operational planning and supporting cross-institutional coordination, enhancing preparedness and climate resilience, and aligning with EU standards.

Objective The objective of the project is to enhance societal and community resilience in North Macedonia by addressing seismic and climate-related risks through foundational and transformational risk reduction and resilience-building measures.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Transformative and anticipatory risk governance and enhanced preparedness To improve resilience building and enhance overall disaster preparedness in the country, this component establishes the foundation of transformative and anticipatory risk governance in protection and rescue. It will support a functional analysis of the existing DRM system to strengthen national strategies, deepen the understanding of risk and methodologies for hazard assessments to strengthen DRM and risk governance/planning, and build capacity of stakeholders for enhanced preparedness from national to community level.

Project brief

COMPONENT 2 Scaling up prioritised prevention investments in critical infrastructure

This component focuses on significantly enhancing the resilience-building of critical infrastructure against climate and disaster risks, to be accomplished through strategic and prioritised investments in preventive measures with a focus on seismic resilience and energy efficiency. It will support analytics to enhance the understanding of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure assets, develop methodologies and tools to support disaster risk screening and develop proofing interventions, identify pilot interventions at local level for critical infrastructure upgrading, and help enhance technical capacity of institutional stakeholders in this field.

COMPONENT 3 Establishing a resilient recovery framework

This component aims to develop a comprehensive framework that ensures communities can effectively recover and rebuild in the aftermath of disasters, focusing on long-term resilience and sustainability. It will support analytics to enhance the understanding of the vulnerability and needs of the population related to effective disaster recovery, identify gaps in the policy and regulatory framework to inform the development of a robust post-disaster recovery framework, and help build the capacity of DRM stakeholders to conduct PDNAs and resilient and inclusive disaster recovery.

Government Counterpart(s) Protection and Rescue Directorate (PRD), the Crisis Management Centre (CMC), the Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (IZIIS), the Red Cross (RC), key ministries and local governments.

Sustainability and Coordination The project builds on previous and on-going national and donor-supported technical assistance and investment programmes, ensuring continuity and maximising collective efforts towards common goals. The project will strengthen DRM systems in line with global and regional frameworks and key national strategic priorities. It aligns with the EU's IPA CARE Programme, incorporates lessons from past projects (IPA Floods and Fires, CRISIS, ROSES etc.) and complements ongoing projects with the World Bank (Sustainable Municipal Development Project, North Macedonia Sustainability and Resilience DPO, Climate Change Development Reports country dialogues). Analytics under this project will align with established methodologies, including UNDP Guidance Notes and European Commission studies and guidance notes for critical infrastructure resilience. The project will also coordinate with various ongoing EU-funded studies and research under Track 1 ‘Technical assistance for disaster risk management’ (single-country) at both national and regional levels leveraging knowledge, good practices and lessons learned on DRM. The project promotes collaboration with a people- centred, inclusive, gender-sensitive and climate-risk informed holistic approach and, to foster ownership, supports community and stakeholder involvement. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Megha Mukim, Senior Urban Economist; Noriko Oe, Senior Urban Development Specialist

Counterparts: Mrs Valentina Atanasovska, Head of International Cooperation Department, PRD

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last update: September 17, 2024

Romania – Romanian Assistance for Post- Disaster Improvement and Development (RAPID) Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration August 2024 – June 2026

Relevant DRG Secure; Anticipate; Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Post-disaster recovery; build back better; inclusive disaster recovery; disaster response and recovery

Context Romania is exposed to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, forest fires, droughts, landslides, storms, and extreme temperature events. Aging infrastructure, particularly in cities and throughout transport systems, increases the country's vulnerability, as witnessed by the number of buildings impacted by the 1977 earthquake. Climate change is expected to intensify these risks, making multi-hazard prevention, preparedness, and response readiness a key focus of government reform and investments. In recent decades, Romania has taken major steps to improve its disaster risk management framework and system. Through the adoption of key strategic documents – including the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (2024-2035), the National Strategy for Seismic Risk Reduction (2022-2050), and the National Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation (2024-2030) – the government is seeking to further strengthen its disaster and climate resilience, including improving the capacity of the national civil protection system and relevant institutions to manage disaster response and recovery in an effective and inclusive manner.

Objective The objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of civil protection institutions to ensure an effective and inclusive disaster response and recovery, and to improve existing recovery frameworks.

Key Activities and Expected Results

COMPONENT 1 Identifying gaps This component will include a diagnostic assessment of Romania's current disaster recovery framework, particularly concerning seismic and climate-related hazards. The assessment will help identify and propose ways to address gaps in Romania’s post-disaster recovery framework, such as those related to governance and coordination, or different technical elements.

Project brief

COMPONENT 2 Strengthening recovery framework

Based on the diagnostic analysis, this component will focus on identifying technical recommendations in line with Build Back Better principles. Recommendations will be supported by international good practice and examples related to post-disaster recovery. These activities can inform the development of a robust post-disaster recovery framework for Romania, aiming for resilience, sustainability, and alignment with international standards to mitigate future seismic and climate-related vulnerabilities.

COMPONENT 3 Capacity building

This component will include knowledge exchange events, training sessions for government officials and first responders, and institutional capacity building to improve recovery planning and execution and inclusiveness of response. The capacity building activities will help facilitate inter-ministerial coordination and support the establishment of an overview of the requirements for critical disaster response and recovery resources.

Government Counterpart(s) Department of Emergency Situations under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania.

Sustainability and Coordination This project forms part of broader World Bank DRM engagement in Romania, which encompasses a range of activities aimed at strengthening the country's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This project also complements ongoing projects and initiatives led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subordinate units, and other line ministries, to strengthen the resilience of critical emergency response infrastructure and systems. This includes investment financing through the Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Project, the Improving Resilience and Emergency Response Project, the Strengthening Preparedness and Critical Emergency Infrastructure Project, and the Romania Safer, Inclusive and Sustainable Schools Project. In addition, the results of this project will also complement the reforms and expected results tracked under the Second Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe Draw Down Option (Cat DDO). In parallel, this project will complement efforts led under a GFDRR grant through the Japan- World Bank Program for Mainstreaming DRM in developing countries, that is supporting Romania in addressing existing gaps in DRM policy development and emergency preparedness efforts, as well as in promoting and advancing investments in resilient public infrastructure. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Alexandra Calin, DRM Specialist; Anda Anica, DRM Analyst

Counterpart: Silviu Stoian, Deputy Chief, General Directorate for Civil Protection; Iordan Gavrila, Head of Service and Elena Treanta, Main Specialist Officer II, Coordination and Implementation of Resilience Requirements Service; Mihaela Trandafir, Main Specialist Officer I, Project Management Service, Decision Support Direction, under the Department for Emergency Situations (DES).

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last update: September 17, 2024

Türkiye – Enhancement of the Flood Early Warning System in Samsun and Communication Strategy Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – September 2025

Relevant DRG Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Flood Risk Management; Early Warning System; Communication strategies; Public awareness and preparedness; Capacity Building

Context Enhanced accuracy and reliability of flood predictions through early warning systems (EWS) facilitate timely warnings and improved safety for at risk populations. At the same time, an effective communication strategy ensures the swift and efficient dissemination of risk information from EWS to decision-makers, as well as the broader public, enabling them to promptly initiate actions to mitigate the loss of life and property. In the context of climate change and increased flood risk, it is critical for countries, including Türkiye, to continue improving their EWS and related communications strategies. To minimise losses, the government is implementing a range of measures to improve flood predictions and reduce flood risk in Samsun Province. Samsun City is located within the boundaries of the Kızılırmak (Bafra) and Yeşilırmak (Çarşamba) river basins and both rivers, along with other local streams, present a significant risk of flooding. A series of investments is planned in this area to manage flood risk and serve as an example for other areas in Türkiye.

Objective The objective of the project is to improve the EWS for floods in Samsun and to develop an effective communication strategy for disseminating information to the public at the city level, which will also serve as an example for other cities and at national level.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Technical evaluation of the current EWS and recommendations for improvement on the EWS-produced information

Project brief

This component will support analysis of the current EWS and identify key recommendations for its improvement. This will support enhancements to the EWS in Samsun, improving the region's early warning capabilities and responsiveness to potential flood events. The analysis will also generate recommendations based on a good practice review that will inform and strengthen wider disaster response measures, thereby contributing to a more robust disaster risk management framework at the national level.

COMPONENT 2 Evaluation of information dissemination methods for EWS and recommendations for an effective communication strategy for EWS-generated information

This component will support analysis to optimise the delivery and impact of EWS-generated warnings, ensuring that critical information reaches the relevant stakeholders in a timely, clear, and actionable manner. The analysis will provide a set of technical recommendations for stakeholders to consider and be supplemented by capacity building.

Government Counterpart(s) General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works Türkiye; Regional Directorate of State Hydraulic Works of Samsun; Disaster and Emergency Management Center (AFAD); MOAF (DG Water Management); Governorships; Municipalities; Provincial Directorates of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change; the Ministry of National Education; Non- governmental organisations (NGOs) active in the field of disaster response (UMKE, AKUT, etc.).

Sustainability and Coordination This project complements government efforts to strengthen EWS capacity, and DRM more broadly, with a focus on flood resilience. Samsun is considered a potential model for the nation's other flood-prone areas, offering insights that could also be applicable to other hazards that Türkiye faces. This technical assistance also aligns with the World Bank-financed Flood and Drought Management Project (FDMP), which seeks to improve flood control measures for communities in targeted regions and enhance the country's overall capacity to manage flood and drought risks. A critical aspect of the FDMP is the strengthening of flood monitoring and forecasting systems, a task undertaken by the State Hydraulic Works and Directorate General for Water Management. The FDMP includes a thorough evaluation and refinement of existing flood forecasting and early warning systems, aiming to improve their optimization. This concerted effort is designed to meet Türkiye’s broader disaster resilience goals, as well as the FDMP's goals, and set the standard for flood risk management practices.

This technical assistance grant will support these efforts by focusing on the existing EWS in Samsun, with the goal of refining the information produced, enhancing its dissemination, and establishing a communication strategy that could serve as a benchmark for other cities and at the national level. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected] World Bank: Canan Yıldız Uz, Senior Water Resources Management Specialist; Salih Buğra Erdurmuş, Senior DRM Specialist; Masatsugu Takamatsu, DRM Specialist; Tugkan Tanir, Urban Analyst Counterpart: Azize Minaz, Engineer-Department of Flood Control in DSI

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Enhancing Policy and Investments for EU Disaster and Climate Resilience Overview

Grant Size €250,000

Duration September 2024 – November 2025

Relevant DRG Anticipate

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Smart governance; Smart policies and investments; Resilient Infrastructure; Disaster Resilience; Climate Resilience

Context Europe faces escalating losses from climate-related disasters as the continent warms faster than any other region in the world, translating into potentially more frequent and more impactful events. For example, in 2023, Europe experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons with over 500,000 ha burnt, 96,000 of which were in Greece alone. Alongside climate-sensitive threats, large parts of Europe also face earthquake risks, risks exacerbated by ageing infrastructure that predates modern building codes. Countries in the EU have been taking major steps to enhance their disaster and climate resilience, guided and supported by EU policy, funding, and technical assistance instruments. With the current EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2021-2027) at its midpoint and preparations for the next MFF (2028-2034) intensifying, there is the opportunity to further strengthen disaster risk management and resilience efforts across the EU. This is the moment to reflect on how to refine EU policy and funding frameworks to better promote strategic, risk-informed, performance-oriented, and sustainable investments that deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is also worth exploring ways to incentivise reforms that address key bottlenecks for effective risk management and investment.

