Invitation to an information day

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)

Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building

UNION CIVIL PROTECTION MECHANISM

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

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FINANCING FACILITY (TAFF)

- INFORMATION DAY -

THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2026, 10:00 – 12:30 CET

WEB STREAMING

10:00 Welcome of participants and preliminary remarks

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

European Commission

10:10

10:20

Overview of Track 1 grants

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

Juan Francisco Galvan Montero, Planning and Programming Officer, DG ECHO B.3

Application process: online platform and application form

Cristina Colaco, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B.3

Questions & answers – slido.com

11:20 Wellbeing break

11:25 Introduction to the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

Christian Aagaard, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B.3

Overview of the 2026 TAFF call for Expression of Interest, 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

12:25 Concluding remarks

The livestream link is also published on the Information day: 2026 calls for Track 1 and

TAFF | UCP Knowledge Network.

Electronically signed on 30/01/2026 17:16 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

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)

Prevention and Preparedness Capacity Building

UNION CIVIL PROTECTION MECHANISM

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

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FINANCING FACILITY (TAFF)

- INFORMATION DAY -

THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2026, 10:00 – 12:30 CET

WEB STREAMING

10:00 Welcome of participants and preliminary remarks

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

European Commission

10:10

10:20

Overview of Track 1 grants

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

Juan Francisco Galvan Montero, Planning and Programming Officer, DG ECHO B.3

Application process: online platform and application form

Cristina Colaco, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B.3

Questions & answers – slido.com

11:20 Wellbeing break

11:25 Introduction to the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

Christian Aagaard, Call Coordinator, DG ECHO B.3

Overview of the 2026 TAFF call for Expression of Interest, 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

12:25 Concluding remarks

The livestream link is also published on the Information day: 2026 calls for Track 1 and

TAFF | UCP Knowledge Network.

Electronically signed on 30/01/2026 17:16 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

Projects awarded* under the call UCPM-2025-TRACK1

(The Grant Agreement for the projects indicated with * is not yet fully signed. More information on the projects will be provided once all grants have been signed.)

Project Acronym Project full title Beneficiary organisation

English translation

Beneficiary

country

Total Grant

(EUR) awarded

Start date End date Summary

AKRA-MERANDA Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Ports and

SEVESO Facilities-Oriented Disaster Risk

Management in Mersin: Resilient Society,

Resilient City

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY

MAGAGEMENT AUTHORITY

TR € 534,821.31 16-02-2026 15-02-2028 The project focuses on the Mersin Province, a region in Turkiye with a high disaster vulnerability and that hosts

strategically significant and economically vital infrastructure (including Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant

(Akkuyu NGS), one of the busiest commercial ports in the Eastern Mediterranean (Mersin International Port -

MIP), and over twenty upper-tier hazardous industrial facilities designated under the SEVESO III Directive). Any

emergency at one of these sites may lead to cascading cross-border impacts, extending across the

Mediterranean basin. To address these challenges, the project would develop integrated risk management

frameworks specifically tailored to Mersin’s multi-hazard environment; scenario-based SOPs and field exercises

for nuclear, chemical, and port-related emergencies; business continuity plans that account for cascading risks;

and public awareness and preparedness programs based on realistic scenarios.

BRIDGE-IT BRIDGE-IT, Building Resilience to Increase

Disaster Management Governance and

Emergency preparedness-Italy

Italian National Civil

Protection Department

IT € 540,000.00 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 The project aims to adapt the overall national Italian strategy, laying the foundations for improving the

emergency and crisis governance system in line with EU and international guidelines. It also aims at inform and

raise awareness among national stakeholders and support the implementation of necessary preparedness

activities to strengthen the resilience of society at all different levels.

