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University of Latvia Receives Recognition from European Commission for Groundbreaking Research on Crisis Preparedness

The University of Latvia is honored to announce that the European Commission has formally recognized the impactful research conducted by Dr. Ieva Birka and team from the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences in the project “Urban Preparedness for Emerging Risks in the Baltic Sea Region", financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility project "Internal and External Consolidation of the University of Latvia" (No.5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/007).

In a letter dated 31 July 2025, the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) commended Dr. Birka’s comprehensive survey on crisis preparedness across the Baltic Sea Region and German urban areas.

The Commission highlighted the study's significant contribution to the EU’s Preparedness Union Strategy, emphasizing how the findings—particularly the public's limited knowledge of emergency procedures and lack of basic preparedness—validate key strategic priorities. The research was also acknowledged as a vital support to Commissioner Hadja Lahbib’s 72-hour self-sufficiency initiative.

The Commission encouraged expanding the study EU-wide and recommended it be shared through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism Knowledge Network, noting its value for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.

Further, Dr. Birka has been invited to participate in the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre’s Unit E6 – Emerging Security Challenges expert roundtable in September.

This recognition underscores the University of Latvia’s commitment to impactful, policy-relevant research with European relevance and societal benefit.

Further information:

Dr. Ieva Birka, e-pasts: ieva.birka@lu.lv

Dr. Didzis Kļaviņš, e-pasts: didzis.klavins@lu.lv

 

Project title: Urban Preparedness for Emerging Risks in the Baltic Sea Region

Project Contract Number: No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/007

Project Grant Agreement Number: LU-BA-PA-2024/1-0051

Project No 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/007 "Internal and External Consolidation of the University of Latvia" of the second round of the Consolidation and Governance Change Implementation Grants within Investment 5.2.1.1.i "Research, Development and Consolidation Grants" under Reform 5.2.1.r "Higher Education and Science Excellence and Governance Reform" of Reform and Investment Strand 5.2 of the Latvian Recovery and Resilience Mechanism Plan "Ensuring Change in the Governance Model of Higher Education Institutions".

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