European experts joined together in Timișoara for an advanced space and civil protection seminar
The EU-funded SUNSHINE project brought together disaster management professionals, technical specialists, and civil protection authorities from across Europe for its third Training Seminar, held in Timișoara, Romania, from 5 to 8 May 2026.
The event marked another important step in strengthening Europe’s disaster resilience through advanced space technologies and satellite-based services.
Following earlier seminars in Tallinn, Estonia, and Strasbourg, France, the Timișoara edition continued the project’s mission of helping national civil protection authorities better integrate EU Space Programme services into emergency management operations.
Building disaster preparedness
Over four days, participants explored how space-based systems can improve disaster anticipation, response, and coordination. The seminar focused on several major components of the EU Space Programme, including Copernicus, Galileo, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), GOVSATCOM, and IRIS².
The SUNSHINE seminars are considered the first EU-level training initiative to combine all these services into one operational framework dedicated specifically to civil protection and emergency response.
Attendees took part in expert-led lectures, practical workshops, simulation exercises, and real-world case studies designed to provide hands-on experience. Special attention was given to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS), which supports authorities during natural disasters by providing satellite imagery and emergency mapping.
Another key topic was the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS), a satellite-based alert system designed to provide resilient communication during emergencies. Interest in EWSS is growing rapidly as several EU Member States are now preparing to implement the service at a national level.
Encouraging cross-border cooperation
One of the seminar’s major goals was to strengthen collaboration between European countries in disaster management. Participants exchanged national experiences and discussed how space-derived data can improve cross-border emergency response procedures.
The programme also aims to create a long-term professional network. Participants will now act as contact points in their respective countries for future SUNSHINE activities, including technical assistance programmes and bilateral exchanges. They will also remain in contact with national representatives involved in the European Commission’s Expert Group on early warning and alert systems.
The opening session featured Brigadier General Lucian-Vasile Mihoc, Leader of the Timiș County Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, who welcomed participants and highlighted Romania’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety and disaster resilience.
He stressed the importance of using the EU Space Programme to strengthen emergency preparedness and protect citizens across the European Union.
The seminar was hosted by the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, which was praised for its support in advancing European civil protection capabilities and fostering innovation in disaster management training.
Final seminar and simulation exercise ahead
The SUNSHINE Training Seminar series will conclude with a final session scheduled for 23 to 26 June 2026 in Zagreb, Croatia. Organisers have confirmed that the Expression of Interest for participation remains open.
Participants from the training programme will also have the opportunity to join the second and final SUNSHINE Simulation Exercise in Brussels on 6–7 October 2026. The exercise will test the operational knowledge gained throughout the programme using realistic disaster response scenarios.
The SUNSHINE consortium includes leading organisations such as Telespazio France, ALSO Space, CNES, Edelweiss Resilience, EENA, FDC, IABG, and UNISTRA-SERTIT, whose combined expertise continues to support Europe’s growing focus on disaster resilience and space-enabled emergency management.