CAMPER SAFE Disaster Risk Management Initiative for

Campsite Safety

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY

MAGAGEMENT AUTHORITY

TR € 329,996.56 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 The proposed project aims to develop a multi-risk disaster risk management strategy on safer ecotourism, in

particular, for camping facilities in the Thrace region. The action will be structured across three components: 1)

scientific and technical analyses of disaster risks for camp sites, with the objective to identify, assess, and map

disaster risks affecting campsites in the Thrace Region of Türkiye; 2) guideline for disaster-safe camping site

establishment and management, with the objective to develop a framework for planning and managing safe

campsites in disaster-prone areas including policy integration; 3) capacity building and knowledge exchange, with

the objective to strengthen the skills and preparedness of campsite operators, campers, and local authorities. As

a result, the proposed project should improve campsite safety standards through risk-based site selection

criteria; enhance early warning capabilities with a GIS-based awareness platform and real-time alerts; increase

preparedness among campers and campsite managers through training and awareness programs; strengthen

policy integration by providing technical guidelines for campsite regulation in Türkiye.

CORE COntinuity for REsilience. A Structured,

Multisectoral Approach Tailored to Civil

Protection Systems.

Italian National Civil

Protection Department

IT € 259,207.00 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 The project aims to strengthen the operational continuity of the Italian Civil Protection system by developing a

structured, scalable, and multisector methodology based on recognized international standards. The project will

draft the Continuity Plan and the Continuity Program for the national authority, providing a replicable model for

other actors within the system and for other countries. Pilot training and stress tests will also be conducted. In

addition to the national DPC, entities from three other categories will be involved (regional authorities, civil

society - volunteering organisations, and private sector organisations).

DRFC Development of Fire and Rescue

Capabilities and cooperation

DIRECTORATE FOR CIVIL

PROTECTION

NO € 640,000.00 01-01-2026 31-12-2027 The project aims to strengthen disaster risk management and civil protection capacity at the regional level in

Central Norway, with strong cross-border relevance. The project is designed to integrate regional risk analyses,

and to enhance cross-sectoral cooperation frameworks and scenario-based preparedness planning. It also plans

to develop and test digital tools to support decision-making and resource coordination.

Projects awarded* under the call UCPM-2025-TRACK1

(The Grant Agreement for the projects indicated with * is not yet fully signed. More information on the projects will be provided once all grants have been signed.)

Project Acronym Project full title Beneficiary organisation

English translation

Beneficiary

country

Total Grant

(EUR) awarded

Start date End date Summary

EICAD Enhancing Institutional Capacity to

Address disaster-related Displacement

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL

AFFAIRS

RO € 539,625.29 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 EICAD aims to develop a coherent policy and operational framework for the effective management of population

displacement, and the development of a risk-specific Action Plan. In addition, the project aims to reinforce

prevention and preparedness at the community level, particularly among vulnerable groups. The outputs will be:

1) updating the National Concept on Disaster-Related Population Displacement; 2) Updated National Concept for

the Efficient Management of Population Displacement; 3) Action Plan for the efficient management of

population displacement; 4) Analytical report on public perception, behavior and communication needs; 5)

Practical Guide for Evacuation and Protection [standard version for the general population, version for elderly

persons, guidance and illustrated checklists for persons with mobility impairments or limited autonomy, braille

and audio versions for persons with visual impairments, sign language video for persons with hearing

impairments and animated video content for children aged 10–14).

FIRESKILL* FIRESKILL – Modern Wildfire Training

System for Czech Firefighters

CZ The proposed project aims to develop methodical training materials and course curricula to be systematically

implemented across all levels of firefighter training in the Czech Republic. These materials will integrate

innovative techniques and methodologies proven effective in Southern European countries, combined with

modern technologies such as drones and advanced firefighting equipment. A critical component of this project

involves detailed studies and evaluations of specialised firefighter training centers and educational programs in

Spain, Portugal, and France. The overarching aim is to modernize and systematize wildland fire training within

the Czech Republic, ensuring that firefighters at all levels receive comprehensive and specialised instruction, fully

aligned with European standards and operational realities.

