SUNSHINE Project Hosts First Training Seminar on EU Space Data and Services for Disaster Resilience

From 25 to 28 November 2025, the EU-funded SUNSHINE project successfully held the first Training Seminar at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences in Tallinn. This landmark event marked an important step in supporting the uptake of EU Space Programme data and services by national civil protection authorities, complementing the Union’s broader efforts to strengthen disaster resilience across EU Member States.

The seminar brought together operational responders, civil protection experts, and technical specialists from across the European Union. Over four days of training, the participants strengthened their knowledge of the EU Space Programme - including Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) and Galileo Early Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) – and how it can be used to anticipate, prepare for and respond to a wide range of natural hazards. The event reflected the objectives of SUNSHINE to foster a more integrated and effective use of EU Space-based services within civil protection operations.

The Tallinn seminar was the first-ever EU-level cross-cutting training designed to cover all components of the EU Space Programme - Copernicus, Galileo, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), GOVSATCOM, and IRIS² - within a single operational framework for civil protection authorities. The Seminar’s innovative and pedagogical approach enabled attendees to develop a comprehensive understanding of how these services can jointly reinforce national and cross-border emergency management procedures.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in expert presentations, as well as hands-on demonstrations and workshops, analysing real case studies and exploring interoperable uses of EU Space assets data and services. The programme also provided a valuable platform for strengthening cooperation among EU Member States, fostering a common approach to integrating space-derived information into disaster management workflows and procedures.

The project team expresses its appreciation to the Civil Protection Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia to have opened the Training Seminar welcoming participants and highlighting Estonia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen civil protection and underscoring the importance of advancing the cross-border use of space-based services to increase resilience, reinforce civil protection measures, and strengthen the safety of people across the European Union.

In addition, a sincere thanks goes to the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, for hosting the seminar and for their commitment to advancing European civil protection capacities.

The SUNSHINE project consortium comprises Telespazio France, ALSO Space, CNES, Edelweiss Resilience, EENA, FDC, IABG and UNISTRA-SERTIT, whose combined expertise ensured the scientific rigour and operational relevance of the training.

“The first SUNSHINE Training Seminar in Tallinn demonstrated the essential role that our satellites play in increasing European Union’s disaster resilience. By bringing together all the EU Space components in a single operational training for the first time, we have provided civil protection experts with a cross-cutting perspective on their practical use which directly strengthen their preparedness and response capacities.”

Eric Guyader, Project Officer at European Commission’s Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS)

“Space data and services offer significant potential to improve situational awareness, operational continuity, and early warning systems, both in Estonia and across the EU. Building the skills and knowledge needed to use these tools effectively is essential, which is why we are grateful not only for the opportunity to learn from this seminar, but also to host the first event of its kind.”

Hedi Arukase, Head of the Civil Protection Department at Estonia’s Ministry of the Interior

"From the Estonian Rescue Service Agency, such training has been extremely valuable. Advancements in space technologies are of significant interest to us, particularly regarding early warning systems, as they help ensure continuous operational effectiveness."

Maret Põldveer, Advisor for Public Warning Systems, Estonian Rescue Service Agency

 

Background Information

As a direct answer to a European Parliament request, SUNSHINE is an EU-funded project which aims to strengthen disaster resilience across Europe by facilitating the uptake of EU Space Programme data and services within civil protection frameworks. It is coordinated by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS), in coordination with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).

The SUNSHINE project directly supports the objectives of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) by promoting the uptake of EU Space data and services to strengthen disaster resilience and improve civil protection operations. Through trainings, technical assistance, exercises, and recommendations, SUNSHINE will improve the understanding of the EU Space services, and will help UCPM stakeholders and civil protection authorities across Member States exploit the full potential of these space-based capacities.