A new era for the European disaster response: European Disaster Alliance Charter signed
Brussels, Belgium – September 26, 2025 – In a landmark moment for pan-European medical collaboration, five of Europe's leading medical organisations formally signed the Collaboration Charter for the European Disaster Alliance (EDA) at a ceremony held within the esteemed halls of the European Parliament. This initiative, strongly supported by the European Parliament, marks a pivotal step towards a more unified and effective disaster response across the continent. The signing of this charter signifies a new era of inter-organisational cooperation, pooling resources, expertise, and strategies to enhance Europe's preparedness for and response to a wide range of potential disasters, from natural catastrophes to public health emergencies.
Working together for a stronger Europe
The European Disaster Alliance brings together a formidable collective of medical organisations, each renowned for its specialised skills and invaluable experience in crisis management. The charter was signed by delegates representing the five influential organisations:
ECDM - European Council for Disaster Medicine
WADEM Europe - World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine - European Chapter
CEMEC - European Centre for Disaster Medicine San Marino
ICI Belgium - International CBRNE Institute
CTM-E - Counter-Terrorism Medicine Europe
Their combined influence and operational reach will undoubtedly create a more robust and agile framework for medical aid and support during times of crisis. The Alliance it’s a commitment to build joint training and education programmes, strengthen disaster health preparedness across borders, harmonize policies and standards, and most importantly, save lives through cooperation and solidarity. Alongside the charter, during the meeting, the European Disaster Health Dashboard was presented, a dynamic knowledge hub that will help professionals, policymakers, and responders track initiatives, connect with partners, and access critical resources in real time. A living tool, evolving with the contributions of its community.
Key pillars of the collaboration Charter
The Collaboration Charter outlines several crucial areas of cooperation, designed to streamline efforts and maximise impact with the help of standardised protocols, joint training and exercises, resource sharing and logistics, information exchange and best practices, advocacy and policy influence. The Alliance will work towards developing harmonised medical protocols and guidelines for disaster response, ensuring a consistent and high-quality standard of care across borders. Collaborative training programs and pan-European disaster simulation exercises will be a cornerstone of the EDA, allowing medical professionals from different organisations and nations to train together, fostering seamless coordination in real-world scenarios. A shared understanding of resource availability and a coordinated logistical framework will enable more efficient deployment of medical supplies, equipment, and personnel to areas in need.
The charter promotes the regular exchange of vital information, lessons learned, and best practices among member organisations, continuously improving response strategies. The EDA will serve as a unified voice to advocate for stronger European policies and increased investment in disaster preparedness and response infrastructure.
A vision for the future
The European Disaster Alliance represents a proactive and visionary approach to safeguarding the health and well-being of European citizens. By fostering unprecedented levels of cooperation, the EDA aims to reduce the devastating impact of disasters, accelerate recovery efforts, and ultimately save lives. The signing ceremony concluded with a palpable sense of optimism and determination, reflecting the shared commitment of all parties to this vital endeavour. As the ink dries on the Collaboration Charter, a new chapter begins – one where European medical organizations stand united, prepared, and ready to face the challenges of tomorrow, together.