HESTIA Host Nation Support Emergency

Strengthening via Training and

Instructions for Assistance

FEDERALE

OVERHEIDSDIENST

BINNENLANDSE ZAKEN

BE € 395,002.00 01-12-2025 31-05-2027 The project aims to strengthen Belgium’s preparedness to receive international assistance and to align the

procedures with the 2024 updated EU Host Nation Support (HNS) Guidelines. This includes a mapping of the

current HNS procedures, a benchmarking of the procedures against those of other UCPM Member and

Participating states, followed by a gap analysis and a revision BE HNS procedures, completed with training and a

field exercise to test them.

HNS BridGER HNS BridGER - Bridging Legal Frameworks

and Practical Readiness in Host Nation

Support

BBK FEDERAL OFFICE OF

CIVIL PROTECTION AND

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

DE € 499,740.33 01-01-2026 31-12-2027 Under management of the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), this project

aims to develop a robust German Host-Nation Support (HNS) system to effectively and efficiently integrate

international assistance into Germany’s civil protection system, and to ensure transit of assistance when needed.

Key deliverables include: a nation-wide HNS plan (toolbox), a HNS liaison officer training concept, and a HNS

table-top exercise blueprint for use in training by relevant stakeholders.

LOCAL-DRM 2 Strengthening Disaster Risk Management

Capability at Local Level 2

AGJENCIA KOMBETARE E

MBROJTJES CIVILE

AL 01-02-2026 31-01-2028 The proposed project is the continuation of LOCAL-DRM project (Track 1, 2024-2025), which delivered a

nationwide capacity-building programme for all 61 municipalities in Albania. This second phase focuses on

institutionalising disaster risk management (DRM) practices through the development and piloting of nationally

harmonised practices and frameworks. The project's specific objectives are three: 1) to develop and validate a

national methodology toolkit for local risk assessment and civil emergency planning, tested in municipalities

within Qarku Kukës and Qarku Berat, and prepared for national scale-up (WP2); 2) to create Albania’s first

strategic and operational framework for disability-inclusive DRM, developed in partnership with civil society and

tested in two or three municipalities (WP3); 3) to enhance public understanding of disaster risks and

preparedness measures, through the production and dissemination of tailored educational content (such as

videos, brochures, school kits, simulation events) and the rollout of a national public awareness campaign (WP4).

OHNSIC Operationalizing Host Nation Support

(HNS) for Iceland after the finalization of

the by-laws and the handbook

National Commissioner of

the Icelandic Police

IS € 409,700.00 01-02-2026 30-11-2027 The project aims to operationalise and strengthen Host-Nation Support (HNS) capacity in Iceland following the

2024 EU HNS Guidelines. It has three related objectives: establish functional coordination mechanisms among

relevant actors; develop operational capacity at key entry points; build sustainable HNS knowledge and capacity

through trainings and a train-the-trainers programme.

2026-2028

Projects awarded* under the call UCPM-2025-TRACK1

(The Grant Agreement for the projects indicated with * is not yet fully signed. More information on the projects will be provided once all grants have been signed.)

Project Acronym Project full title Beneficiary organisation

English translation

Beneficiary

country

Total Grant

(EUR) awarded

Start date End date Summary

RECOVERY-GUIDE-

NL

Towards a national guideline on recovery,

a whole of society approach to strengthen

resilience in The Netherlands

NEDERLANDS INSTITUUT

PUBLIEKE VEILIGHEID

NL € 717,521.46 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 NG-REC-NL aims to strengthen the national strategic framework for disaster risk management with the

development of a National Guideline on disaster/crisis recovery within five categories of recovery: basic relief,

information provision, emotional and social support, practical support, and health care.

