Europe is facing an increasingly complex risk environment. From natural disasters and infrastructure failures to cyberattacks, disinformation and severe geopolitical tensions, the question is not whether another crisis will occur, but when.

Preparing for this reality requires more than resilient systems and institutions – and it depends on societies that are informed, engaged and able to act when those systems come under strain. Yet there is no one-size-fits-all model. Threat perceptions, cultural contexts and societal motivations vary widely across the continent.

This mapping highlights a variety of civil, community- and citizen-led initiatives that strengthen societal preparedness across Europe. It aims to showcase existing practices, spark inspiration and enable mutual learning across countries. For each country, the mapping presents one to a maximum of three selected initiatives, providing illustrative rather than exhaustive insights into national approaches.

Adopting an all-hazards approach, it reflects the broad spectrum of risks European societies face – from countering disinformation and improving crisis communication to disaster response training and conflict preparedness. The initiatives range from state-led  programmes to grassroots efforts, illustrating how preparedness can develop from the top down and the bottom up.

This non-exhaustive map makes no claim to completeness. Further transnational, regional and international initiatives – including those led by the UN, the EU and other regional organisations, such as the Council of the Baltic Sea States – complement this landscape but are not included here due to the country-based focus of the map.

 

 

Austria: Volunteering for resilience

Active since 2022, freiwillig-engagiert.at is a nationwide online platform connecting citizens in Austria with volunteer opportunities across a wide range of fields. Similar in concept to France’s Je Veux Aider, it is a central access point for civic engagement.

The platform allows users to search for projects, connect with organisations and participate in activities ranging from everyday social support to crisis assistance. Volunteers can contribute to disaster response, for example, by supporting evacuations after floods, distributing emergency supplies or assisting in shelters and relief operations.

The initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion, lower barriers to volunteering and enable citizens to actively contribute to societal resilience in everyday life and emergencies.

Belgium: Prioritising emergency responses

Launched in 2023 and coordinated by safe.brussels, BRU Response brings together crisis centres, local administrations, emergency services and a civilian reserve of several hundred volunteers in the Brussels-Capital Region. The initiative prepares the region for emergencies, such as natural disasters, power outages and security incidents.

Its core focus lies on coordination and interoperability. BRU Response organises joint trainings, develops emergency plans, and establishes communication channels linking authorities, responders and citizens. By actively involving the population alongside institutions, the initiative aims to strengthen regional resilience, enable early crisis detection, minimise damage and improve cooperation during emergencies.

Bulgaria: People supporting professionals

Active for several years in the south-western city of Blagoevgrad, the Georgi Izmirliev-Makedoncheto formation consists of voluntary civil protection units supporting municipal emergency and fire response. The initiative is formally integrated into local crisis management structures.

Volunteers receive regular training in firefighting, first aid, evacuation procedures and basic disaster management, supported by municipal funding and modern equipment. Through close cooperation between volunteers and authorities, the initiative aims to build a well-prepared local reserve that can respond quickly to crises, strengthen prevention and relieve professional emergency services when needed.

Czech Republic: Fighting a war on disinformation

Founded in 2018, Czech Elves is a volunteer network dedicated to countering disinformation and hostile propaganda, particularly from Russia. Inspired by similar initiatives in the Baltic states, the group operates anonymously to protect its members and ensure independence.

The Elves monitor online spaces such as social media, websites and messaging chains, systematically documenting false narratives and manipulation campaigns. Their findings are shared with journalists, NGOs and public institutions, alongside regular analytical reports. The initiative aims to protect democratic discourse and strengthen societal resilience by reducing the impact of disinformation.

Denmark: A connected society

Beredskabsforbundet (Emergency Response Association) is a long-standing Danish organisation focused on strengthening citizen preparedness and supporting emergency services. It plays an important role in linking civil society engagement with professional response structures.

Through targeted training programmes, the organisation teaches citizens accident prevention, first aid and crisis response skills. At the same time, it supports local fire brigades and civil protection units by helping recruit and train volunteers and part-time firefighters. Its goal is to build a resilient society where citizens act responsibly in emergencies and responders receive effective civilian support.