Objectives ● Share good practices and provide recommendations for incentivising effective investments in disaster and climate

resilience through the right framework conditions.

● Provide evidence to support a risk-informed approach to investments, particularly in wildfire and earthquake risk management, and offer guidance on potential investments.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Incentivising impactful investments in disaster resilience – setting the right framework

This component includes EU-wide analytics which will support discussions related to existing and future policies and instruments that can foster disaster and climate resilience. These efforts consider conditions and incentives, as well as ways to track progress towards strengthened disaster and climate resilience.

COMPONENT 2 Investing in disaster resilience in the EU: identifying needs and priorities

This component includes EU-wide and country case study analytics. The results will include a high-level overview of wildfire and earthquake risks and their management at the EU-level, complemented by a series of brief case studies on wildfire and earthquake risk management in selected EU Member States.

Government Counterpart(s) European Commission Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO); Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO); Member States of the European Union; civil protection authorities in countries selected for case studies.

Sustainability and Coordination This project seeks to provide evidence, good practice examples, and recommendations to inform ongoing and future efforts to strengthen disaster and climate resilience in the EU. The findings aim to provide insights that can guide the refinement of policies and tools at both the EU and Member State levels in the current and forthcoming MFFs. With Component 2 focusing on earthquake and wildfire risks, the project will consider and coordinate with other ongoing academic research, technical assistance (including other TAFF projects or other EU-funded grants), as well as initiatives led by the European Commission that could be leveraged to deepen understanding of the EU’s earthquake and wildfire risk profile and risk management capabilities. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected] World Bank: Zuzana Stanton-Geddes, Senior DRM Specialist; Soraya Ridanovic, DRM Analyst Counterparts: DG ECHO, [email protected]

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

1 2 3

Context

Strengthening financial resilience, making smart investments for disaster and climate resilience, and enhancing

institutional capacity and preparedness makes economic sense. There are however recurring barriers, such as

gaps in financial frameworks, limited institutional capacity, and difficulties in accessing EU funding, identified in the

report Understanding the Needs of Civil Protection Agencies under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM),

conducted by the World Bank and DG ECHO. To be better prepared for disasters, there is a need to scale up

investments to bolster disaster prevention and preparedness across the EU and through the UCPM. To address

these needs, and in response to challenges identified in the report Economics for Disaster Prevention and

Preparedness, the Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF)

has been established to facilitate access to technical assistance and global knowledge on prevention and

preparedness for national civil protection and disaster risk management authorities to support country and EU

efforts on disaster risk management (DRM).

About

The TAFF is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection

and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and

Recovery (GFDRR).

Its overall objective is to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of countries under the EU’s UCPM for disaster

and preparedness with a focus on:

Strengthening the capacity

of civil protection and other

‘relevant competent authorities

in scaling up disaster and

climate resilience in line with the

Union Disaster Resilience Goals

and the European Green Deal, as

well as the countries’ national

priorities.

Supporting investments

in disaster prevention

and preparedness

through the development

of a project pipeline and

enhanced administrative

capacity.

Improving the knowledge

base on disaster risk

management, and facilitate the

sharing of knowledge, good

practices and information.

TAFF has two components:

1. Country-specific technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant

competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments contributing to disaster and climate

resilience.

Technical assistance includes various types of analytics, technical studies and recommendations for plans

and strategies, piloting of activities, and capacity-building/training activities. Key areas of support include:

Factsheet

Improving anticipation

and disaster risk

management planning

to proactively

address potential

hazards

Raising risk awareness and preparedness levels among the

population to effectively respond to emergencies

Enhancing early warning and hydro-

meteorological systems for timely and accurate

information dissemination

Strengthening national civil protection systems to strengthen to prevent and prepare

for disasters

2. Knowledge and capacity building to facilitate the transfer and sharing of knowledge among countries on

disaster risk management and facilitate the sharing of good practices across UCPM countries. Knowledge

products and activities include for example studies, collection of best practices and lessons learned, practical

guidance/knowledge notes, interactive workshops and technical deep dives/clinics, and training programs.

Partnership:

TAFF is fully funded by the EU and managed by the GFDRR and implemented by the World Bank.

How it works:

Implementation arrangements: The World Bank/GFDRR teams implement, working closely with the beneficiaries

to ensure activities are aligned with their needs, and disseminate knowledge and lessons learned.

Eligible countries include EU Member States, Participating States of the UCPM, and Georgia and Kosovo1 in view

of their ongoing efforts to join the UCPM.

Eligible entities include national level civil protection authorities or authorities with disaster risk management

(DRM) responsibilities of eligible countries, with the agreement of the national civil protection authorities.

Expressions of Interest and Shortlisting: Eligible entities can respond to a Call of Expressions of Interest (EoI)

which will be published on DG ECHO and GFDRR websites, by submitting an EoI. The EoI will be accepted on an

annual basis within defined timeframes. EoIs outside this range, particularly due to emergency situations, will be

considered on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended for EoIs to be developed in coordination with the World

Bank/GFDRR teams.

Proposals and start of activities: Based on the shortlist of EoIs agreed with DG ECHO, the World Bank/GFDRR

teams, in coordination with beneficiary country and entity, develop - the full project proposal, and World

Bank/GFDRR teams start implementation in line with the agreed scope.

Project duration is expected to be between 18 and 24 months.

2024 Call of Expressions of Interest: Eight country-specific activities are being implemented in Albania,

Germany, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, and Türkiye; as well as one cross-cutting

analytical activity (EU-wide). For more information about these activities, please visit TAFF webpage.

2025 Call of Expressions of Interest: The 2025 call is expected to be launched on January 14, 2025, with more information available on the DG ECHO and TAFF websites.

1 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

Contact

Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness:

World Bank (all operational matters) [email protected][email protected]

European Commisison/DG ECHO (general feedback): [email protected]

Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR EUROPEAN CIVIL PROTECTION AND HUMANITARIAN AID

OPERATIONS (ECHO) Strategy and Policy

Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building

Brussels,

CORRESPONDENCE SLIP

Addressees: Directors-General for Civil Protection of the Member States and

Participating States of the Union Civil Protection Mechanisms;

Directors-General for Civil Protection of Georgia and Kosovo (1);

Members of the Civil Protection Committee; Member States’

Permanent Representations and Participating States’ Permanent

Missions to the EU; Members of the Early Warning Expert Group;

Disaster Prevention Expert Group; Members of the Union Civil

Protection Knowledge Network Board

Subject: Invitation to submit an expression of interest to benefit from a project

under the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) in 2025

Dear Directors-General,

This is an invitation to submit expressions of interest under the UCPM Technical

Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF).

TAFF is a technical assistance instrument launched in 2024 as a partnership between the

European Commission (DG ECHO) and the World Bank Group and its Global Facility

for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). TAFF aims to support EU Member

States and Participating States of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) as well

as Georgia and Kosovo to increase their technical capacity for disaster prevention and

preparedness and support the implementation of the Union Disaster Resilience Goals

(link). The Facility provides access to turnkey tailor-made technical support through

leading global expertise on disaster and climate resilience.

The work programme (2) of the UCPM for 2021-2027 provides for a funding opportunity

to indirectly support Member States’ efforts in the field of disaster risk management

(1) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and

the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

(2) Commission Implementing Decision C(2024) 7235 final of 22.10.2024 concerning the adoption of the

work programme for 2021-2027 and the financing decision for the implementation of the Union Civil

Protection Mechanism.

2

(Action 5.4, Technical Assistance Financing Facility). As stipulated in the same

document (art. 5.5), the World Bank Group/GFDRR will implement activities under this

action given its robust technical expertise and global practice of disaster prevention and

preparedness and climate resilience.

The purpose of this action is to help national civil protection and other disaster risk

management authorities fill technical and/or financial gaps to preparing investments or to

strengthening their institutional and policy framework for disaster risk management.

Enclosed, you will find the guide for applicants setting out the scope and procedure for

this funding opportunity, the evaluation criteria, an indicative list of possible activities as

well as the template to be used for your expression of interest.

The call for expressions of interest will be published on the TAFF and the UCP

Knowledge Network websites.

Your expression of interest should be submitted to [email protected], and

consulted with the World Bank/GFDRR prior to submission.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 14 March 2025 at 23.59 CET.

Questions on eligibility and the application procedure should likewise be addressed to

[email protected] well in advance of the deadline for submitting

expressions of interest.

We will also organise an on-line information session on Tuesday 04 February 2025

from 12.30 to 15.15 CET on Webex. Interested participants should log into the

following link: https://webcast.ec.europa.eu/information-day-on-the-2025-technical-

assistance-for-disaster-risk-management-call-for-proposals-and-taff-2025-02-04

Yours faithfully,

[e-signed]

Contact: ECHO-CP-P&[email protected]

Erwan MARTEIL

3

Enclosures:

Guide for applicants including evaluation criteria and template for the

expression of interest and an indicative list of possible activities;

TAFF Factsheet;

Booklet with an overview of the 2024 TAFF-supported projects;

Agenda of the Info Day – 04 February 2025 (see next page).

4

UNION CIVIL PROTECTION MECHANISM

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT (“TRACK 1”) &

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FINANCING FACILITY (TAFF) &

THE REGIONAL CIVIL PROTECTION PROGRAMME IN THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP

COUNTRIES (PPRD EAST 4)

- INFORMATION DAY -

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY 2025, 12:30 – 15:15 CET

WEB STREAMING

12:30 Welcome (5mins)

Erwan Marteil, Head of Unit, B.3 Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building, DG ECHO,

European Commission

12:35

12:45

Overview of Track 1 grants (10mins)

Cristina Brailescu, Team Leader, DG ECHO B.3 Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building

Overview of the call for proposals: call document and recommendations for a good

proposal (30mins)

Christian Aagaard, Call Coordinator, and Juan Francisco Galvan Montero, Planning and Programming

Officer, DG ECHO B3

Application process: online platform and application form (10mins)

Vladlena Doroshenko Salatenko, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B.3

Questions & answers – slido.com (20 min)

13:45 Wellbeing break

13:55 Overview of the progress during the 2024 Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

(10 min) Christian Aagaard, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B3

Overview of the 2025 TAFF call for Expression of Interest (25 min), including process and

form

Zuzana Stanton-Geddes, Sr. Disaster Risk Management Specialist, World Bank; and Cristina Otano, Sr.