SIREN Strengthening Public Warning and Civilian

Protection

Ministry of Interior FI € 678,867.47 01-01-2026 31-12-2027 The proposed projects aims to develop a new feature to cover airborne (military) threats in the 112 Suomi app,

which is an existing mobile application of the Emergency Response Centre Agency (ERCA). This new functionality

would complement the fixed siren system, delivering alerts to mobile phones with minimal delay. This new

functionality could be scaled up in in the future to include also other threats, such as wildfire smoke or toxic

gases from industrial fires. In addition to the development of mobile notification system for airborne threats, a

communication campaign is designed to support the uptake of the new feature and increase the awareness on

and the usage of the app in general.

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, ECHO.B.3

CORRESPONDENCE SLIP

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

the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; Members of the Civil Protection

Committee; Member States’ Permanent Representations and Participating

States’ Permanent Missions to the EU; Contact points for civil protection for

Kosovo (1); Marine Pollution Contact Points of the Member and Participating

States to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; National Training

Coordinators the Member and Participating States to the Union Civil Protection

Mechanism; Coordinators of ongoing and past Track 1 projects; Disaster

Prevention Expert Group; Members of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge

Network Board; Members of the Early Warning Expert Group

Copy to: Council Secretariat; EFTA Secretariat

Subject: Invitation to an information day on the Technical Assistance for

Disaster Risk Management “Track 1” (UCPM-2026-TRACK 1) call for

proposals, and call for expression of interest for the Technical

Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

Remarks: The information day will take place on:

Thursday, 12 February 2026

10:00 – 12:30 (CET)

Dear Directors-General,

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of the information day is to familiarise civil protection authorities and other

national authorities with disaster risk management responsibilities with two recently

launched capacity building opportunities:

1. The Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk Management “Track 1” (UCPM-

2026-TRACK 1) call for proposals, which was published on 20 January 2026.

This funding instrument provides financial support (with a rate of EU co-

financing of 95%) to the national disaster risk management authorities of Member

States and other participating states in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism for

the development of strategic activities (including feasibility studies, proposals,

(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

policies and plans) which can leverage investments for greater disaster risk

management impact.

The Track 1 call for proposals was published on the Commission’s EU Funding

& Tenders Portal , and information about the call is also available on the Union

Civil Protection Knowledge Network website. Last year, we received 41

proposals, among which only 13 were selected given the limited available budget.

We therefore highly recommend that your organisations submit a limited number

of proposals, reflecting key national priorities.

2. The Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF), for which a new call for

expression of interest is launched on 30 January 2026. The full information

package for TAFF was shared through note Ares(2026)1025221/29.01.2026. The

call for expressions of interest is published on the UCP Knowledge Network

website. 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).

The agenda and other practical details on the live streaming event will be published on

the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network website. Participants will be able to ask

questions via a dedicated session on slido.com.

I would be grateful if you could circulate this information within your organisation.

For any further queries, please contact: ECHO-CP-P&[email protected].

Yours faithfully,

Erwan MARTEIL

Head of Unit

Enclosure: Agenda of the information day

List of Track 1 grants awarded during 2025

Electronically signed

Electronically signed on 30/01/2026 17:16 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121

Projects awarded* under the call UCPM-2025-TRACK1

(The Grant Agreement for the projects indicated with * is not yet fully signed. More information on the projects will be provided once all grants have been signed.)

Project Acronym Project full title Beneficiary organisation

English translation

Beneficiary

country

Total Grant

(EUR) awarded

Start date End date Summary

AKRA-MERANDA Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Ports and

SEVESO Facilities-Oriented Disaster Risk

Management in Mersin: Resilient Society,

Resilient City

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY

MAGAGEMENT AUTHORITY

TR € 534,821.31 16-02-2026 15-02-2028 The project focuses on the Mersin Province, a region in Turkiye with a high disaster vulnerability and that hosts

strategically significant and economically vital infrastructure (including Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant

(Akkuyu NGS), one of the busiest commercial ports in the Eastern Mediterranean (Mersin International Port -

MIP), and over twenty upper-tier hazardous industrial facilities designated under the SEVESO III Directive). Any

emergency at one of these sites may lead to cascading cross-border impacts, extending across the

Mediterranean basin. To address these challenges, the project would develop integrated risk management

frameworks specifically tailored to Mersin’s multi-hazard environment; scenario-based SOPs and field exercises

for nuclear, chemical, and port-related emergencies; business continuity plans that account for cascading risks;

and public awareness and preparedness programs based on realistic scenarios.

