From April 15 to 16, 2026, an international tabletop exercise (TTX) took place in Vilnius, Lithuania. The exercise was organized within the framework of the European Union Grant project “Knowledge for Action in Prevention and Preparedness (KAPP)”, with the primary objective of strengthening regional disaster preparedness, cross-border coordination, and host nation support capabilities in the Baltic region.
Latvia was represented at the exercise by a delegation from the Latvian Red Cross (LSK), the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD), the Crisis Management Center, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Representatives from responsible authorities and Red Cross National Societies of the other Baltic States also participated in the event.
Crisis Simulation and Inter-Institutional Cooperation
During the exercise, complex and dynamic emergency scenarios were simulated to practically analyze cooperation between various institutions under real crisis conditions. Special attention was dedicated to:
- Coordination mechanisms and information exchange between countries and institutions;
- Allocation of roles and responsibilities under high-pressure conditions;
- Mutual cooperation between non-governmental humanitarian partners and state authorities.
The simulation provided a valuable opportunity to evaluate existing national and regional preparedness systems from an external perspective, accurately identifying both the strengths of the countries involved and areas requiring further improvement.
The Role of the Red Cross in Community Resilience
During joint discussions, experts and officials reaffirmed the long-standing, historical cooperation between the Red Cross and state institutions. The organization’s crucial role in coordinating humanitarian aid and strengthening overall community resilience during large-scale crises was heavily emphasized. The exercise clearly demonstrated that the foundation of security relies on regular, joint preparedness activities and a unified understanding of emergency response protocols.
Benefits for the Latvian Red Cross
Participation in this tabletop exercise represents a significant step forward in strengthening the capacity of the LSK. The event not only brought regional partners closer together but also enhanced information sharing with state institutions regarding the LSK’s available resources, specialized expertise, and technical capacity—all of which the organization can swiftly mobilize for humanitarian aid delivery and crisis management.
The training was implemented as part of the project “Baltic Civil Protection Cooperation for Complex Emergencies”, aiming to strengthen cooperation between responsible services and enhance citizen safety during emergencies. More details are available on the Latvian Red Cross Project Page.