Operations Officer, Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)

Questions & answers – slido.com (25 min)

14:55 Regional civil protection programme in the Eastern Partnership countries (PPRD East 4)

(10 min): Overview of the invitation to submit a proposal & Application process

Paule Gailiunaite, Desk Officer Civil Protection Cooperation, C.1 Southeast Europe, Eastern

Neighbourhood and Central Asia, DG ECHO

Questions & answers – slido.com (10 min)

15:15 Concluding remarks

The livestream link is also published on the Knowledge Network page.

The Track 1 call for proposals is published here:

5

Funding & Tenders Portal

Knowledge Network page

The TAFF call for expression of interest is published here:

Knowledge Network Page

TAFF Page

More information about PPRD East programme can be found here:

PPRD East 3 Knowledge Network page

Questions to the speakers can be asked via Slido.com:

This guide provides key information about the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness. It is relevant for UCPM members and participating states, interested in responding to the Call for Expressions of Interest for TAFF. This guide provides a summary of TAFF objectives, activities, implementation arrangements, eligibility, procedures for allocating funding and approval of activities, reporting, monitoring and evaluation, as well as communications and visibility.

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Priorities.................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Types of activities ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Implementation arrangements .................................................................................................................................. 4

Implementation principles ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Eligibility.................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Selection of activities ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Timeline .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting ....................................................................................................................... 6

Communication and visibility .................................................................................................................................... 6

Submission of an Expression of Interest .................................................................................................................. 6

List of acronyms and abbreviations

DG ECHO European Commission’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid

Operations

DGs Directorate Generals

DRGs (European Union) Disaster Resilience Goals

DRM Disaster risk management

EC European Commission

ECA Europe and Central Asia

EOI Expression of interest

EU European Union

GFDRR Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery

TAFF Technical Assistance Financing Facility

UCPM Union Civil Protection Mechanism

UCPKN Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network

TAFF Contact: [email protected]

Annex 2: TAFF Guide for Applicants – Expressions of Interest

Introduction

The European Union (EU) and its Members of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) are vulnerable

to a wide range of hazards including earthquakes, floods, landslides, wildfires, heatwaves, and other

extreme weather events. Between 1980 and 2020, natural disasters affected nearly 50 million people in the

EU and caused on average an economic loss of €12 billion per year. With climate change these events are

increasing in number and becoming more intense and frequent, causing significant impacts on the economies in

the region, on the physical infrastructure, but more importantly on people. Without climate adaptation interventions,

more than 400,000 jobs could be lost annually by 2050, with the overall cost of climate-related extreme weather

reaching €170 billion by the end of the century.

Strengthening disaster resilience by enhancing prevention and preparedness is a priority for the European

Commission (EC). In 2020, the EC approved the European Green Deal as a set of policy initiatives with the

overarching aim of making the EU climate neutral in 2050. In 2023, EU-wide Disaster Resilience Goals (DRGs)

were adopted by the EC,1 in the form of a Recommendation to Member States2 and a Communication to the

Parliament and the Council.3 In November 2022, the Council of the EU called for proactive crisis response, stressing

the importance of effective disaster risk reduction (DRR), anticipatory action, and risk-informed development.4

The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a

partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and

Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction

and Recovery (GFDRR).5 TAFF forms part of a range of initiatives focusing on prevention and preparedness led

by DG ECHO and the UCPM in line with the above EC policy framework. Per the UCPM financing decision for 2025,

the TAFF budget for 2025 is €4 million.

TAFF is a mechanism which allows national civil protection and disaster risk management (DRM)

authorities to access technical assistance and global knowledge on prevention and preparedness to

support country efforts on DRM. TAFF is aligned with:

• The EU-wide DRGs, which a focus on enhancing UCPM response capacity, strengthening crisis and

emergency preparedness of civil protection, improved risk analytics, anticipation and planning, enhanced

early warning systems, and increased risk awareness of the population, and findings of the Niinistö

Report and forthcoming Preparedness Strategy.

• The World Bank’s strategy in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, which focuses on supporting a

green transition, building and strengthening institutions, and boosting resilience.

• The GFDRR mission to support communities and countries to reduce risk, prepare for, and recover from

disaster by integrating DRM and climate change adaptation into development strategies and programs,

and contributing to country efforts in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk

Reduction 2015–2030.

Objectives

TAFF’s overarching objective is to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of countries under the UCPM

for disaster prevention and preparedness.

This will be achieved by focusing on the following specific objectives:

1 European Commission. 2023. European Union Disaster Resilience Goals. DG ECHO. February 8, 2023. Link.

2 European Commission. 2023. Commission Recommendation of 8.2.2023 on Union disaster resilience goals C(2023) 400 final.

Brussels. DG ECHO. Link.

3 European Commission. 2023. Communication from the Commission European Union Disaster Resilience Goals: Acting

together to deal with future emergencies COM(2023) 61 final. Brussels. DG ECHO. Link.

4 Council of the EU Press release 28 November 2022. Link.

5 GFDRR is a multi-donor partnership and grant making facility housed within the World Bank. It helps communities and

countries understand their climate and disaster risks, reduce and prepare, and to recover after an event.

• To strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities in scaling up

disaster and climate resilience, in line with the EU DRGs and the European Green Deal, as well as

national priorities.

• To support investments in disaster prevention and preparedness through the development of a project

pipeline and enhanced administrative capacity.

• To improve the knowledge base on DRM, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge, good practices, and

information.

Priorities

Improving anticipation

and disaster risk

management planning to

proactively address

potential hazards.

Raising risk awareness

and preparedness levels

among the population to

effectively respond to

emergencies.

Enhancing early

warning and hydro-

meteorological systems

for timely and accurate

information

dissemination.

Strengthening national

civil protection systems

to strengthen to prevent

and prepare for

disasters.

Types of activities

Activities include various types of analytics, technical studies and recommendations for plans and strategies, piloting

of activities, and capacity-building/training activities to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant

competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments contributing to disaster and climate resilience. A

more detailed list is provided below and in a separate Annex 5.

The expected budget for each activity will range between €250,000–€750,000, with an implementation timeline

of 12 to 24 months (potential extension to maximum 30 months in total). Activities outside this range will be

considered on a case-by-case basis.

Implementation arrangements

TAFF is funded by the EU and administratively managed by the GFDRR. Activities are implemented by World Bank

teams from the ECA Disaster Risk Management and Urban Resilience Unit of the World Bank, and with the technical

support of the GFDRR's global experts. Projects are carried out in coordination with the respective national

counterparts, with DG ECHO, and relevant stakeholders involved in disaster and climate resilience in the region.

Implementation principles

The World Bank/GFDRR teams implement activities, working closely with the beneficiaries to ensure activities are

aligned with their needs, the global Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the EU DRGs,

and the EU-World Bank shared priorities for green, resilient, inclusive and sustainable development practices.

The implementation of activities by World Bank ECA DRM and GFDRR will be conducted taking into consideration the

priorities and activities of DG ECHO to ensure added-value and complementarity of the implemented activities under

TAFF, and to avoid duplication. TAFF projects are subject to quality-review by the World Bank/GFDRR, and reporting,

monitoring, and evaluation procedures.

All activities under the TAFF will be designed taking into account the following operating principles:

• Promote disaster and climate resilience and sustainable development – as part of that, also the greening

of civil protection sector,6 in line with shared global, EU, and World Bank efforts.

• Build country capacity and sustainability – the TAFF will aim to support countries develop new studies,

methodologies, assessments, etc., and it will do so by relying on country knowledge and building capacity on

the beneficiary side for continuing the project in good conditions, once the technical assistance activities end.

• Provide added value to countries’ DRM program and coordination with other actors – e.g., strategic

value of activities in the country’s DRM program, and close coordination with technical and financial partners

already operating in the country on DRM issues.

• Integrate transversal issues, such as social inclusion and gender as a cross-cutting element of the TAFF

activities, including in its trainings, tools, and knowledge products to the extent possible.

• Do no harm, i.e., reduce to the maximum the environmental and social negative impacts of the projects.

• Promote dissemination of activities and findings through the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network

(UCPKN).

Non eligible activities: In line with World Bank policies for Bank-executed activities, non-eligible activities include the drafting of legislation, risk assessments for specific assets, feasibility-level studies such as engineering assessments at asset level, developing technical specifications, prioritization of specific investments (asset level), purchase of goods, software development of online applications, websites, or software, etc. Also, civil works or purchase of equipment are not eligible under World Bank-executed technical assistance. The World Bank does not engage in providing support on nuclear energy/management of nuclear hazards.

6 European Commission, Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Akitis, E.,

Arnold, F., Davies, S. et al., Study on greening the Union Civil Protection Mechanism – Final report – Main report, Publications

Office of the European Union, 2023, Link.

5

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for TAFF Component 1 activities, beneficiaries and affiliated entities must:

• be legal public entities (public bodies)

• be the national level civil protection authority or a national authority with DRM responsibilities of eligible

countries

• be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:

• EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,

Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden

• UCPM Participating Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, the Republic of Moldova,

Montenegro, Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine

• Other countries: Georgia and Kosovo7 in view of their ongoing efforts to join the UCPM.

Selection criteria and prioritization principles (see separate Annex 3) to ensure appropriate targeting and

effectiveness of implemented activities.

Selection of activities

Eligible countries may request country-specific technical assistance through an Expression of Interest (EOI)

per agreed templates (see separate Annex 3). Based on evaluation criteria described below, a shortlist of EOIs shall

be prepared by the World Bank and reviewed with DG ECHO at TAFF annual review and planning meeting. For

approved shortlisted EOIs, technical assistance projects are developed by World Bank and GFDRR teams in

coordination with national counterpart(s) and then implemented by the World Bank and GFDRR. The beneficiary will

show its commitment by signing a letter of intent, i.e., before being involved in the implementation of the project. The

technical content will be developed and agreed in coordination with the national counterpart(s). The project design will

integrate the knowledge generation and sharing arrangements to ensure that the beneficiary country retains full

ownership of the project and its results. The development and implementation will be done in consultation with relevant

stakeholders and DG ECHO, to ensure alignment, added value, and avoid any duplication. The EOIs will be accepted

on an annual basis within defined timeframes. Proposals outside this range, particularly due to emergency situations,

will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The evaluation criteria focus on (1) eligibility conditions (Yes/No questions) and several key aspects including

(2) quality; (3) relevance, and (4) impact. The assessment score for criteria 2, 3, and 4 takes into consideration a

minimum pass score for each and across. In case of over-demand, additional criteria will be applied for shortlisting

EOIs. The evaluation will only consider information provided in the EOI template as submitted. Applicants should

coordinate with World Bank teams before submitting the EOI. Details on the application of the criteria are included in a

separate Annex 4.

7 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the

Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

6

Timeline

The indicative timeline for the selection and implementation of activities is the following:

• 14 January 2025: Launch of the Call for EOI by DG ECHO and World Bank/GFDRR.

• 14 March 2025: Deadline for submission of EOIs by Countries per Template (see separate Annex 3).

• 14 March – 1 April 2025: Shortlisting by World Bank/GFDRR per agreed criteria.

• 16 April 2025: Approval of shortlist as part of TAFF annual work plan and budget by DG ECHO.

