Organised by the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and Eurisy, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania and Innovation Agency Lithuania, the event highlights a strong partnership between European and national space institutions. The upcoming gathering in Vilnius will bring together public authorities, civil protection experts, and the private sector to explore how the EU Space Programme can significantly enhance disaster response and risk reduction.
At the core of the event is the presentation of cutting-edge technologies that are crucial for modern emergency management. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS), a revolutionary system currently in its testing phase, designed to send safety information directly to mobile phones even in areas where terrestrial network coverage is entirely unavailable. The workshop will also feature GOVSATCOM, demonstrating the vital role of resilient, secure satellite communications for governmental users during crises.
Edvinas Grikšas, Minister of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, emphasized the strategic importance of the upcoming event:
“As extreme weather events and natural disasters become more frequent due to climate change, relying solely on traditional management tools is no longer enough. Space technologies provide a crucial advantage. This event in Vilnius not only highlights our strong and expanding partnership with EUSPA and Eurisy but also underscores Lithuania’s commitment to adopting the most advanced EU space capabilities to protect our citizens, infrastructure, and environment.”
The event also serves as a testament to the rapid expansion of the Lithuanian space sector. Dr. Monika Paulė, Director of Innovation Agency Lithuania, highlighted the country’s growing potential and readiness to contribute:
“The Lithuanian space sector’s potential is growing exponentially – since 2022, as many as 52 new Lithuanian companies have joined European Space Agency programs. Furthermore, we are successfully participating in 13 EUSPA projects with 2.14 million euros in funding. Our industry possesses exceptionally strong competencies in Earth Observation, which is vital for monitoring floods, wildfires, and storms. By bringing European partners and local stakeholders together, we aim to ensure that these advanced space systems and our national innovations are smoothly integrated into the daily operations of crisis management institutions.”
Eurisy, a key partner in this initiative, focuses on bridging the gap between space capabilities and end-users on the ground. Rodrigo da Costa, Executive Director of EUSPA, noted the importance of practical application:
“The value of the EU Space Programme is measured by the benefits it delivers to its users. By bringing together operational stakeholders and space experts, we are helping ensure that European Union space capabilities and services are fully leveraged to support Member States in addressing real-world challenges.”
Building on this idea, Eric Morel de Westgave, President of Eurisy – an organisation focused on technology integration – stresses that the successful application of these solutions requires direct dialogue with those working on the ground at disaster sites: “Space technologies can make a real difference to disaster risk managers, such as Civil Protection and first responders, from monitoring hazards and strengthening early warning to supporting preparedness and response. But for these services to be truly useful, they must respond to the realities of those working on the ground. This is why it is important for Eurisy to co-organise these workshops: they bring disaster risk managers and space actors together to discuss concrete needs, operational challenges and where space-based solutions can make a difference. The voice of the users is essential to shape services they can rely on.”
The workshop will take place on October 1, 2026, at the Simbiosity Hall in the Nova building, Vilnius. It will feature thematic sessions focusing on integrating space technologies across all phases of emergency planning, from civil protection to meteorological and environmental monitoring.
For all the information, please visit: https://www.inovacijuagentura.lt/en/renginys/satellite-based-services-for-disaster-risk-management-workshop/
