One of the oldest European regions - the Euregio Meuse-Rhine - encompasses the border triangle of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands and has a long tradition of cross-border municipal cooperation. Regarding Disaster Risk Management, several support agreements have been established between municipalities but there are still different methods, systems, and laws governing emergency services. Against this backdrop, the municipalities, their emergency services and fire brigades established the EMRIC network as an INTERREG III project to share information and harmonise operational procedures.

The structure of the network is based on three pillars: the Steering Group is in charge of strategy; the EMRIC office provides overall coordination. Moreover, there are four focus groups on firefighting, infectious diseases, Eumed and disaster relief and crisis management which monitor the integration process and develop new tools. 

In addition to the strategic level, EMRIC works at the level of preparation as well as in case of disaster. The information exchange within the focus and working groups allows to gain in-depth knowledge and to identify new risks faster. Additionally, the International Knowledge and Information Centre (IKIC) brings together universities, research institutes and education institutes for education of rescue personnel and for research activities.

In case of disaster, officials have fixed contact persons on the other sides of the borders. The operations centres have direct access to a digital information platform LCMS and (in the near future) Paragon, where they can exchange not only maps and operational information, but even drone photos. Through joint protocols and regular exercises, the emergency forces are aligned with each other in the event of an emergency.

Despite the persistent challenges related to language; different competent structures; and operational constraints due to legal restrictions, EMRIC is an excellent example for strengthening the resilience of the entire region to disasters.