• 22 April 2025: Official notification on shortlisting by DG ECHO and World Bank/GFDRR.

• 22 April – 30 May 2025: Proposals developed by World Bank/GFDRR for shortlisted proposals/countries in

coordination with respective counterparts and stakeholders.

• June – July 2025: Launch and implementation of activities by the World Bank/GFDRR teams in

coordination with respective counterparts and stakeholders.

Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting

TAFF follows the standard evaluation requirements outlined in the World Bank Group Financial Framework Partnership

Agreement between the World Bank and the EU. A report will be published yearly.

Communication and visibility

All activities financed under the TAFF will clearly indicate that they have received funding from the EU; all

program products and events financed under this initiative will carry EU, WB, and GFDRR logos. A dedicated

webpage is available for TAFF under the UCPKN website and the GFDRR website. Key outputs and information will

be shared via the UCPKN and may be conducted in collaboration with existing UCPKN initiatives.

Beneficiary organizations shall commit to disseminate the relevant outputs of their projects on their own websites and

through their own information channels.

Submission of an Expression of Interest

The Call for EOIs will be published on the TAFF webpage hosted on the GFDRR website and DG ECHO website.

In order to be admissible, your EOI should be submitted to [email protected], within the deadline stipulated

in the call. It is necessary to strictly follow the template for the EOI.

Any questions about the template for the EOI (see separate Annex 3) or the procedure to follow can be addressed to

[email protected]. However, applicants are asked to send your questions at least seven days before the

submission deadline.

Please fill in and share with [email protected], by March 14, 2025, 11:59 PM CET time

1. Project title:

2. Proponent(s):

3. TAFF Priority Areas:

4. Type of activities:

Country:

Lead Entity / Associated Entity:

Which TAFF priority/-ies will this activity most contribute to? (Mark as relevant, single or multiple)

Which type of activities is envisioned? (Mark as relevant, single or multiple)

Anticipate - To improve risk assessments, anticipation, and disaster risk management planning

Prepare - To increase risk awareness and preparedness of the population

Alert - To enhance early warning

Secure - To ensure a robust civil protection system

Analytics and technical studies

Plans, strategies

Piloting approaches

Capacity-building/training

Other (Please indicate type)

ANNEX 3 Template for Expression of Interests

General information

TAFF Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness

5. Indicative project timeframe (Add in months or years)

6. Indicative project budget estimate: (If known, add in EUR)

7. Endorsement of EOI:

8. Contact(s):

9. Consultation with World Bank country team

Has this EOI been endorsed by the legal representative of the organisation requesting the activity?

Please indicate name (contact [email protected] in case questions on the country focal point):

(Please note that TAFF assistance is provided in-kind through World Bank/Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction experts; funds are not directly channeled to selected bene- ficiary institutions. There is no budget transfer, as there is no intention to add additional burden to the beneficiary.)

Yes No

Yes

Technical level contact(s): (Please include name, title, institution, email and telephone number. Please note that TAFF assistance can be provided to national civil protection authorities or national-level authorities with mandated responsibilities in disaster risk management – provided it is endorsed by the national civil protection authority.)

Name:

Title:

Tel. nr.:

Institution:

Email:

Has this EOI been discussed with the World Bank country team?

No

Are the counterparts ready to start collaboration on this project or do any pre-conditions need to be met (such as completion of another activities, etc.): (max. 150 words)

b. Readiness:

Please provide a short summary of proposed activities/components: (max. 300 words)

a. Technical soundness:

Quality

What is/are the main project objective(s): (max. 150 words)

Brief project description

f. Operational relevance: How does the project align with other projects or activities (past, ongoing, planned) or fill specific gaps? (max. 150 words)

e. Strategic relevance: Which relevant strategic documents or initiatives does the project align with? (such as inter- national/EU/national/sub-national or sectoral strategies, plans, regional mechanisms etc.): (max. 150 words)

d. TAFF priorities: How the proposal and its activities contribute to the achievement of the general and specific objectives of TAFF: (max. 150 words)

c. Targeting: What are the key issues/challenges that the project will address: (max. 150 words)

Relevance

h. Dissemination:

i. Sustainability:

How project results will be disseminated? (max. 150 words)

How would the project results be used and sustained after the project’s completion? (max. 150 words)

g. Project impact: What are the expected results and impact of the project / planned activities, and beneficiaries? (max.300 words)

Impact

Summary: The following evaluation criteria facilitate the rating of the Expressions of Interest (EOIs) based on the set

objectives and priorities of the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF). The criteria focus on (1) eligibility, and

several key aspects including (2) quality; (3) relevance, and (4) impact. The assessment score for criteria 2, 3, and 4

takes into consideration a minimum pass score for each and across. In case of over-demand, additional criteria will be

applied for the shortlisting of EOIs (additional information at the end of this Annex). The evaluation will only consider

information provided in the EOI template as submitted.

1. Eligibility (Yes/No)

EOIs will be first checked against formal eligibility requirements (see Table 1). EOIs that are considered eligible will be

evaluated against the other set of criteria (see Table 2) and ranked according to their scores. EOIs that do not fulfill the

evaluation criteria will be disqualified.

Table 1. TAFF Eligibility check

Section Criteria Guidance

Eligibility

(Yes/No/ To be

clarified)

Eligible country A country shall be eligible if established in one of the eligible countries,

i.e.:

• EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,

Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,

and Sweden.

• UCPM Participating Countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Iceland, Montenegro, Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia,

Türkiye, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

Annex 4: Evaluation of the Expressions of Interest – Description of Evaluation Criteria

2

• Other countries: Georgia and Kosovo1 in view of their ongoing efforts to

join the UCPM.

Eligible entity Submitting entity, beneficiaries and affiliated entities must:

• be legal public entities (public bodies)

• be the national level civil protection authority or a national authority with

disaster risk management (DRM) responsibilities of eligible countries

Eligible activities See eligible and non-eligible activities in Annex 5:

List of Potential Activities Supported under TAFF

Duration 12-24 months (potential extension to max 30 months total).

Budget between €250,000–€750,000

Endorsement Confirmation that the EOI is endorsed by a legal representative.

Consultation with WB Confirmation that the EOI was discussed with World Bank Country team

On time submission Before announced date/time (14 March 2025, 23:59 CET time)

2. Quality (25 points)

Quality refers to commitment, technical feasibility, maturity, readiness, and sustainability of the project, specifically:

• Commitment: the EOI is signed by the head of the organization/legal representative and is supported by the

relevant Ministry (5 points).

• Technical soundness: description and soundness of the proposed project objective(s) and activities (10

points).

• Readiness: Are the counterparts ready to start a collaboration on this project or do any pre-conditions need

to be met (such as completion of another activities, etc.). (10 points)

3. Relevance (35 points)

Relevance refers to strategic relevance of the proposed activity, specifically:

• Targeting: key challenges/issues that the project will address. (10 points).

• TAFF Objectives: Extent to which the EOI and its activities contribute to the achievement of the TAFF

objectives and priorities (10 points).

1 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the

Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

3

• Strategic relevance: Extent to which the proposed activities are aligned with existing strategic documents,

plans or initiatives, or demonstrate a clear and sound rationale (i.e., peer review recommendations,

evaluations, lessons learned, previous studies, etc.) (10 points).

Operational relevance extent to which the EOI is aligned with other projects or activities (past, ongoing, or planned)

or fills specific gaps (including alignment and avoiding duplication with other initiatives) (5 points).

4. Impact (30 points)

Impact refers to expected impact of the activity, specifically:

• Impact of the project: Extent to which the EOI puts forward tangible and realistic impacts (10 points).

• Dissemination: Extent to which the dissemination strategy is clear and adequate to communicate on the

project results and to share results with other Participating States (10 points).

• Sustainability: Extent to which the EOI puts forward a convincing sustainability plan and demonstrates

commitment to build on the EOI results (10 points).

Assessment score: Each EOI will be assigned an assessment score. EOIs need to simultaneously meet two

requirements: (1) to reach the minimum pass score per EOI criteria, and (2) to reach at least 45 points in total for the

three EOI criteria. Only EOIs passing both thresholds will be considered for shortlisting — within the limits of the

available budget. Other EOIs will be rejected.

Table 2. TAFF Award Criteria

Criteria Minimum pass score Maximum score

Relevance 20 35

Quality 10 25

Impact 15 30

Sum across criteria 45 90

Additional criteria in case of over-demand (15 points)

In case of over-demand, the following additional criteria will be applied for the shortlisting of EOIs (based on information

provided in the EOI):

• Relevance to UCPM: extent to which the project deals with issues that are potentially relevant to multiple countries

in the UCPM (5 points).

• Contribution to DRM Knowledge base: extent to which the project introduces innovative approaches or deal with

topics that are emerging/have relevance for knowledge agenda on DRM (5 points).

• Potential synergies between projects: extent to which commonalities can contribute to synergies with other TAFF-

supported projects (5 points).

Activities focus primarily on disaster prevention and preparedness to promote a balanced and holistic

approach to disaster risk management (DRM).

Country-specific activities should be directly relevant for the four priority areas listed below. This includes, for example, analytics (i.e., diagnostics, technical

studies, recommendations) and related technical assistance activities (i.e., trainings, meetings, etc.) related to understanding risk, strategic planning (DRM or disaster

risk reduction [DRR] plans/strategies), investment planning at portfolio level (not asset-level specific), risk awareness, modernization of early warning systems (EWS)

and hydrometeorological systems and communication, preparedness, resilient recovery, and reconstruction.

Transversal issues such as social inclusion and gender will be integrated as a cross-cutting element of the TAFF activities, including into its trainings, tools, and

knowledge products to the extent possible.

Only World Bank-executed activities are eligible. Non-eligible activities include drafting of legislation, risk assessments for specific assets, feasibility-level

studies such as engineering assessments at asset level, developing technical specifications, prioritization of specific investments (asset level), purchase of goods,

software etc., development of online applications, websites, or software. Also, civil works or purchase of equipment. The World Bank does not engage in providing

support on nuclear energy/management of nuclear hazards.

Annex 5: List of Potential Activities Supported under TAFF

Priority

area Objective Type of Activities Type of Output

1

Anticipate

To improve risk assessments,

anticipation, and disaster risk

management planning. Focus

on improved understanding of

risk, modelling of hazards,

development of impact

scenarios, use of risk

information for strategic and

investment planning, technical

and economic studies to support

the planning and preparation of

policies and investments, in line

with the objectives of the EU

Green Deal, sharing and

advising on methodological

approaches, and best practice

examples

Risk analytics and use of information for DRM planning, e.g., risk analytics for

specific hazards (floods, earthquake, landslide, wildfire; portfolio-wide (not asset

level specific) vulnerability assessment of public facilities – i.e. schools,

emergency response buildings based on construction characteristics, network

assessments/criticality & vulnerability assessments e.g. related to transport

sector/other sectors, rapid exposure mapping, guidance on risk analytics

methodologies/available options, sharing of good practice and examples

Different types of

technical

assessments (not

at asset level) Different types of pre-feasibility level economic assessments – cost-benefit

assessment, Triple Dividend assessments related to civil protection/DRM sector (not to

specific asset-level investment), poverty and disasters analytics, analytics related to

climate mitigation and adaptation, costs/benefits of greening of civil protection

sector, etc. sharing of good practice and examples

Development of recommendations for prioritization frameworks for investment

programs (portfolio level) related to civil protection/DRM/and other critical sectors, sharing

of good practice and examples

Prioritization

frameworks and

recommendations

Support the preparation of national DRM/DRR, prevention or preparedness

strategies/plans, hazard-specific/multi-hazard strategies and action plans, including

diagnostic and consultations, DRM action plans for specific sectors studies related to

implementation of European Union Disaster Resilience Goals, etc.

Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports

Technical review/recommendations related to country programs, including EU

funds or funds available to countries from EC for DRM, sharing of good practice and

examples

Seismic resilience and energy efficiency reviews for sectors, sharing of good practice

and examples

Diagnostic on nature-based solutions and green infrastructure, reviews, sharing of

good practice and examples

Diagnostic of land use planning regulation/building regulation with policy

recommendations, urban resilience reviews, sharing of good practice and examples

Other sectoral risk analytics/planning related to urban, water, energy, transport,

education, health, social protection, among others (cultural heritage tbc)

2

Prepare

To increase risk awareness

and preparedness of the

population. Focus on public

awareness and preparedness,

Support piloting of risk awareness activities (analytics and related communication

outputs, as well as support in dissemination): development of

studies/analysis/recommendations related to communication strategies/actions plans,

tools to disseminate risk information to support inclusive DRM, materials or learning

Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports

examples, pilots, scalable

activities.

modules for capacity-building related to improved risk awareness, studies focusing on

awareness of specific segments of population, such as people with disabilities or

vulnerable groups etc., sharing of good practice and examples

Promote open access to, and utilization of, risk information data, tools, and analytics,

- i.e., studies for the development of a risk and crisis communication platforms, sharing of

good practice, etc., sharing of good practice and examples.

Trainings on the above topics Trainings

3

Alert

To enhance early warning:

Focus on technical analysis on

various aspects such as

assessment and modernization

of EWS and hydro-

meteorological systems and

communication (warning)

Technical reviews/technical assessments (diagnostics, proposed roadmaps, and

advisory input to action plans) of EWS and national hydromet, focusing on all/select

components, system review of climate services provided vis-a-vis user needs,

coordination, etc., review of hydrometeorological investments, sharing of good practice

and examples

Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports Technical reviews focusing on enhancing human and technical aspects of public

warning, sharing of good practice and examples

4

Secure

To Ensure a robust civil

protection system: Focus on

technical analysis on various

aspects such as civil protection

systems, such as readiness to

respond, preparedness for

response and recovery planning,

including financial, strategic and

technical elements

Preparedness and response analytics, such as Ready2Respond diagnostica, capacity

review of existing arrangements, etc., sharing of good practice and examples Diagnostic

/Action plans/

Roadmaps /

Technical reports

Technical reviews and recommendations related to recovery, such as post-disaster

financing/financing for recovery, damage and loss systems or methodologies,

inclusive and gender responsive post disaster assessments, recovery planning

frameworks, etc., sharing of good practice and examples

Trainings, e.g., for first responders on how to interact with people with disabilities Trainings

On demand - application of the Global Rapid post-disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) approach assessment (2-3 weeks delivery) b

GRADE report

Notes: a. Ready2Respond is a methodological approach with details available here. b. The GRADE approach (developed by the World Bank and GFDRR) can provide an initial rapid estimation of

the physical post-disaster damage incurred by key sectors within two weeks of the disaster. The approach aims to create an independent, credible sectoral quantification of the spatial extent and

severity of a disaster’s physical impact, addressing specific damage information needs in the first few weeks after a major disaster, and complementing the more comprehensive post-disaster

needs assessment (PDNA) process. More information about the methodology is available here.

Overview of 2024 Project Brief

1 2 3

Context Strengthening financial resilience, making smart investments for disaster and climate resilience, and enhancing institutional capacity and preparedness makes economic sense. There are however recurring barriers, such as gaps in financial frameworks, limited institutional capacity, and difficulties in accessing EU funding, identified in the report Understanding the Needs of Civil Protection Agencies under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), conducted by the World Bank and DG ECHO. To be better prepared for disasters, there is a need to scale up investments to bolster disaster prevention and preparedness across the EU and through the UCPM. To address these needs, and in response to challenges identified in the report Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness, the Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) has been established to facilitate access to technical assistance and global knowledge on prevention and preparedness for national civil protection and disaster risk management authorities to support country and EU efforts on disaster risk management (DRM).

About The TAFF is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).

Its overall objective is to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of countries under the EU’s UCPM for disaster and preparedness with a focus on:

Strengthening the capacity of civil protection and other

‘relevant competent authorities in scaling up disaster and

climate resilience in line with the Union Disaster Resilience Goals

and the European Green Deal, as well as the countries’ national

priorities.

Supporting investments in disaster prevention

and preparedness through the development of a project pipeline and enhanced administrative

capacity.

Improving the knowledge base on disaster risk

management, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge, good practices and information.

TAFF has two components:

1. Country-specific technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments contributing to disaster and climate resilience.

Technical assistance includes various types of analytics, technical studies and recommendations for plans and strategies, piloting of activities, and capacity-building/training activities. Key areas of support include:

Factsheet

Improving anticipation and disaster risk

management planning to proactively

address potential hazards

Raising risk awareness and preparedness levels among the

population to effectively respond to emergencies

Enhancing early warning and hydro-

meteorological systems for timely and accurate

information dissemination

Strengthening national civil protection systems to strengthen to prevent and prepare

for disasters

2. Knowledge and capacity building to facilitate the transfer and sharing of knowledge among countries on

disaster risk management and facilitate the sharing of good practices across UCPM countries. Knowledge products and activities include for example studies, collection of best practices and lessons learned, practical guidance/knowledge notes, interactive workshops and technical deep dives/clinics, and training programs.

Partnership: TAFF is fully funded by the EU and managed by the GFDRR and implemented by the World Bank.

How it works: Implementation arrangements: The World Bank/GFDRR teams implement, working closely with the beneficiaries to ensure activities are aligned with their needs, and disseminate knowledge and lessons learned.

Eligible countries include EU Member States, Participating States of the UCPM, and Georgia and Kosovo1 in view of their ongoing efforts to join the UCPM.

Eligible entities include national level civil protection authorities or authorities with disaster risk management (DRM) responsibilities of eligible countries, with the agreement of the national civil protection authorities.

Expressions of Interest and Shortlisting: Eligible entities can respond to a Call of Expressions of Interest (EoI) which will be published on DG ECHO and GFDRR websites, by submitting an EoI. The EoI will be accepted on annual basis within defined timeframes. EoIs outside this range, particularly due to emergency situations, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended for EoIs to be developed in coordination with the World Bank/GFDRR teams.

Proposals and start of activities: Based on the shortlist of EoIs agreed with DG ECHO, the World Bank/GFDRR teams, in coordination with beneficiary country and entity, develop - the full project proposal, and World Bank/GFDRR teams start implementation in line with the agreed scope.

Project duration is expected between 18 and 24 months.

2024 Call of Expressions of Interest: Eight country-specific activities are being implemented in Albania, Germany, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, and Türkiye; as well as one cross-cutting analytical activity (EU-wide).

2025 Call of Expressions of Interest: The 2025 call is expected to be launched in early 2025 with more information available on the DG ECHO and TAFF websites in due time.

Contact Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness: World Bank (all operational matters) [email protected][email protected] European Commisison/DG ECHO (general feedback): [email protected]

1 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Albania – Strengthening Albania’s Fire Risk Management and Search and Rescue Capacity Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – August 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Alert; Secure

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Rescue capacity; Rescue services; Fire protection

Context Wildfire and general fire risk is a growing concern in Albania with heat stress increasing due to climate change. Albania is at high and continuous risk of forest fires, especially in the dry summer season June-September. According to World Bank estimates, 23 per cent of crop area in the country is already under medium to high wildfire risk with 10 municipalities having the highest level of exposure. In 2021 alone, 329 wildfires were recorded, burning a total of 31,275 ha of land. Data from Global Forest Watch shows that fires in Albania are the second leading cause of forest area loss in the country. From 2001 to 2023, the country lost 19.8 kha of tree cover from fires and 26.7 kha from all other drivers of loss. In Albania firefighting and rescue services are the responsibility of municipalities, which carry the mandate of first responders on all incidents posing a danger to the population or environment. While equipment at local levels has been upgraded over the past years, municipalities still lack the capacity and institutional structures to effectively fulfil their mandate to prevent and mitigate incidents. This leads to the need for intervention by the National Civil Protection Agency (NCPA) for even small and medium incidents. To address Albania’s limited capabilities in extinguishing fires, the country’s fire response capacity, infrastructure (e.g., fire stations), technology, and equipment for tracking and extinguishing fires require urgent strengthening.

Objective The objective of the grant is to support the government of Albania in strengthening its fire risk management and search and rescue capacity, thereby improving its ability to respond effectively and efficiently to general fires, wildfires, and emergencies. The results of this technical assistance will inform a proposed investment project in Albania on fire risk management.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Institutional and capacity review of fire protection and rescue services (FP&RS)

This component will review the existing FP&RS capacity in Albania against international best practices to identify potential capacity strengthening, policy, and investment needs to improve the delivery of firefighting services in the country.

COMPONENT 2 Road map for strengthening fire protection and rescue services

A road map will be developed based on Albanian demography, the geographic distribution of damage and loss risks due to fires, and a consultation process with municipalities. The road map will prioritise resources and interventions at the local level regarding infrastructure and equipment, and it will support the identification of needs for training in firefighting and search and rescue.

COMPONENT 3 Strengthening wildfire risk management

This component aims to strengthen wildfire fire risk management in Albania with activities covering forest fire risk assessment and mapping, analysis of current mechanisms to fight wildfires, a review of institutional coordination and community engagement mechanisms, and recommendations for increasing Albania’s capacity to combat wildfires.

Government Counterpart(s) Ministry of Interior; National Civil Protection Agency; Officials of national and local entities.

