MassMovement

LL-00310

MassMovement: From Strategy to Safety, a Joint LV-LT Effort for Mass Evacuation Preparedness and Public Resilience

Common territorial challenge (s) that will be tackled by the project

Latvia and Lithuania currently lack a unified and interoperable system for mass evacuation in cross-border emergencies caused by natural disasters, industrial accidents, military threats and other large-scale emergencies. Differences in legal frameworks, institutional responsibilities, operational procedures, and communication practices hinder rapid, coordinated response and increase risks to affected populations. This challenge is particularly acute in border regions, where emergencies can quickly require cross-border population movement.

Project objective

The objective of the project is to establish a harmonised and coordinated mass evacuation system between Latvia and Lithuania by strengthening cross-border cooperation, developing joint operational tools, aligning operational and legal approaches, and improving institutional and public preparedness to crisis situations.

Planned activities

The project activities focus on strengthening cross-border evacuation preparedness between Latvia and Lithuania. A joint cross-border evacuation framework will be developed, including unified Latvia–Lithuania Standard Operating Procedures for mass evacuation and a joint evacuation handbook for civil protection authorities. Legal and institutional cooperation mechanisms will be aligned with support from expert consultations, observation missions and EU-level recommendations. Capacity-building for institutions and stakeholders will be carried out through five table-top exercises with venues, catering and materials for up to 100 participants each, as well as through exchange visits to EU countries to gather best practices. The project will also implement the first-ever Latvia–Lithuania full-scale cross-border mass movement evacuation exercise. This will include the set-up of demonstration and test transit points with equipment, tents and signage. Volunteer support packages, medical and first aid support will be provided. Transportation of evacuees by bus and train, as well as catering and logistical support, will be ensured. A civil protection public information and awareness campaign will be developed and implemented. This will include educational materials, participation in at least 80 public events in both countries, installation of billboards, stickers and other visibility items, and the use of face-to-face, online and print communication channels.

Contacts Project news Social media feeds Partners structure Calendar

Social media and contacts:

Phone: +371 68802112

E-mail: pasts@vugd.gov.lv

Website: vugd.gov.lv

Address: Talejas iela 1