Estonia: Empowering young people

Kodutütred (“Daughters of the Homeland”) and Noored Kotkad (“Young Eagles”) are youth organisations linked to Estonia’s military volunteer association. They form part of Estonia’s broader whole-of-society approach to national defence and resilience.

Children and teenagers participate voluntarily in camps focusing on survival skills, orientation, teamwork and stress resilience under realistic, but age-appropriate, conditions. While adult members receive military training, the youth organisations focus on foundational preparedness. Their goal is to foster physical endurance, mental resilience and crisis awareness from an early age, strengthening Estonia’s overall societal readiness.

Finland: Critical thinkers of the future

Finland’s national media literacy policy, introduced in 2013 and updated in 2019, integrates critical thinking and misinformation awareness into the education system from early childhood. It is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Finland’s societal resilience.

Children as young as six learn to verify sources, identify false narratives and navigate digital platforms safely through interactive lessons and real-life examples. The policy forms part of a broader effort to protect democratic values and counter online manipulation. Its goal is to create informed, critical citizens capable of recognising disinformation and making responsible decisions in the digital environment.

France: Civic responsibility in the spotlight

Launched in 2020, Je Veux Aider is a government-run online platform connecting citizens with volunteer opportunities across social support, crisis response and civil protection. It serves as a central hub for civic engagement.

Users can search for projects, register for assignments and participate in activities, including everyday assistance, emergency first aid, incident prevention and community safety. By lowering barriers to volunteering and structuring engagement nationwide, the initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion, promote a culture of volunteerism and empower citizens to contribute to a resilient society.

Germany: From furrows to firefighting

Initiated in 2022, Red Farmer began as a civil protection network connecting farmers, vintners and fire departments to support emergency response, especially during wildfires. The initiative builds on the availability of agricultural machinery as a critical resource in disaster situations. In 2025, Red Farmer e.V. was formally established to raise nationwide awareness and expand the network across Germany.

Through an online platform, volunteers register equipment such as tractors, water tanks and slurry wagons for rapid deployment. By pooling regional resources and creating direct links between agriculture and emergency services, Red Farmer aims to complement existing structures, support emergency services and improve preparedness for large-scale fires and natural disasters.

Germany: A proud history of communications

Founded in 1950, the German Amateur Radio Club (DARC) unites around 35,000 radio amateurs operating a voluntary independent emergency communication network. The organisation has decades of experience working alongside authorities and relief organisations.

Using designated frequencies, relay stations and portable equipment, DARC ensures communication during power outages or failures of conventional networks. Members are trained to rapidly establish reliable radio links between authorities, organisations and the population. The initiative’s goal is to secure crisis communication, support coordination during emergencies, and strengthen resilience against large-scale disruptions.

Germany: Powering the country through crises

Since 2014, WEMAG Netz GmbH and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) have cooperated to strengthen energy supply security during crises. The partnership brings together expertise from energy infrastructure and disaster response.

As part of the cooperation, THW personnel receive technical training from WEMAG specialists. Joint exercises simulate scenarios, such as large-scale power outages, to improve coordination and response speed. Through practical drills and knowledge transfer, the initiative aims to enhance crisis resilience, protect critical infrastructure and help maintain energy supply during emergencies.

Greece: Inclusivity for everyone

Since 2013, FILIOS ZEUS has operated as a civil protection organisation focused on citizen engagement and volunteer coordination, with particular attention to people with disabilities. It addresses inclusion as a core element of preparedness.

The organisation trains and prepares volunteers for prevention, response and relief operations, while raising awareness of inclusive disaster planning. It promotes cooperation between communities, emergency services and local authorities for faster, more effective action. FILIOS ZEUS aims to strengthen solidarity, improve protection for vulnerable groups, and build a more inclusive, resilient civil protection system.

Hungary: Backup for Budapest

Hungary’s voluntary Central-Buda Civil Protection Association (Közép-Budai OPVE) is a founding member of the Budapest Rescue Union, an umbrella organisation for non-profit rescue groups in the capital. Launched in 2004, it operates as a voluntary complement to official emergency services, providing additional capacity when state resources are overstretched.