Sustainability and Coordination This project is part of a broader collaboration between the World Bank, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), and the government of Albania to strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The objective of the grant is to support the government in strengthening its fire risk management capacity. The grant will serve as a basis for the identification, prioritization, and preparation of activities under a proposed World Bank Investment Project Financing (IPF) on fire risk management with the Ministry of Interior. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge being generated through collaborations between government actors, the World Bank, and the UCPM.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Henrike Brecht, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Guillermo Siercke, Disaster Risk Management Specialist; Anita Ellmauer-Klambauer, Urban Development Specialist; Maksimiljan Dhima, Senior Disaster Risk Management Consultant

Counterparts: Ministry of Interior: Arben Cara, General Director for FPRS, Florenc Qosja, Advisor in the Cabinet of the Minister

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last update: September 17, 2024

Germany – Return of Investments in Disaster Resilience Measures: Identifying potential measures and generating evidence to inform decision-making

Overview

Grant Size €250,000

Duration September 2024 – December 2025

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Prepare

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Cost benefit analysis; Smart investments; Prioritisation

Context Germany is vulnerable to disaster risks, particularly those exacerbated by climate change, such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts. To strengthen disaster resilience, the country has implemented various measures, including the Federal Government's German Strategy for Strengthening Resilience to Disasters. As one of the world’s leading economies, Germany’s recent experiences with devastating floods underscore the growing pressure on its disaster preparedness systems due to evolving climate risks. As part of the effort to scale up disaster and climate resilience, it is critical to evaluate and prioritise smart investments. Understanding the costs and benefits of such investments, including reduced losses, stimulated economic activities, and socioeconomic and environmental co-benefits, is critical to inform policy dialogue and planning.

Objective The grant's objective is to support Germany strengthen the economic case for ex-ante disaster preparedness and prevention.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Case studies of the socio-economic costs and benefits of disaster prevention measures

This component includes analytics to quantify the return of select investments in disaster prevention and preparedness measures, evaluating floods, heat waves, drought, and health emergencies, among others. The analysis can help inform dialogue and decisions related to public budgeting processes.

COMPONENT 2 Risk communication, learning, and dissemination

This component includes activities (such as presentations) to contribute to increasing the awareness of decision makers within Germany of the crucial role and range of benefits of ex-ante preparedness and prevention measures, as well as to capture and transfer lessons learned from Germany to peers in the European Union and beyond.

Government Counterpart(s) Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK).

Sustainability and Coordination This project builds upon the insights and outcomes of preceding initiatives, notably integrating and operationalising the research from the Economics for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (EDPP2) project. It aims to enrich the existing body of knowledge on smart investments in disaster prevention and preparedness by showcasing new case studies and examples from diverse interventions. For example, project activities can inform government efforts related to the implementation of the German Strategy for Strengthening Resilience to Disasters.

By providing key insights into the costs and benefits of resilience measures, the project will also yield valuable insights for disaster resilience planning that are applicable to countries working towards Sendai Framework targets and the achievement of the Disaster Resilience Goals. The project's results will not only inform the BBK’s efforts to promote a proactive preparedness approach within Germany's disaster resilience strategy but will also serve as a resource for other national ministries and international stakeholders. These insights will be crucial for informing smart investments in resilience and will contribute to a global understanding of effective disaster prevention and preparedness, especially considering climate change and extreme weather events. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected] World Bank: Jun Rentschler, Senior Economist; Soraya Ridanovic, DRM Analyst Counterpart: Office of the National Focal Point for the Sendai Framework, [email protected], Germany

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Iceland - Towards an Integrated Wildfire Risk Management Overview

Grant Size €300,000

Duration September 2024 – November 2025

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Prepare

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Integrated wildfire risk management; Smart governance; Smart policies and investments

Context Considering the growing impact of wildfires across Europe and expected impacts of climate change, the adoption and implementation of an integrated approach to wildfire risk management is becoming an increasingly important priority across Europe, including in Iceland. Although volcanic eruptions remain Iceland's predominant hazard, recent years have seen occasional wildfires in the southern, eastern, and western regions due to dry summer conditions. Wildfires are an increasing risk due to summer houses in forested areas. In the context of climate change, to effectively enhance Iceland's wildfire risk management capabilities necessitates a review of current arrangements and the identification of key gaps/challenges as well as opportunities to improve the framework for integrated wildfire risk management and to inform a future strategic framework and possible stakeholder-led actions.

Objective The grant objective is to provide analytics and recommendations for adopting an integrated wildfire risk management (IWFRM) approach in Iceland.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results

COMPONENT 1 Developing a diagnostic analysis and roadmap of recommendations with short, medium, and long-term priorities This component includes analytics to review and assess the current state of wildfire risk management in Iceland, and to identify key gaps and opportunities for future action. A set of recommendations will be included in a roadmap with short, medium, and long-term priorities to inform stakeholder dialogue and eventual implementation. Consistent with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) Wildfire Peer Review Assessment Framework (PRAF) and the goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR), and taking into account good practice across various initiatives and examples in Europe and beyond, the analysis will consider different facets of IWFRM. These will include understanding of wildfire risk, risk reduction, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (including financial arrangements), as well as governance, coordination, and current initiatives and investments related to wildfire risk management. The results can inform policy dialogue and planning in Iceland and showcase to other countries practical way to diagnose and identify key areas for future action.

Government Counterpart(s) Iceland Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management

Sustainability and Coordination This project is aligned with priorities and ongoing disaster risk management related initiatives in Iceland, including the ongoing Host Nation project. The approach is fully aligned with the methodological approach of the UCPM Wildfire PRAF, as well as higher-level EU Disaster Resilience Goals, and the SFDRR. The project will consider knowledge generated under previous wildfire PRAF and existing country wildfire risk management practice assessments, as well as EU/country- funded projects and initiatives such as FIRE-RES for fire resilient territories in Europe, and the SAFERS PROJECT. The findings of the project will contribute to the broader knowledge base on IWFRM to further inform and refine its strategies and facilitate the uptake of such practices across UCPM countries. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government actors, the World Bank, and the UCPM.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Zuzana Stanton-Geddes, Senior DRM Specialist; Soraya Ridanovic, DRM Analyst

Counterparts: Ólafur Loftsson, Project Manager; Haukur Grönli, Civil Protection Department

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Kosovo – Improving Disaster Risk Understanding, Impact-Based Forecasting, and Early Warning in Kosovo Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration August 2024 – August 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Early warning; Impact-based forecasting; Community engagement

Context Kosovo is prone to several geological and hydrometeorological hazards such as floods, heavy snowfall, droughts, forest fires, and earthquakes. These hazards affect Kosovo’s varied geography in different ways. Particularly in mountainous areas, Kosovo suffers from riverine and flash floods, and rural areas are often hit by landslides and drought; heat stress is increasing due to climate change with forest fires becoming more frequent and, as 43 per cent of the country is covered with forests, this is becoming a growing concern. In 2021 alone, 92 wildfires were recorded, burning 7,580 ha of land. To support Kosovo in enhancing its resilience against disasters, the country’s capacities on risk assessment, impact-based forecasting and early warning and community engagement require urgent strengthening.

Objective The objective of the grant is to support the government of Kosovo in strengthening its capacity to analyse disaster risks, its capabilities for impact-based forecasting and early warning, as well as efforts in community engagement and education, thereby improving its ability to respond effectively and efficiently to floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Enhancing risk and impact analytics to inform decision-making

This component aims to enhance the evidence base for decision-making on preparedness and resilience building, particularly the accessibility and usability of risk-related information. It will support the collection and digitisation of critical

Project brief

infrastructure data to strengthen disaster exposure assessments, the development of a guidebook for integrating risk analytics into databases, and help enhance the capacity of institutional stakeholders to maintain and develop these systems.

COMPONENT 2 Strengthening capabilities for impact-based forecasting and early warning

This component aims to strengthen capabilities for impact-based forecasting and multi-hazard early warning systems for more effective preparedness systems, with a focus on enhancing the integration and interoperability of technical systems and support last mile communication to reach the most vulnerable. It will support a comprehensive gap analysis of existing systems, processes and institutional frameworks for climate and disaster information, the development of a guidance note, and help enhance capacity of key stakeholders to improve impact-based forecasting and early warning.

COMPONENT 3 Community engagement and education on disaster preparedness and response

This component aims to strengthen the government’s capacity to engage communities and raise public awareness to support community disaster preparedness and response, with a particular emphasis on flood and wildfire risks. It will support the development of a briefing note on community engagement and awareness, support the training of officials in community outreach and emergency preparedness, as well as the development of educational programmes to raise public awareness about disaster risks.

Government Counterpart(s) Kosovo Emergency Management Agency (EMA), MOIA, Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute (KHMI).

Sustainability and Coordination The project supports the achievement of national strategies for emergency preparedness and response, including the State Strategy for Reducing the Risk from Natural Disasters and other Disaster 2023-2028. It is a joint initiative between the Kosovo Emergency Management Agency and the Kosovo Hydrometeorological Institute, thereby supporting cross- institutional collaboration for disaster risk management. The project also builds on previous and on-going donor-supported analytical and technical assistance programmes, ensuring continuity and complementarity. This includes the EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA)-financed technical assistance “Western Balkans Disaster Risk Management Programme”, implemented by the World Bank 2018-2021. The project aimed to enhance capacities for disaster risk reduction and resulted in the publication of Ready to Respond Reports that analysed gaps in disaster risk management systems. The project is embedded in ongoing strategic dialogues with the World Bank such as the Climate Change Development Reports country dialogues. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge being generated through collaborations between government actors, the World Bank, and the UCPM.

Contacts World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Henrike Brecht, Senior DRM Specialist, Guillermo Siercke, DRM Specialist

Counterparts: Nehat Kocinaj, Head of Division for legal issues public affairs and international cooperation, Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Government of Kosovo

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Moldova – Strengthening Moldova’s Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Project Management Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – September 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Health emergencies; hydrometeorological services; Risk assessments

Context Moldova faces significant challenges when managing natural hazards due to its limited resources and outdated infrastructure. The country has been particularly vulnerable to floods, droughts, and landslides, which have been exacerbated by climate change, as well as earthquakes. Moldova's disaster risk management efforts have been hampered by inadequate data for risk assessments, outdated hydrometeorological services, and insufficient preparedness within the health sector to handle large-scale emergencies. This grant will address these gaps by developing detailed risk assessments, and by identifying opportunities to upgrade weather forecasting systems and strengthen the resilience of health infrastructure.

Objective The grant's objective is to enhance Moldova's emergency preparedness and response capacities concerning natural hazards and climate-related shocks. Prevention will also be increased by better risk assessment analytics developed under the grant.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Supporting the improvement of Moldova’s emergency preparedness and response capacity, including through the development of the methodology for the risk assessment process and disaster risk mapping

The planned activities under this component encompass a multi-tiered approach over 24 months, aiming to develop and pilot a DRM risk assessment methodology at community, district, and national levels, with the involvement of central and local authorities. This includes creating and executing training programmes for risk assessment, conducting training sessions for various authorities, and organising a study tour for knowledge exchange with a country that has a similar disaster risk profile and a record of successful DRM implementation.

Project brief

COMPONENT 2 Supporting the improvement of Moldova’s hydromet system

This component will support the implementation of the Strengthening Moldova's Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Project and conduct a review of Moldova's ICT Hydromet system to identify opportunities to enhance the collection and transfer of weather observations to the WMO Information System in Toulouse, establish efficient data transfer procedures, and upgrade the Chisinau weather radar for full functionality.

COMPONENT 3 Health system disaster preparedness assessment

This activity will provide a summary report with risk assessments and priority recommendations for strengthening disaster preparedness in the health sector. The report will present the findings of a hazard exposure analysis of health facilities and their supporting infrastructure, including an analysis of access times to health facilities. The report will also contain an opportunity assessment for preparedness measures in health system planning, including the roles of hydro- met forecasting and DRM training for health sector professionals. Lastly, the report will highlight opportunities to better integrate health services into existing civil protection and emergency response frameworks.