BRIDGE-IT BRIDGE-IT, Building Resilience to Increase

Disaster Management Governance and

Emergency preparedness-Italy

Italian National Civil

Protection Department

IT € 540,000.00 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 The project aims to adapt the overall national Italian strategy, laying the foundations for improving the

emergency and crisis governance system in line with EU and international guidelines. It also aims at inform and

raise awareness among national stakeholders and support the implementation of necessary preparedness

activities to strengthen the resilience of society at all different levels.

CAMPER SAFE Disaster Risk Management Initiative for

Campsite Safety

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY

MAGAGEMENT AUTHORITY

TR € 329,996.56 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 The proposed project aims to develop a multi-risk disaster risk management strategy on safer ecotourism, in

particular, for camping facilities in the Thrace region. The action will be structured across three components: 1)

scientific and technical analyses of disaster risks for camp sites, with the objective to identify, assess, and map

disaster risks affecting campsites in the Thrace Region of Türkiye; 2) guideline for disaster-safe camping site

establishment and management, with the objective to develop a framework for planning and managing safe

campsites in disaster-prone areas including policy integration; 3) capacity building and knowledge exchange, with

the objective to strengthen the skills and preparedness of campsite operators, campers, and local authorities. As

a result, the proposed project should improve campsite safety standards through risk-based site selection

criteria; enhance early warning capabilities with a GIS-based awareness platform and real-time alerts; increase

preparedness among campers and campsite managers through training and awareness programs; strengthen

policy integration by providing technical guidelines for campsite regulation in Türkiye.

CORE COntinuity for REsilience. A Structured,

Multisectoral Approach Tailored to Civil

Protection Systems.

Italian National Civil

Protection Department

IT € 259,207.00 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 The project aims to strengthen the operational continuity of the Italian Civil Protection system by developing a

structured, scalable, and multisector methodology based on recognized international standards. The project will

draft the Continuity Plan and the Continuity Program for the national authority, providing a replicable model for

other actors within the system and for other countries. Pilot training and stress tests will also be conducted. In

addition to the national DPC, entities from three other categories will be involved (regional authorities, civil

society - volunteering organisations, and private sector organisations).

DRFC Development of Fire and Rescue

Capabilities and cooperation

DIRECTORATE FOR CIVIL

PROTECTION

NO € 640,000.00 01-01-2026 31-12-2027 The project aims to strengthen disaster risk management and civil protection capacity at the regional level in

Central Norway, with strong cross-border relevance. The project is designed to integrate regional risk analyses,

and to enhance cross-sectoral cooperation frameworks and scenario-based preparedness planning. It also plans

to develop and test digital tools to support decision-making and resource coordination.

Projects awarded* under the call UCPM-2025-TRACK1

(The Grant Agreement for the projects indicated with * is not yet fully signed. More information on the projects will be provided once all grants have been signed.)

Project Acronym Project full title Beneficiary organisation

English translation

Beneficiary

country

Total Grant

(EUR) awarded

Start date End date Summary

EICAD Enhancing Institutional Capacity to

Address disaster-related Displacement

MINISTRY OF INTERNAL

AFFAIRS

RO € 539,625.29 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 EICAD aims to develop a coherent policy and operational framework for the effective management of population

displacement, and the development of a risk-specific Action Plan. In addition, the project aims to reinforce

prevention and preparedness at the community level, particularly among vulnerable groups. The outputs will be:

1) updating the National Concept on Disaster-Related Population Displacement; 2) Updated National Concept for

the Efficient Management of Population Displacement; 3) Action Plan for the efficient management of

population displacement; 4) Analytical report on public perception, behavior and communication needs; 5)

Practical Guide for Evacuation and Protection [standard version for the general population, version for elderly

persons, guidance and illustrated checklists for persons with mobility impairments or limited autonomy, braille

and audio versions for persons with visual impairments, sign language video for persons with hearing

impairments and animated video content for children aged 10–14).