More than 120 volunteers can be deployed to assist in flood protection, technical rescue, first aid, logistics, search and rescue operations, and incident coordination. OPVE also conducts training and preparedness activities to strengthen volunteer skills. The organisation’s goal is to improve civilian protection, enhance crisis preparedness, and strengthen societal resilience through structured volunteer engagement and operational support.

Lithuania: Preparing in the air

Lithuania is establishing a nationwide network of drone training centres to develop civilian and student competencies in drone use, construction and programming. The initiative is jointly led by defence, education and municipal actors, and is slated to be completed in 2028.

Age-specific training includes practical piloting, drone building, programming and competitions. Thousands of participants are expected to acquire technical skills. Beyond technology, the programme aims to strengthen civil resilience, foster problem-solving abilities and contribute to Lithuania’s broader approach to societal preparedness and national defence. By 2028, around 15,500 people – including 7,000 children – are expected to acquire drone-related skills.

Lithuania: Counteracting fake news online

Active since 2014, the Lithuanian Elves are a volunteer network of around 5,000 members countering online disinformation. The initiative emerged in response to increasing Russian information operations.

Operating anonymously, the Elves identify and expose manipulative content, exchange intelligence, and cooperate with journalists and IT security experts. Members regularly train one another and share insights on emerging narratives. Their goal is to promote an informed and resilient public, reduce the impact of propaganda, and help create a more transparent and trustworthy digital environment.

Lithuania: Preparing in the air

Locked N’ Loaded brings together military veterans, medical professionals, paramedics and cybersecurity experts to strengthen civilian crisis readiness. Founded in 2018, the initiative focuses on practical, hands-on preparedness.

Training programmes cover first aid, tactical medicine, survival skills, evacuation planning, and resilience against cyber and information threats. Participants learn how to act confidently in extreme situations. By equipping citizens with actionable skills, rather than abstract guidance, Locked N’ Loaded aims to improve national resilience and enhance Lithuania’s preparedness for emergencies and security challenges.

Malta: Defending the digital frontline

Established in 2022 and operated by the Malta Information Technology Agency, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC) strengthens Malta’s cyber resilience by connecting government, industry, academia and civil society.

The NCC serves as a central contact point for cybersecurity matters, supports access to EU funding programmes, and assists organisations with project applications. It also organises training sessions, networking events and an annual cybersecurity conference. The initiative aims to enhance cyber defence capabilities, foster innovation, and strengthen cooperation at national and European levels.

Netherlands: Safety starts at school

Operating since 2022, the Risk Factory is an interactive education centre run by the Safety Region Midden- en West-Brabant, a regional authority comprising municipalities, emergency services and public health actors. Inspired by a Scottish model, it targets children aged between 10 and 12.

Through immersive, scenario-based learning, pupils experience realistic situations, such as fires, cybercrime, traffic accidents, and interactions with emergency services. The programme emphasises active decision-making and risk awareness. Its goal is to embed safety consciousness early, strengthen personal responsibility, and contribute to long-term societal resilience through cooperation between schools, authorities and safety organisations.

Poland: Preparedness education and training

In recent years, Poland has expanded preparedness education through several complementary initiatives organised in close cooperation with the armed forces. Together, they aim to normalise crisis awareness, emergency response skills and basic defence preparedness across society.

Vacation with the Army, launched in 2024, offers volunteers aged between 18 and 35 a 27-day basic military training course. Held during the summer, participants acquire skills, such as first aid, navigation, communication and basic tactics, before being registered as reservists.

Education with the Military brings soldiers into schools, where students receive practical instruction on first aid, identifying shelters, reacting to alarms and appropriate behaviour in emergencies. Thousands of schools participate nationwide.

Launched in 2025, W Gotowości (“In Readiness”) extends preparedness training to the wider population. Free voluntary courses at military facilities cover safety procedures, survival and evacuation planning, terrain navigation, and cybersecurity awareness.

Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen societal resilience by embedding preparedness across age groups and engaging the broad population.