Government Counterpart(s) Ministry of Interior/General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (GIES); Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Infrastructure; Ministry of the Environment; and Ministry of Health.

Sustainability and Coordination This project is part of a broader collaboration between the government of Moldova, the World Bank, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), and the EU’s Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to strengthen the country’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This project complements ongoing projects and initiatives led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subordinate units, as well as other line ministries to strengthen the resilience of critical emergency response infrastructure and systems. Findings and outputs of this grant activity will inform the design and implementation of ongoing and future World Bank lending operations, including a recently approved World Bank operation to strengthen Moldova's Disaster Risk Management and Resilience capacities. It will also expand on recent analytical activities to assess gaps and opportunities in the face of climate change – including the Moldova Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR). Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between Government actors, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Guillermo Siercke, DRM Specialist; Jun Rentschler, Senior Economist; Axel Baeumler, Senior Urban Specialist; Christoph Klaiber, Consultant

Counterparts: Alexandru Oprea, Head of the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova; Alexandr Tatarov, Deputy Head of the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs of Moldova

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments for disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

North Macedonia – Resilience Investments, Governance and Recovery for Disaster Risk Reduction Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – June 2026

Relevant DRG Anticipate; Prepare; Alert; Secure

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Risk governance; Critical infrastructure; Resilient recovery

Context North Macedonia faces significant challenges from natural and human-made hazards, with climate-related events occurring more frequently and intensely and earthquakes continuing to be a major concern. More recently, in 2024, the country experienced intense wildfires, highlighting the continuing need for enhanced mitigation and preparedness. To address this, North Macedonia is working to overcome barriers and fill knowledge gaps identified in past national disaster risk management and climate change adaptation assessments, aiming to scale up prevention measures and strengthen preparedness. Challenges remain in addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, improving recovery frameworks and enhancing coordination. The country is committed to building a proactive risk management framework at national and local levels, including clarifying stakeholder roles, improving operational planning and supporting cross-institutional coordination, enhancing preparedness and climate resilience, and aligning with EU standards.

Objective The objective of the project is to enhance societal and community resilience in North Macedonia by addressing seismic and climate-related risks through foundational and transformational risk reduction and resilience-building measures.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Transformative and anticipatory risk governance and enhanced preparedness To improve resilience building and enhance overall disaster preparedness in the country, this component establishes the foundation of transformative and anticipatory risk governance in protection and rescue. It will support a functional analysis of the existing DRM system to strengthen national strategies, deepen the understanding of risk and methodologies for hazard assessments to strengthen DRM and risk governance/planning, and build capacity of stakeholders for enhanced preparedness from national to community level.

Project brief

COMPONENT 2 Scaling up prioritised prevention investments in critical infrastructure

This component focuses on significantly enhancing the resilience-building of critical infrastructure against climate and disaster risks, to be accomplished through strategic and prioritised investments in preventive measures with a focus on seismic resilience and energy efficiency. It will support analytics to enhance the understanding of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure assets, develop methodologies and tools to support disaster risk screening and develop proofing interventions, identify pilot interventions at local level for critical infrastructure upgrading, and help enhance technical capacity of institutional stakeholders in this field.

COMPONENT 3 Establishing a resilient recovery framework

This component aims to develop a comprehensive framework that ensures communities can effectively recover and rebuild in the aftermath of disasters, focusing on long-term resilience and sustainability. It will support analytics to enhance the understanding of the vulnerability and needs of the population related to effective disaster recovery, identify gaps in the policy and regulatory framework to inform the development of a robust post-disaster recovery framework, and help build the capacity of DRM stakeholders to conduct PDNAs and resilient and inclusive disaster recovery.

Government Counterpart(s) Protection and Rescue Directorate (PRD), the Crisis Management Centre (CMC), the Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (IZIIS), the Red Cross (RC), key ministries and local governments.

Sustainability and Coordination The project builds on previous and on-going national and donor-supported technical assistance and investment programmes, ensuring continuity and maximising collective efforts towards common goals. The project will strengthen DRM systems in line with global and regional frameworks and key national strategic priorities. It aligns with the EU's IPA CARE Programme, incorporates lessons from past projects (IPA Floods and Fires, CRISIS, ROSES etc.) and complements ongoing projects with the World Bank (Sustainable Municipal Development Project, North Macedonia Sustainability and Resilience DPO, Climate Change Development Reports country dialogues). Analytics under this project will align with established methodologies, including UNDP Guidance Notes and European Commission studies and guidance notes for critical infrastructure resilience. The project will also coordinate with various ongoing EU-funded studies and research under Track 1 ‘Technical assistance for disaster risk management’ (single-country) at both national and regional levels leveraging knowledge, good practices and lessons learned on DRM. The project promotes collaboration with a people- centred, inclusive, gender-sensitive and climate-risk informed holistic approach and, to foster ownership, supports community and stakeholder involvement. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Megha Mukim, Senior Urban Economist; Noriko Oe, Senior Urban Development Specialist

Counterparts: Mrs Valentina Atanasovska, Head of International Cooperation Department, PRD

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last update: September 17, 2024

Romania – Romanian Assistance for Post- Disaster Improvement and Development (RAPID) Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration August 2024 – June 2026

Relevant DRG Secure; Anticipate; Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Post-disaster recovery; build back better; inclusive disaster recovery; disaster response and recovery

Context Romania is exposed to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, forest fires, droughts, landslides, storms, and extreme temperature events. Aging infrastructure, particularly in cities and throughout transport systems, increases the country's vulnerability, as witnessed by the number of buildings impacted by the 1977 earthquake. Climate change is expected to intensify these risks, making multi-hazard prevention, preparedness, and response readiness a key focus of government reform and investments. In recent decades, Romania has taken major steps to improve its disaster risk management framework and system. Through the adoption of key strategic documents – including the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (2024-2035), the National Strategy for Seismic Risk Reduction (2022-2050), and the National Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation (2024-2030) – the government is seeking to further strengthen its disaster and climate resilience, including improving the capacity of the national civil protection system and relevant institutions to manage disaster response and recovery in an effective and inclusive manner.

Objective The objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of civil protection institutions to ensure an effective and inclusive disaster response and recovery, and to improve existing recovery frameworks.

Key Activities and Expected Results

COMPONENT 1 Identifying gaps This component will include a diagnostic assessment of Romania's current disaster recovery framework, particularly concerning seismic and climate-related hazards. The assessment will help identify and propose ways to address gaps in Romania’s post-disaster recovery framework, such as those related to governance and coordination, or different technical elements.

Project brief

COMPONENT 2 Strengthening recovery framework

Based on the diagnostic analysis, this component will focus on identifying technical recommendations in line with Build Back Better principles. Recommendations will be supported by international good practice and examples related to post-disaster recovery. These activities can inform the development of a robust post-disaster recovery framework for Romania, aiming for resilience, sustainability, and alignment with international standards to mitigate future seismic and climate-related vulnerabilities.

COMPONENT 3 Capacity building

This component will include knowledge exchange events, training sessions for government officials and first responders, and institutional capacity building to improve recovery planning and execution and inclusiveness of response. The capacity building activities will help facilitate inter-ministerial coordination and support the establishment of an overview of the requirements for critical disaster response and recovery resources.

Government Counterpart(s) Department of Emergency Situations under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania.

Sustainability and Coordination This project forms part of broader World Bank DRM engagement in Romania, which encompasses a range of activities aimed at strengthening the country's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This project also complements ongoing projects and initiatives led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subordinate units, and other line ministries, to strengthen the resilience of critical emergency response infrastructure and systems. This includes investment financing through the Strengthening Disaster Risk Management Project, the Improving Resilience and Emergency Response Project, the Strengthening Preparedness and Critical Emergency Infrastructure Project, and the Romania Safer, Inclusive and Sustainable Schools Project. In addition, the results of this project will also complement the reforms and expected results tracked under the Second Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with a Catastrophe Draw Down Option (Cat DDO). In parallel, this project will complement efforts led under a GFDRR grant through the Japan- World Bank Program for Mainstreaming DRM in developing countries, that is supporting Romania in addressing existing gaps in DRM policy development and emergency preparedness efforts, as well as in promoting and advancing investments in resilient public infrastructure. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

World Bank: Alexandra Calin, DRM Specialist; Anda Anica, DRM Analyst

Counterpart: Silviu Stoian, Deputy Chief, General Directorate for Civil Protection; Iordan Gavrila, Head of Service and Elena Treanta, Main Specialist Officer II, Coordination and Implementation of Resilience Requirements Service; Mihaela Trandafir, Main Specialist Officer I, Project Management Service, Decision Support Direction, under the Department for Emergency Situations (DES).

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last update: September 17, 2024

Türkiye – Enhancement of the Flood Early Warning System in Samsun and Communication Strategy Overview

Grant Size €500,000

Duration September 2024 – September 2025

Relevant DRG Alert

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Flood Risk Management; Early Warning System; Communication strategies; Public awareness and preparedness; Capacity Building

Context Enhanced accuracy and reliability of flood predictions through early warning systems (EWS) facilitate timely warnings and improved safety for at risk populations. At the same time, an effective communication strategy ensures the swift and efficient dissemination of risk information from EWS to decision-makers, as well as the broader public, enabling them to promptly initiate actions to mitigate the loss of life and property. In the context of climate change and increased flood risk, it is critical for countries, including Türkiye, to continue improving their EWS and related communications strategies. To minimise losses, the government is implementing a range of measures to improve flood predictions and reduce flood risk in Samsun Province. Samsun City is located within the boundaries of the Kızılırmak (Bafra) and Yeşilırmak (Çarşamba) river basins and both rivers, along with other local streams, present a significant risk of flooding. A series of investments is planned in this area to manage flood risk and serve as an example for other areas in Türkiye.

Objective The objective of the project is to improve the EWS for floods in Samsun and to develop an effective communication strategy for disseminating information to the public at the city level, which will also serve as an example for other cities and at national level.

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Technical evaluation of the current EWS and recommendations for improvement on the EWS-produced information

Project brief

This component will support analysis of the current EWS and identify key recommendations for its improvement. This will support enhancements to the EWS in Samsun, improving the region's early warning capabilities and responsiveness to potential flood events. The analysis will also generate recommendations based on a good practice review that will inform and strengthen wider disaster response measures, thereby contributing to a more robust disaster risk management framework at the national level.

COMPONENT 2 Evaluation of information dissemination methods for EWS and recommendations for an effective communication strategy for EWS-generated information

This component will support analysis to optimise the delivery and impact of EWS-generated warnings, ensuring that critical information reaches the relevant stakeholders in a timely, clear, and actionable manner. The analysis will provide a set of technical recommendations for stakeholders to consider and be supplemented by capacity building.

