Baltic Excellence Programme Strengthens Regional Cooperation on Crisis Communication and Early Warning Systems

The BEP13 participants in Tallinn on 12-13 March 2025. Photo courtesy of the Estonian Rescue Board.

Crisis and risk communication experts from across the Baltic Sea Region met in Tallinn, Estonia on 12–13 March 2025 for a CBSS event on early warning systems and improving public response in crisis situations, including for people with disabilities.

The 13th Baltic Excellence Programme (BEP), hosted by the Estonian Rescue Board under the Estonian CBSS Presidency, was a two-day event supporting key civil protection priorities: raising public awareness, improving early warning systems, and addressing challenges in mass evacuation and sheltering. 

A special theme of the programme was inclusive crisis communication, with special attention given to the needs of vulnerable groups – such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and children – who often face significant barriers in emergencies.

Jakob Rosin, a disability rights advocate and expert, highlighted some of the most common obstacles people with disabilities encounter during crises:

• Inaccessible emergency exits, stairwells, and transportation options that can leave individuals stranded.
• Audio-only alerts and the lack of sign language interpretation or accessible mobile apps, excluding those with sensory impairments.
• Shelters without ramps, accessible toilets, or properly trained staff.
• Overly complex language, the absence of easy-to-read materials, and missing pictograms, which particularly affect individuals with cognitive challenges or limited language proficiency.

Participants explored how to turn awareness into preparedness, noting that information alone rarely prompts behavioural change. Discussions focused on building trust, improving accessibility, testing systems in non-crisis settings, and coordinating communication channels. 

The programme closed with a panel on lessons learned, where panellists stressed the need for flexibility: “If your strategic communication doesn’t work, you need to change the strategy.”

Since 2012, the Baltic Excellence Programme (BEP) – formerly the Baltic Leadership Programme – has been a study programme for civil security actors, organised by the CBSS Civil Protection Network. It brings together experts and practitioners to strengthen regional cooperation, share best practices, and build a resilient network across the Baltic Sea Region.