Portugal: Wildfire awareness and action

Launched in 2018, Aldeia Segura, Pessoas Seguras (“Safe Village, Safe People”) is a community-based wildfire preparedness programme implemented with municipalities in fire-prone areas. It focuses on prevention, early warning and self-protection.

Communities develop evacuation plans, conduct drills, establish local warning mechanisms and receive preparedness equipment. Thousands of citizens have participated in exercises, while shelters and places of refuge have been created nationwide. By actively involving residents, the programme aims to reduce wildfire casualties and damage, while fostering a lasting culture of preparedness and shared responsibility.

Romania: Big picture preparedness

Active since 2007, CN APELL-RO is a Romanian non-profit organisation specialising in disaster protection and crisis management. It cooperates with public authorities, academia and private sector partners.

A core activity is organising large-scale international exercises under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, simulating floods, wildfires and CBRN incidents. These exercises test coordination and operational readiness under realistic conditions. In addition, CN APELL-RO conducts training and awareness activities for communities. Its goal is to strengthen preparedness, improve early risk identification, and enhance resilience at local, national and European levels.

Scotland: Scenario-based safety

Active since 2007, the Risk Factory in Edinburgh provides practical risk and safety training for children, young people and adults. It primarily targets pupils from grade 7 onwards, as well as individuals with special needs.

The  programme is built around immersive, real-life scenarios in a specially designed training environment. Participants learn to identify risks and respond appropriately in different situations, such as dangerous traffic conditions, electrical hazards, fire, internet safety threats and flooding. By simulating everyday dangers, the Risk Factory combines hands-on learning with realistic decision-making.

The initiative aims to promote safety, independence and confidence, preparing participants to act correctly and responsibly in emergencies.

Slovakia: Strategically supporting the state

Dobrovoľná civilná ochrana (DZBCO) is a voluntary civil protection organisation supporting Slovakia’s emergency management system. It mobilises citizens as a supplementary capacity alongside professional responders.

Activities include first aid training, evacuation exercises, public preparedness sessions and humanitarian assistance, such as food distribution. DZBCO also participates in rescue and relief operations during emergencies. Through prevention, education and practical engagement, the organisation aims to strengthen societal resilience, improve civilian protection and improve responses when crises exceed state capacities.

Spain: A new generation of prepared citizens

Following years of deadly floods and wildfires, Spain introduced a nationwide programme for public schools in 2025. The initiative aims to reach 25,000 schools.

During training, the pupils receive age-appropriate instruction on how to respond to floods, wildfires, earthquakes, industrial accidents and other hazards. Lessons combine practical guidance with videos, infographics and interactive materials. Beyond emergency behaviour, the programme promotes critical evaluation of information during crises. Its goal is to equip the next generation with the skills, awareness and judgement needed to act safely and responsibly in emergencies.

Sweden: Tuning in for public awareness

Samhällskollaps (“Society Collapse”) is a series of public television broadcasts that simulate major crises, such as cyberattacks, power outages, natural disasters and disinformation campaigns.

Broadcasting since 2022, the presentations feature real decision-makers and experts from politics, government agencies, the military and crisis management responding to unfolding scenarios under realistic conditions. The programme exposes vulnerabilities and coordination challenges while explaining crisis procedures. Its aim is to educate the public, raise awareness of preparedness, and stimulate societal debate on resilience and crisis readiness.

Sweden: A century of female determination

Founded in 1924, Svenska Lottakåren is Sweden’s largest women-only voluntary defence organisation, with around 5,000-6,000 members nationwide. It forms an important part of Sweden’s total defence system.

The organisation offers training in crisis management, civil protection, leadership, logistics, communication and defence-related support roles. Members support civilian authorities and the armed forces through exercises and deployments. Svenska Lottakåren aims to strengthen societal preparedness, promote democratic awareness and enable women to contribute actively to national security and resilience.

About the authors

Lena Schmalhorst is a trainee in the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Europe programme, supporting work on European security and resilience.

Helena Quis works in the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Europe programme as an expert on European security and resilience, focusing on comprehensive defence and civil preparedness.

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