Training tomorrow’s heroes: EU support strengthens emergency readiness in Latvia

Imagine a place where future firefighters and emergency responders can handle a chemical spill or respond to a terrorist attack and gain skills in a safe environment. This is the idea behind the EU-funded project The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive and man-made disaster training in Latvia.  

At the heart of the project lies the Fire Safety and Civil Protection College training ground - an innovative training centre equipped with cutting-edge simulators that recreate real-life disasters. This offers invaluable practical experience in a safe environment. The training space includes a house designed for practicing high-risk maneuvers as well as a labyrinth and underground tunnel to learn to overcome various obstacles. For example, fire-fighters and rescuers learn how to extinguish various types of fires and conduct rescue operations in one place. The training ground is compact and transformable, allowing for training based on various scenarios.   

According to the Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service, project has been a game-changer for national security and disaster response. It helps to prepare teams to respond to emergencies more efficiently and effectively. Besides EU funding, the project was supported by other sources, including the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defence Cooperation. This support has been crucial in renovating existing buildings, modernising facilities, and strengthening international collaboration. 

The project offers more than just new facilities. Trainees, whether they are cadets of the Fire Safety and Civil Protection College or professionals from the State Fire and Rescue Service, gain skills to respond to emergencies faster and smarter. Training also prepares them to become leaders in fire safety and civil protection.  

Duration: 

First cycle: 2014-2020 

Second cycle: 2021-2027 

Countries: Latvia  

Budget:

First cycle: EUR 3 413 866 

Second cycle: EUR 2 319 701 

EU contribution:

First cycle : EUR 2 560 399

Second cycle : EUR 1 739 776  

Fund: Internal Security Fund (ISF) 

Policy: Security Policy  

Project information: CBRN