EU PROMETHEUS 2014 Communication Strategy KICK OFF MEETING

EU PROMETHEUS 2014 Communication Strategy KICK OFF MEETING Brussels April 9 th, 2013

WORK PLAN PROMETHEUS project unique characteristics guide our planning

Complex Master Scenario of the Exercise The media unprepared for reaction • Need for training in order to cope with massive destruction coverage • We invite specialized reporters to participate as players at the TTX • We record they way they organize, their needs • Questionnaire addressed to reporters on basic concerns in view of a major disaster incident We build consciousness and awareness of a joint mission

Use of web based communication means Direct communication via social media for the first time in exercise • Use of the information exchanged by people directly • Filter credibility and reliability • Communicate directly with people caught up in a crisis situation • Incorporation of web-based communication tools and applications at GSCP portal

Establishment of operational joint modules • Communication Manager - contact person from each Partner • Share experiences and best practices • Follow communication practice applied in the context of EU projects • All part of a European team AT THE EXERCISE • Mixed teams handling communication • Correspondents from partner countries invited as guests and observers at the Exercise Joint Modules for Civil Protection missions help save funds and improve the cooperation between the M-Ss

The partners’ team: A Strategic consortium Raise public awareness about: • Increased responsibilities of EU Presidency and EU-TRIO for the operation of the Union and the function of its procedures • 4 EU Presidencies and one new M-S: • Cyprus • Greece • Italy • Croatia • Lithuania

The partners’ team: A Strategic consortium • Broadens the target groups for internal communication of the project • Wide range of professionals from different backgrounds • Dissemination of message to wider social groups • Preparing volunteers for active involvement in dealing with a real time crisis situation Hellenic Red Cross International Humanitarian Society University of Crete Academic community Establishing European networking ties will help us broaden our message reach

Quality elements of the communication plan Coverage of the exercise Ø Communication plan (in June 2013) Ø Draft Project procedures handbook (GSCP press team / Communication manager / partners contact CMs) Ø Philosophy Ø Logo Ø Build common perspective on: § Communication Objectives § Target groups § Messages § Tools § Internal communication

The message • Enhance public awareness about the EU Civil Protection Mechanism • Highlight civil protection multi-level intervention means The participation of Media at the TTX prepares the operational partners for the extra demands they will face due to the presence of the media while coping with a complex crisis management

GSCP Press Team Ø Communications Manager in charge of overall communication tasks and dissemination of project outputs Ø Supervision - coordination of activities of Task F - Grand Agreement • Public education • Transfer of know-how • Press releases • Establishment of Project website • Presentation of movie Ø Organizing of events to take place in Athens Appointed to both the EU-Presidency and the Prometheus communication teams

Methodology unique elements Ø Media table at the table top exercise Ø Recording the impact of communication actions Ø Testing and rehearsing provision of information to the public and the media during the events Ø Project communication through both traditional and web based and interactive media Ø Associated with reporters through new technology applications Ø Common guidelines for the response to the media in crisis management in cooperation with the Hellenic Fire Service Press Office Ø Set up of specialized “civil protection” reporters’ team

Standard communication means EU PROMETHEUS 2014 Exercise Project Website Ø Enhance the visibility of the project Ø Promote activities of all Partners and DG ECHO Facebook group / twitter account

What the community needs to learn from Prometheus project? Increase public awareness about: • The operation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. • The practical aspects of the establishment of joint EU modules and the way they affect the function of government agencies. Through building joint forces the EU M-Ss can q Save resources - financial and human - at core activities, q Multiply the impact of any joint action, q Share knowledge and means

Looking forward to your cooperation Thank you for your attention