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European Commission - Press release Commissioners Kubilius and Lahbib strengthen global disaster risk management through space technologies Brussels, 14 October 2026 On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Management, the European Commission is convening the very first cross-regional dialogue ‘From Space to Grassroots: Strengthening Community Resilience to Natural Hazards through Space Technologies...
European Commission - Press release Commissioners Kubilius and Lahbib strengthen global disaster risk management through space technologies Brussels, 14 October 2026 On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Management, the European Commission is convening the very first cross-regional dialogue ‘From Space to Grassroots: Strengthening Community Resilience to Natural Hazards through Space Technologies'. The dialogue marked the start of a process to further strengthen international cooperation to anticipate, prepare for and respond to disasters using space technologies. The dialogue identified opportunities for closer cooperation with partners worldwide, from improving early warning systems and sharing satellite data and expertise to strengthening national and local response capacities. The aim is to make better use of space technologies across all levels of action, to protect lives and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities. Space services support all phases of the disaster management cycle, from preparedness and prevention with forecasts and early warnings to mapping in support of emergency response and recovery assessments after the disasters. Satellite data also feeds into information systems to facilitate the work of competent authorities in Europe and worlwide. The outcome of the discussions of Hadja Lahbib , Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and Andrius Kubilius , Commissioner for Defence and Space resulted into a “ Compass on Space and Disaster Risk Management ”. This document emphasizes the need to translate data into actionable information. As disasters expand, so should our capacity to anticipate and mitigate their impact, beyond borders and in partnership with local, national and international bodies. Kamal Kishore, UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Thomas Byrne, the Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, also participated in this event, alongside representatives of disaster risk management organisations from Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa. Background European space services stem from Copernicus , the EU Earth observation system, Galileo , the EU's Global Navigation Satellite System, GOVSATCOM and the upcoming IRIS ² , the EU system for secure satellite communications. Furthermore, the EU has a variety of early warning and information systems and tools helping anticipate threats, detect emerging disasters and coordinate faster, more effective responses, ultimately helping to save lives disaster. Indicatively, these include the European Forest Fire Information System , the European Flood Awareness System , and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System . For more information Early warning and information systems for disaster management IP/26/2164 Quote(s): "Space is a strategic asset for Europe, with a direct impact on the security and lives of our citizens. Through Copernicus, Europe’s eyes on Earth, we provide critical and timely information to help authorities anticipate disasters, assess their impact and respond when every minute counts. The EU is further reinforcing its space services with Galileo, GOVSATCOM and IRIS². This is the real-life example of EU’s action in space." Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space "When a river is about to flood, families don’t need a hazard map. They need a clear warning, from someone they trust, in time to get to safety. And first responders need to know when to open shelters and help people evacuate. That is why we are working with our partners to turn satellite data into action on the ground. Acting earlier, working together, protecting people. We have extraordinary technology orbiting above our heads. But the real power of space technology is not what we can see from above, but the lives we can protect below." Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management <@rel_link@> Press contacts: Eva HRNCIROVA (+32 2 298 84 33) Thomas REGNIER (+32 2 299 10 99) Quentin CORTES (+32 2 291 32 83) Kateřina Horáková (+32 2 299 93 10) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email Related documents Compass on Space and Disaster Risk Management.pdf
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