A recent study, "Strengthening the resilience of EU border regions: Mapping risks & crisis management tools and identifying gaps," sheds light on the pressing issue of interoperability within DRM systems and emphasises the significance of collaborative efforts at both European and national levels.

Interoperability is paramount for the exchange of information and collaborative operations among diverse actors involved in DRM. The European Commission has developed a framework of directives to promote interoperability across borders, acknowledging the challenges posed by the multitude of entities, including civil protection, firefighters, healthcare services, municipalities, and non-profit organizations.

Recognizing the importance of interoperability, the European Initiative to Enhance Data Interoperability (Data-ESTAG) was established in 2018 by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). This initiative aims to stimulate effective data collection and exchange, providing guidance to DRM data searchers to enhance the implementation and monitoring of Sendai Framework principles.

The study identifies gaps in current interoperability efforts, emphasising the need for cross-border emergency communication networks, common data sets, and synchronization of alert systems. The study includes an informative case study highlighting success factors, including committed partnerships, adequate funding, and continuous end-user engagement, necessary for efficient cross-border collaboration.

To ensure interoperability, it is crucial to identify common data sets, including geo-referenced data, data on rescue intervention procedures, and building data. Issues surrounding data collection, reliability, and quality assessment need to be addressed collaboratively between neighbouring countries or at the EU level.

The study underscores the critical issue of interoperability in mapping services for disaster management. Despite technological availability, geo-risks portals are often not coordinated across borders, impacting the overall efficiency of disaster management efforts.

Furthermore, the study emphasises the need to capitalize on past projects and initiatives, such as the Data-ESTAG Initiative, to increase awareness and understanding of interoperability issues.

Achieving interoperability in DRM systems is a multifaceted challenge that requires concerted efforts at both national and European levels. The identified gaps and recommendations emphasise the importance of cooperation, data standardisation, and the involvement of diverse stakeholders. As disasters become more complex and interconnected, enhancing interoperability is not just a goal but a necessity for building resilience and ensuring the safety of communities.