BRIDGE-IT Kicks Off to Strengthen National Service Governance and Preparedness under the New EU Framework
The project is coordinated by the Civil Protection Department and co-financed under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism
On March 1, 2026, the BRIDGE-IT project – Building Resilience to Increase Disaster Management Governance and Emergency Preparedness – Italy, officially began. This project, which will run until February 29, 2028, aims to support the implementation of the EU Preparedness Union Strategy within the Italian National Civil Protection Service.
BRIDGE-IT is coordinated by the Civil Protection Department and co-funded by the European Commission under the Technical Assistance for Disaster Risk Management (UCPM-2025-TRACK1) action of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, a financial instrument supporting national authorities in their prevention and preparedness activities.
The increasingly complex risk landscape—from climate change to pandemics, from geopolitical instability to hybrid threats and systemic risks—is reshaping the context in which civil protection systems operate and calls for more integrated, flexible, and coordinated preparedness and response models. Against this backdrop, BRIDGE-IT was launched to support the evolution of the National Civil Protection Service and facilitate its alignment with European guidelines, thereby strengthening coordination among institutions, policymakers, and private-sector actors.
The project's activities include the development of a consultation platform, the organization of national workshops, and participation in international events, with the aim of fostering dialogue among institutions, policymakers, private-sector actors, and other stakeholders.
BRIDGE-IT also includes a dedicated research and analysis component to ensure in-depth understanding of the national landscape and identify emerging challenges. The findings from research activities will contribute to the development of recommendations to align national policies with European standards and support evidence-based decision-making.
Finally, study visits, exchange seminars, and the sharing of best practices will further promote dialogue on innovative approaches and new technologies, thereby strengthening cooperation among relevant stakeholders.
Through this comprehensive set of interventions, BRIDGE-IT will contribute to strengthening cooperation across different governance layers and ultimately support the development of effective and innovative policies.