Enhancing resilience in critical infrastructures through innovative pathways – The FIRELOGUE and STRATEGY projects approaches in emergency management

In cases of incidents impacting critical infrastructures, early notification and proper information sharing are vital for effective response and recovery. The EU 2557/2022 CER Directive outlines pathways to resilience, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts among Member States. The newly released CEN Workshop Agreement CWA 18024:2023 Emergency Management – Incident Situational Reporting for Critical Infrastructures provides a standardized approach for reporting incidents to national authorities, ensuring consistency and clarity in communication. Developed under the STRATEGY project, this CWA was rigorously tested in table-top and full- scale exercises with the participation of researchers, critical infrastructures operators and emergency responders. A pilot coordination center dedicated to critical infrastructures, utilizing a GIS-based platform from the Center for Security Studies (KEMEA) in Greece, facilitates seamless collaboration between critical entities and emergency responders during incidents that threaten the normal operation of these infrastructures. The (pre-) standardisation framework developed in STRATEGY was specifically designed to address the needs of emergency responders, ensuring that the CWA was tested across various scenarios to gain acceptance from a wide range of stakeholders.. Moreover, in order to enhance situational awareness and to create a real-time common operational picture, an online incident reporting form, built on the CWA 18024:2023, has been integrated within the pilot coordination center. Undoubtedly, and during the tests, incident management was greatly improved leading to enhanced resilience of critical infrastructures. The FIRELOGUE workshops in 2023 (Solsona, Spain) and 2024 (Nea Makri, Greece) highlighted the critical role of technology in managing wildfires and their impact on infrastructures. Applications offering early warnings, fire ignition probabilities, and burnt area calculations are crucial for infrastructure operators and emergency responders. By combining data from various sources into a single, cohesive platform enhances the information's utility and management, allowing for more informed decision-making. Moreover, adherence to legislation and regulations is crucial for resilient infrastructures. The implementation of EU Directives not only strengthens resilience but also fosters a culture of preparedness and proactive risk management. In conclusion, effective incident management and collaboration are essential for the resilience of critical infrastructures. The integration of standardised reporting systems and technological advancements play a pivotal role in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities, ultimately safeguarding public safety and ensuring the continuity of essential services.