FIRESKILL* FIRESKILL – Modern Wildfire Training

System for Czech Firefighters

CZ The proposed project aims to develop methodical training materials and course curricula to be systematically

implemented across all levels of firefighter training in the Czech Republic. These materials will integrate

innovative techniques and methodologies proven effective in Southern European countries, combined with

modern technologies such as drones and advanced firefighting equipment. A critical component of this project

involves detailed studies and evaluations of specialised firefighter training centers and educational programs in

Spain, Portugal, and France. The overarching aim is to modernize and systematize wildland fire training within

the Czech Republic, ensuring that firefighters at all levels receive comprehensive and specialised instruction, fully

aligned with European standards and operational realities.

HESTIA Host Nation Support Emergency

Strengthening via Training and

Instructions for Assistance

FEDERALE

OVERHEIDSDIENST

BINNENLANDSE ZAKEN

BE € 395,002.00 01-12-2025 31-05-2027 The project aims to strengthen Belgium’s preparedness to receive international assistance and to align the

procedures with the 2024 updated EU Host Nation Support (HNS) Guidelines. This includes a mapping of the

current HNS procedures, a benchmarking of the procedures against those of other UCPM Member and

Participating states, followed by a gap analysis and a revision BE HNS procedures, completed with training and a

field exercise to test them.

HNS BridGER HNS BridGER - Bridging Legal Frameworks

and Practical Readiness in Host Nation

Support

BBK FEDERAL OFFICE OF

CIVIL PROTECTION AND

DISASTER ASSISTANCE

DE € 499,740.33 01-01-2026 31-12-2027 Under management of the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), this project

aims to develop a robust German Host-Nation Support (HNS) system to effectively and efficiently integrate

international assistance into Germany’s civil protection system, and to ensure transit of assistance when needed.

Key deliverables include: a nation-wide HNS plan (toolbox), a HNS liaison officer training concept, and a HNS

table-top exercise blueprint for use in training by relevant stakeholders.

LOCAL-DRM 2 Strengthening Disaster Risk Management

Capability at Local Level 2

AGJENCIA KOMBETARE E

MBROJTJES CIVILE

AL 01-02-2026 31-01-2028 The proposed project is the continuation of LOCAL-DRM project (Track 1, 2024-2025), which delivered a

nationwide capacity-building programme for all 61 municipalities in Albania. This second phase focuses on

institutionalising disaster risk management (DRM) practices through the development and piloting of nationally

harmonised practices and frameworks. The project's specific objectives are three: 1) to develop and validate a

national methodology toolkit for local risk assessment and civil emergency planning, tested in municipalities

within Qarku Kukës and Qarku Berat, and prepared for national scale-up (WP2); 2) to create Albania’s first

strategic and operational framework for disability-inclusive DRM, developed in partnership with civil society and

tested in two or three municipalities (WP3); 3) to enhance public understanding of disaster risks and

preparedness measures, through the production and dissemination of tailored educational content (such as

videos, brochures, school kits, simulation events) and the rollout of a national public awareness campaign (WP4).

OHNSIC Operationalizing Host Nation Support

(HNS) for Iceland after the finalization of

the by-laws and the handbook

National Commissioner of

the Icelandic Police

IS € 409,700.00 01-02-2026 30-11-2027 The project aims to operationalise and strengthen Host-Nation Support (HNS) capacity in Iceland following the

2024 EU HNS Guidelines. It has three related objectives: establish functional coordination mechanisms among

relevant actors; develop operational capacity at key entry points; build sustainable HNS knowledge and capacity

through trainings and a train-the-trainers programme.

