EU Civil Protection Exercise 'CROSSFLOOD' Brings 235 First Responders from Six Countries to Romania

From 28 September to 2 October, 235 first‑responder teams from Austria, Czechia, Estonia, France, Romania and Ukraine gathered in Suceava County, Romania, for the EU‑funded exercise CROSSFLOOD. The drill, organised by the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, tested teams’ ability to coordinate across a complex scenario that combined floods, contamination and conflict‑related hazards. The EU is covering about 90 % of the €1 million cost, in line with the Preparedness Union Strategy’s goal of strengthening Europe’s readiness for multi‑hazard crises. Following the exercise, an evaluation will identify lessons for future emergency response operations. President von der Leyen highlighted the political importance of preparedness in her recent State of the Union address.