Government Counterpart(s) General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works Türkiye; Regional Directorate of State Hydraulic Works of Samsun; Disaster and Emergency Management Center (AFAD); MOAF (DG Water Management); Governorships; Municipalities; Provincial Directorates of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change; the Ministry of National Education; Non- governmental organisations (NGOs) active in the field of disaster response (UMKE, AKUT, etc.).

Sustainability and Coordination This project complements government efforts to strengthen EWS capacity, and DRM more broadly, with a focus on flood resilience. Samsun is considered a potential model for the nation's other flood-prone areas, offering insights that could also be applicable to other hazards that Türkiye faces. This technical assistance also aligns with the World Bank-financed Flood and Drought Management Project (FDMP), which seeks to improve flood control measures for communities in targeted regions and enhance the country's overall capacity to manage flood and drought risks. A critical aspect of the FDMP is the strengthening of flood monitoring and forecasting systems, a task undertaken by the State Hydraulic Works and Directorate General for Water Management. The FDMP includes a thorough evaluation and refinement of existing flood forecasting and early warning systems, aiming to improve their optimization. This concerted effort is designed to meet Türkiye’s broader disaster resilience goals, as well as the FDMP's goals, and set the standard for flood risk management practices.

This technical assistance grant will support these efforts by focusing on the existing EWS in Samsun, with the goal of refining the information produced, enhancing its dissemination, and establishing a communication strategy that could serve as a benchmark for other cities and at the national level. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected] World Bank: Canan Yıldız Uz, Senior Water Resources Management Specialist; Salih Buğra Erdurmuş, Senior DRM Specialist; Masatsugu Takamatsu, DRM Specialist; Tugkan Tanir, Urban Analyst Counterpart: Azize Minaz, Engineer-Department of Flood Control in DSI

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

Last updated: September 30, 2024

Enhancing Policy and Investments for EU Disaster and Climate Resilience Overview

Grant Size €250,000

Duration September 2024 – November 2025

Relevant DRG Anticipate

Key hazard(s)

Key word(s) Smart governance; Smart policies and investments; Resilient Infrastructure; Disaster Resilience; Climate Resilience

Context Europe faces escalating losses from climate-related disasters as the continent warms faster than any other region in the world, translating into potentially more frequent and more impactful events. For example, in 2023, Europe experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons with over 500,000 ha burnt, 96,000 of which were in Greece alone. Alongside climate-sensitive threats, large parts of Europe also face earthquake risks, risks exacerbated by ageing infrastructure that predates modern building codes. Countries in the EU have been taking major steps to enhance their disaster and climate resilience, guided and supported by EU policy, funding, and technical assistance instruments. With the current EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2021-2027) at its midpoint and preparations for the next MFF (2028-2034) intensifying, there is the opportunity to further strengthen disaster risk management and resilience efforts across the EU. This is the moment to reflect on how to refine EU policy and funding frameworks to better promote strategic, risk-informed, performance-oriented, and sustainable investments that deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. It is also worth exploring ways to incentivise reforms that address key bottlenecks for effective risk management and investment.

Objectives ● Share good practices and provide recommendations for incentivising effective investments in disaster and climate

resilience through the right framework conditions.

● Provide evidence to support a risk-informed approach to investments, particularly in wildfire and earthquake risk management, and offer guidance on potential investments.

Project brief

Key Activities and Expected Results COMPONENT 1 Incentivising impactful investments in disaster resilience – setting the right framework

This component includes EU-wide analytics which will support discussions related to existing and future policies and instruments that can foster disaster and climate resilience. These efforts consider conditions and incentives, as well as ways to track progress towards strengthened disaster and climate resilience.

COMPONENT 2 Investing in disaster resilience in the EU: identifying needs and priorities

This component includes EU-wide and country case study analytics. The results will include a high-level overview of wildfire and earthquake risks and their management at the EU-level, complemented by a series of brief case studies on wildfire and earthquake risk management in selected EU Member States.

Government Counterpart(s) European Commission Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO); Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO); Member States of the European Union; civil protection authorities in countries selected for case studies.

Sustainability and Coordination This project seeks to provide evidence, good practice examples, and recommendations to inform ongoing and future efforts to strengthen disaster and climate resilience in the EU. The findings aim to provide insights that can guide the refinement of policies and tools at both the EU and Member State levels in the current and forthcoming MFFs. With Component 2 focusing on earthquake and wildfire risks, the project will consider and coordinate with other ongoing academic research, technical assistance (including other TAFF projects or other EU-funded grants), as well as initiatives led by the European Commission that could be leveraged to deepen understanding of the EU’s earthquake and wildfire risk profile and risk management capabilities. Overall, the activities will benefit from the knowledge generated through collaborations between government counterparts, the World Bank, and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Contacts

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected] World Bank: Zuzana Stanton-Geddes, Senior DRM Specialist; Soraya Ridanovic, DRM Analyst Counterparts: DG ECHO, [email protected]

About TAFF The Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF) is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) to strengthen the disaster risk knowledge and management capabilities of countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The TAFF provides technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant competent authorities under the UCPM to scale up investments in disaster and climate resilience.

World Bank/GFDRR TAFF: [email protected]

1 2 3

Context

Strengthening financial resilience, making smart investments for disaster and climate resilience, and enhancing

institutional capacity and preparedness makes economic sense. There are however recurring barriers, such as

gaps in financial frameworks, limited institutional capacity, and difficulties in accessing EU funding, identified in the

report Understanding the Needs of Civil Protection Agencies under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM),

conducted by the World Bank and DG ECHO. To be better prepared for disasters, there is a need to scale up

investments to bolster disaster prevention and preparedness across the EU and through the UCPM. To address

these needs, and in response to challenges identified in the report Economics for Disaster Prevention and

Preparedness, the Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF)

has been established to facilitate access to technical assistance and global knowledge on prevention and

preparedness for national civil protection and disaster risk management authorities to support country and EU

efforts on disaster risk management (DRM).

About

The TAFF is a partnership between the European Commission through its Directorate-General for Civil Protection

and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and

Recovery (GFDRR).

Its overall objective is to strengthen the knowledge and capacities of countries under the EU’s UCPM for disaster

and preparedness with a focus on:

Strengthening the capacity

of civil protection and other

‘relevant competent authorities

in scaling up disaster and

climate resilience in line with the

Union Disaster Resilience Goals

and the European Green Deal, as

well as the countries’ national

priorities.

Supporting investments

in disaster prevention

and preparedness

through the development

of a project pipeline and

enhanced administrative

capacity.

Improving the knowledge

base on disaster risk

management, and facilitate the

sharing of knowledge, good

practices and information.

TAFF has two components:

1. Country-specific technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of civil protection and other relevant

competent authorities under the UCPM in scaling up investments contributing to disaster and climate

resilience.

Technical assistance includes various types of analytics, technical studies and recommendations for plans

and strategies, piloting of activities, and capacity-building/training activities. Key areas of support include:

Factsheet

Improving anticipation

and disaster risk

management planning

to proactively

address potential

hazards

Raising risk awareness and preparedness levels among the

population to effectively respond to emergencies

Enhancing early warning and hydro-

meteorological systems for timely and accurate

information dissemination

Strengthening national civil protection systems to strengthen to prevent and prepare

for disasters

2. Knowledge and capacity building to facilitate the transfer and sharing of knowledge among countries on

disaster risk management and facilitate the sharing of good practices across UCPM countries. Knowledge

products and activities include for example studies, collection of best practices and lessons learned, practical

guidance/knowledge notes, interactive workshops and technical deep dives/clinics, and training programs.

Partnership:

TAFF is fully funded by the EU and managed by the GFDRR and implemented by the World Bank.

How it works:

Implementation arrangements: The World Bank/GFDRR teams implement, working closely with the beneficiaries

to ensure activities are aligned with their needs, and disseminate knowledge and lessons learned.

Eligible countries include EU Member States, Participating States of the UCPM, and Georgia and Kosovo1 in view

of their ongoing efforts to join the UCPM.

Eligible entities include national level civil protection authorities or authorities with disaster risk management

(DRM) responsibilities of eligible countries, with the agreement of the national civil protection authorities.

Expressions of Interest and Shortlisting: Eligible entities can respond to a Call of Expressions of Interest (EoI)

which will be published on DG ECHO and GFDRR websites, by submitting an EoI. The EoI will be accepted on an

annual basis within defined timeframes. EoIs outside this range, particularly due to emergency situations, will be

considered on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended for EoIs to be developed in coordination with the World

Bank/GFDRR teams.

Proposals and start of activities: Based on the shortlist of EoIs agreed with DG ECHO, the World Bank/GFDRR

teams, in coordination with beneficiary country and entity, develop - the full project proposal, and World

Bank/GFDRR teams start implementation in line with the agreed scope.

Project duration is expected to be between 18 and 24 months.

2024 Call of Expressions of Interest: Eight country-specific activities are being implemented in Albania,

Germany, Iceland, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, and Türkiye; as well as one cross-cutting

analytical activity (EU-wide). For more information about these activities, please visit TAFF webpage.

2025 Call of Expressions of Interest: The 2025 call is expected to be launched on January 14, 2025, with more information available on the DG ECHO and TAFF websites.

1 This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence

Contact

Technical Assistance Financing Facility for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness:

World Bank (all operational matters) [email protected][email protected]

European Commisison/DG ECHO (general feedback): [email protected]

Saatja: <[email protected]>

Saadetud: 15.01.2025 19:03

Teema: Invitation to submit an expression of interest to benefit from a project under the

Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) 2025

Manused: image001.gif; image002.png; 2025 Launch_ECHO cover letter_09012025 (7).pdf;

Annex 1_TAFF Factsheet_Oct 2024_Final.pdf; ANNEX 2_TAFF Guide for Expression of

Interest_Final.pdf; ANNEX 3_TAFF 2025 EOI call template.pdf; ANNEX 4_TAFF EOI

evaluation criteria.pdf; ANNEX 5_TAFF Indicative table activities.pdf; ANNEX 6_Booklet

TAFF projects.pdf

TÄHELEPANU! Tegemist on väljastpoolt asutust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada!

Dear Stakeholders, Please find attached an invitation to submit an expression of interest under the UCPM Technical Assistance Financing Facility. TAFF is a technical assistance instrument launched in 2024 as a partnership between the European Commission (DG ECHO) and the World Bank Group and its Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). TAFF aims to support EU Member States and Participating States of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) as well as Georgia and Kosovo to increase their technical capacity for disaster prevention and preparedness and support the implementation of the Union Disaster Resilience Goals (link). The Facility provides access to turnkey tailor-made technical support through leading global expertise on disaster and climate resilience. Your expression of interest should be submitted to [email protected], and consulted with the World Bank/GFDRR prior to submission.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is 14 March 2025 at 23.59 CET. We will also organise an on-line information session on Tuesday 04 February 2025 from 12.30 to 15.15 CET on Webex. Interested participants should log into the following link: https://webcast.ec.europa.eu/information-day-on-the-2025-technical-assistance-for-disaster-risk- management-call-for-proposals-and-taff-2025-02-04 Best wishes, The Prevention and Preparedness Programme team

European Commission DG ECHO - European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Unit B3 – Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building

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