On 10–11 June 2025, ten top-performing students from the Fire University – selected through an internal recruitment process – took part in a study visit to the European Union institutions in Brussels. The aim of the visit was to broaden their knowledge in the fields of civil protection, crisis response, EU security policy, and the functioning of European institutions.
DAY 1 – European Parliament and Space Technologies Supporting Security
The visit began with a tour of the European Parliament. The students learned about current EU legislative efforts in civil protection, crisis management, and resilience-building. They also had the opportunity to observe the day-to-day functioning of the Parliament and discuss current initiatives undertaken by Members of the European Parliament.
In the evening, the students attended the official opening of the exhibition "Space Technologies, Everyday Applications – Bringing Space Down to Earth", organized at the European Parliament under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU in cooperation with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA). The exhibition showcased, in an interactive way, how modern satellite technologies support our societies – from security and crisis management, to energy, communication, agriculture, and public health.
DAY 2 – Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)
On the second day, the delegation visited the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) of the European Commission, which plays a key role within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
The visit program included:
- a presentation on ERCC’s actions during crisis situations and how situational awareness is established,
- an analysis of past UCPM activations in response to wildfires and preparations for the 2025 wildfire season,
- an overview of the duty system and the Centre’s daily operations,
- a presentation of advanced early warning systems, scientific tools, and analytical platforms used to forecast and coordinate support during emergencies.
The students also had the opportunity to meet Maciej Popowski, Director-General of the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), who shared his insights and vision for the development of the European civil protection system.
Taking part in this study visit was not only a great honor for our students but also a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge about the structures, activities, and challenges facing the European Union in the field of civil protection, crisis management, and disaster response.
This was the first, but certainly not the last such visit. The Fire University is actively working to make international study visits a permanent part of its educational program, helping shape future civil protection leaders who are ready to engage in both national and European-level cooperation.
