From 30 June to 2 July 2026, the TOGETHER Project participated in the CERIS Disaster Resilience Days in Brussels, the European Commission’s flagship event bringing together researchers, policymakers, first responders, innovators and public authorities to discuss the future of disaster resilience in Europe. The event focused on strengthening preparedness through innovation, community engagement, secure communications, international cooperation and the transition from research to operational practice.
TOGETHER was proud to be among the Horizon Europe projects showcased during the event, presenting its work on improving disaster risk governance, coordination and interoperability through its exhibition stand and exchanges with stakeholders from across Europe.
Several keynote sessions closely reflected the project’s objectives. The opening address by Giannis Skiadaresis (DG HOME), “From Reaction to Strategic Planning: A New Approach,” highlighted the need to move from reactive emergency response towards proactive preparedness and foresight—an ambition that lies at the heart of TOGETHER. Similarly, Rachele Beretta (DG ECHO) presented a strategic vision for embedding preparedness into European policies and institutions, reinforcing the importance of multi-level coordination and cross-sector collaboration.
Throughout the conference, discussions on whole-of-society preparedness, stakeholder engagement, command and control systems, and the uptake of research results strongly aligned with TOGETHER’s mission to develop practical governance frameworks and interoperable solutions that support authorities, emergency services and communities before, during and after disasters.
Participation in the CERIS Disaster Resilience Days provided an excellent opportunity for TOGETHER to strengthen links with the wider Disaster Resilient Societies community, exchange knowledge with fellow Horizon Europe projects, and contribute to building a more resilient and better-prepared Europe.
