The DARE emergency management platform enables cross-border, multi-agency interoperability, including real-time data aggregation and monitoring, application of harmonised standard operating procedures, multilingual communication, and structured citizen/volunteer engagement. In addition, it will include Summaries of national Command and Control structures, and UCPM module capability descriptions which may enhance the matching of needs and available resources as well as their integration into operational procedures. To deliver these functionalities effectively, the DARE platform is composed of two main components: a web-based Dashboard designed to be used within control centres by decision-makers, and a conversational Chatbot intended for field deployment, supporting first responders and operational personnel, as well as engaging citizens and volunteers. As such, the DARE platform aims to achieve TRL5 and responds to the following capability gaps:
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The DARE platform includes cross-border, multi-agency interoperability with harmonised procedures and shared information structures. It offers AI-assisted information processing for automated prioritization, normalization, and filtering of incident data, and multilingual communication support for responders, authorities, and citizens. The platform supports citizen and volunteer engagement through dedicated channels and processes, and provides integrated command-and-control structures for centralized, coordinated display of the situation, resources, responsibilities, and escalation paths. Real-time data aggregation collects, normalizes, and presents data from diverse sources such as sensors, reports, and social feeds. The system includes incident monitoring and information validation workflows to verify data, update statuses, and apply validation rules, along with coordination support for joint situational planning, resource management, task assignment, and tracking. Most importantly, the Dashboard will also function as a central tool in which information about national Command and Control structures as well as responder module capabilities are stored to facilitate the matching of needs and resources and to facilitate the integration into response operations.
In recent years, large-scale wildfires across Europe have demonstrated how rapidly evolving extreme events can overwhelm national response capacities. Against this backdrop, the dynamics of extreme events are increasing the need for international disaster response support. Activations of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) have risen steadily, and national systems for managing disasters and crises are expected to face even greater strain in the future. However, experience from recent operations highlights several structural barriers to effective cooperation. Legal and governance differences complicate coordination, while information exchange and interoperability often falter due to lacking capability descriptions, heterogeneous data formats, standards and communication systems among others. The DARE platform directly addresses these challenges by enabling interoperable sharing of core situational awareness data. It supports data aggregation, incident monitoring, information validation workflows and operational coordination. Beyond this, the platform integrates harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), multinational command-and-control information structures, AI-assisted information processing and prioritisation, multilingual communication capabilities, and structured mechanisms for citizen and volunteer engagement. Together, these elements represent more than incremental improvements: they constitute a system-level integration of multiple components into a coherent operational platform. The open-source nature of DARE enables its deployment across diverse operational environments, overcoming persistent gaps in digital information sharing in multi-country settings. These gaps are currently driven, to a large extent, by nationally shaped procurement systems and fragmented digital solutions.
The DARE platform will enhance response capabilities for large-scale incidents requiring the deployment or resources across countries in Europe. It can be applied to European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) activities in the training and response field but can be adapted by local and regional training centres and responders. The platform will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of resources deployed and hence create economic gains which is ever more needed in face of climate change driving the intensity and frequency of large-scale incidents. More importantly though, enhanced operations will increase the safety of responders. The situational awareness of all involved organisation will be increased, reducing stress and negative mental load related to insecurities. The more effective use of response resources will also contribute to reducing the overall societal, environmental and economic disaster impact. Finally, the better engagement of citizens and volunteers will enhance collaboration and thus societal resilience. The DARE platform will also contribute to the Sendai Framework, an international agreement that outlines global priorities and actions to reduce disaster risk and strengthen resilience. DARE will do so by enhancing the preparedness to respond and hence reducing disaster damage as well as enhancing citizen and volunteer engagement. DARE contributes to the EU’s Resilience Goals , specifically the goals to enhance the Union Civil Protection Mechanism response capacity and to ensure a robust civil protection system.
The main technical development efforts are conducted by VOST Portugal and LINKS Foundation, while Fraunhofer FKIE leads the user requirements development.
The main technical development efforts are conducted by VOST Portugal and LINKS Foundation, while Fraunhofer FKIE leads the user requirements development.