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06/05/2025 |
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Flash News from the
Disaster Risk Management
Knowledge Centre
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Welcome to the latest edition of the DRMKC newsletter, where we delve into the most pressing issues and innovative solutions in disaster risk management and crisis management. As the European Union continues to enhance its resilience and preparedness, the Preparedness Union Strategy (PUS) has emerged as a compass of collective effort, aiming to fortify the EU's capacity to anticipate, prevent, and respond to crises.
In this edition, we have curated selection of DRMKC policy briefs that present science for policy in support of Preparedness Union Strategy, delving into the complex and interconnected nature of cross-border risks, tipping points, and early warning systems for conflict and disaster risk management. Our Flash News also highlights the importance of preparedness and readiness in the face of growing, multi-dimensional hazards that threaten our world, from pandemics and climate change to security challenges and natural hazard-triggered technological risks. Furthermore, we explore the cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence in disaster risk management, as well as the development of innovative tools and datasets, such as the RDH Country Vulnerability Profiles and INFORM Risk 2025, designed to inform risk reduction and resilience planning.
The Preparedness Union Strategy is rooted in the principles of cooperation, solidarity, and shared responsibility, recognizing that preparedness is a collective endeavour that demands the active engagement of all stakeholders. In this spirit, our Flash News brings together the expertise and contributions of the DRMKC, as well as the JRC units united under the EMBRACE portfolio, which tackles the multifaceted nature of systemic and critical risks, encompassing both known and emerging threats, as well as long-term future risks. By combining our strengths and expertise, we aim to provide a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on the complex challenges that lie ahead.
To learn more please visit the DRMKC webiste
Have a good reading!
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Policy briefs in support of the Preparedness Union Strategy
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Flagship Reports and News
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2024 in review: EU maps to support disaster response
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The EU emergency maps enhance situational awareness after major disasters. Based on the two reports: January-June 2024 and July-December 2024, eight key maps provide an overview of last year’s disaster season explore the story.
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Ukraine hit by record-breaking wildfires in 2024
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In 2024, Ukraine faced its worst wildfire season on record, with devastation linked to the war front. Portugal also saw its most severe fires since 2017. While some regions burned, Europe overall had a milder season. How did the EU respond, and what do the numbers reveal?
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World Drought Atlas: the global water crisis requires urgent action
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The World Drought Atlas offers a comprehensive global view of drought patterns and their impacts on agriculture, energy, and public health. Created by the JRC, in collaboration with UNDRR, various scientific institutions, and EU agencies, the Atlas emphasizes the need for effective drought management and international cooperation to strengthen resilience against growing water scarcity and related risks.
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Artificial Intelligence applied to disasters and crises management
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A new report looks at how AI—especially tools like large language models—can help Europe respond to disasters faster and smarter, by improving how we detect, understand, and act on crises. It features real-world examples from the EU’s crisis lab.
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AI tool to help detect growing climate hazards for EU agriculture
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JRC researchers developed an expert-driven explainable AI model able to detect multiple climate hazards impacting agriculture. Combining decades of expert knowledge with advanced AI techniques, it enables the probabilistic detection and uncertainty estimation of areas of concern for agriculture, hence improving risk management.
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Tools and Datasets
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Events and Calls
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Call for evidence on the Stockpiling Strategy, have your say!
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| A comprehensive EU stockpiling strategy would help ensure critical goods and materials during all crisis scenarios, both at EU and national level. The aim of the consultation activities is to obtain information on the different existing sectoral frameworks at national and EU level on strategic stockpiling, their challenges and common features, as well as best practices. The Commission is consulting stakeholders through a formal call for evidence in all official EU languages. Have your say! |
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Explore Research Opportunities on Climate Change Risks
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| Access Cutting-Edge European Research Infrastructure Services through the IRISCC Project. Explore the IRISCC Catalogue of Services and don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the first Transnational and Virtual Access Call. |
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Additional Resources
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Drought over large parts of Europe raises concern
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| Low rainfall, dry soils, and shrinking rivers are pressuring ecosystems, farming, and transport routes across Europe and neighbouring regions. |
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Severe drought in Africa persists and is expected to worsen
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| Severe drought across large parts of Africa, caused by prolonged low rainfall and high temperatures, is threatening food security, agriculture, and water resources, with impacts expected to worsen despite slight recent improvements in precipitation. |
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Emerging risks and opportunities for EU internal security stemming from new technologies
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| A new report examines how key enabling technologies - AI, quantum computing, advanced sensing, blockchain, and drones - can address security challenges in the EU. They can enhance law enforcement and infrastructure resilience but they also bring risks like misuse and regulatory gaps. The report sheds light on how the EU can best balance these risks and opportunities. |
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Natural hazard-triggered technological risk analysis in the defence sector
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| A new JRC report examines Natech risks in military facilities, which are often excluded from EU policy and legislation. It proposes a methodology for Natech risk analysis and presents case-studies which identify risk metrics and potential cascading effects. Recommendations emphasise the need for stricter safety protocols, reinforced infrastructure, and targeted risk reduction measures to enhance EU defence resilience and support disaster management planning, relevant also under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. |
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Accounting for climate transition risk in banks’ capital requirements
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| A new study models the impact of climate transition risk on EU banks. While moderate risks cause modest losses, high-carbon assets becoming riskier could trigger systemic crises. |
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Strengthening responder technology in disasters
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| This policy brief urges coordinated action among responders, policymakers, and solution providers to enhance emergency response through innovative, capability-driven solutions, aligning with EU priorities and future threats while advancing technological sovereignty and resilience. |
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Early warning system for predicting seasonal West Nile virus infection risk in humans in northern Greece
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| A new study introduces a novel municipal-level West Nile Virus risk forecasting tool tested in Greece. By combining climate and data-driven models, it predicts human cases with increasing accuracy, relevant for planning control strategies. |
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Mapping seismic risk and presence of asbestos to unlock wider benefits of building renovation in Europe
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| Many EU buildings lack modern earthquake resistance and may contain asbestos (naturally occurring fibrous minerals), posing health risks during disasters, like earthquakes. This study maps asbestos' presence and seismic risk in EU’s residential buildings, identifying vulnerable regions to support renovation efforts, emergency planning, mitigation efforts and policies for more resilient buildings. |
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Transformative innovation for climate change adaptation: insights from Slovenia, Blekinge, and Turku
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| New reports on transformative innovation for climate adaptation examine national, regional, and urban approaches in Slovenia, Blekinge, and Turku. They show how place-based innovation helps accelerate adaptation, enhance resilience, and create economic opportunities. The findings offer practical guidance for EU territories to implement innovative climate adaptation strategies. |
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Decoding Depression: Navigating the Environome for Mental Health Resilience
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| The COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, and the climate crisis have exacerbated mental health challenges across populations, necessitating robust and adaptive policy responses. A new JRC study suggests prioritising comprehensive approaches to depression. |
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