2026-2028

Projects awarded* under the call UCPM-2025-TRACK1

(The Grant Agreement for the projects indicated with * is not yet fully signed. More information on the projects will be provided once all grants have been signed.)

Project Acronym Project full title Beneficiary organisation

English translation

Beneficiary

country

Total Grant

(EUR) awarded

Start date End date Summary

RECOVERY-GUIDE-

NL

Towards a national guideline on recovery,

a whole of society approach to strengthen

resilience in The Netherlands

NEDERLANDS INSTITUUT

PUBLIEKE VEILIGHEID

NL € 717,521.46 01-03-2026 29-02-2028 NG-REC-NL aims to strengthen the national strategic framework for disaster risk management with the

development of a National Guideline on disaster/crisis recovery within five categories of recovery: basic relief,

information provision, emotional and social support, practical support, and health care.

SIREN Strengthening Public Warning and Civilian

Protection

Ministry of Interior FI € 678,867.47 01-01-2026 31-12-2027 The proposed projects aims to develop a new feature to cover airborne (military) threats in the 112 Suomi app,

which is an existing mobile application of the Emergency Response Centre Agency (ERCA). This new functionality

would complement the fixed siren system, delivering alerts to mobile phones with minimal delay. This new

functionality could be scaled up in in the future to include also other threats, such as wildfire smoke or toxic

gases from industrial fires. In addition to the development of mobile notification system for airborne threats, a

communication campaign is designed to support the uptake of the new feature and increase the awareness on

and the usage of the app in general.

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, ECHO.B.3

CORRESPONDENCE SLIP

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

the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; Members of the Civil Protection

Committee; Member States’ Permanent Representations and Participating

States’ Permanent Missions to the EU; Contact points for civil protection for

Kosovo (1); Marine Pollution Contact Points of the Member and Participating

States to the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; National Training

Coordinators the Member and Participating States to the Union Civil Protection

Mechanism; Coordinators of ongoing and past Track 1 projects; Disaster

Prevention Expert Group; Members of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge

Network Board; Members of the Early Warning Expert Group

Copy to: Council Secretariat; EFTA Secretariat

Subject: Invitation to an information day on the Technical Assistance for

Disaster Risk Management “Track 1” (UCPM-2026-TRACK 1) call for

proposals, and call for expression of interest for the Technical

Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF)

Remarks: The information day will take place on:

Thursday, 12 February 2026

10:00 – 12:30 (CET)

Dear Directors-General,

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of the information day is to familiarise civil protection authorities and other

national authorities with disaster risk management responsibilities with two recently

launched capacity building opportunities:

1. The Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk Management “Track 1” (UCPM-

2026-TRACK 1) call for proposals, which was published on 20 January 2026.

This funding instrument provides financial support (with a rate of EU co-

financing of 95%) to the national disaster risk management authorities of Member

States and other participating states in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism for

the development of strategic activities (including feasibility studies, proposals,

(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

policies and plans) which can leverage investments for greater disaster risk

management impact.

The Track 1 call for proposals was published on the Commission’s EU Funding

& Tenders Portal , and information about the call is also available on the Union

Civil Protection Knowledge Network website. Last year, we received 41

proposals, among which only 13 were selected given the limited available budget.

We therefore highly recommend that your organisations submit a limited number

of proposals, reflecting key national priorities.

2. The Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF), for which a new call for

expression of interest is launched on 30 January 2026. The full information

package for TAFF was shared through note Ares(2026)1025221/29.01.2026. The

call for expressions of interest is published on the UCP Knowledge Network

website. 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).

The agenda and other practical details on the live streaming event will be published on

the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network website. Participants will be able to ask

questions via a dedicated session on slido.com.

I would be grateful if you could circulate this information within your organisation.

For any further queries, please contact: ECHO-CP-P&[email protected].

Yours faithfully,

Erwan MARTEIL

Head of Unit

Enclosure: Agenda of the information day

List of Track 1 grants awarded during 2025

Electronically signed

Electronically signed on 30/01/2026 17:16 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121