Civilian Contingency Planning: C2PE BISR

Organised by: Goce Delcev University & Military Academy General Mihailo Apostolski, North Macedonia — Teachers: Prof. Dr. Sci. Jugoslav Achkoski, Prof. Dr. Sci. Biljana Karovska Andonovska

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Spain — Teacher: Prof. Dr. Sci. Eduardo Pilo de la Fuente

Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria — Teacher: M.A. Gerlinde Koppitsch (Lecturer in English EAP/ESP)

External stakeholders: Civil protection authorities (operational frameworks, field visits, real emergency response context); Defence and security institutions (civil–military cooperation, tabletop simulations, strategic perspectives); Emergency management agencies (risk assessment methods, integrated contingency planning practice); Humanitarian organisations (coordination perspectives, community resilience and preparedness)

Civil protection and emergency response increasingly demand professionals capable of acting across institutional boundaries in complex emergencies — from cyber attacks and blackouts to floodings and hybrid threats. This ABC tackles a real-world challenge: How can civil, military, technical and social actors design and operate integrated contingency plans that hold up under pressure?

Working alongside academic and institutional experts from North Macedonia, Spain and Austria, students engage with EU/NATO and national emergency frameworks, risk assessment methods, communication strategies and integrated response protocols. They participate in tabletop simulations, field visits and practical drills organised in cooperation with key national institutions, learning to translate theory into operational decisions.

Online sessions (September 2026 · ~30h synchronous): Lectures, case studies and interactive group exercises. Exploration of EU/NATO and national emergency frameworks. Risk assessment methods and communication strategies in emergency situations. Active participation is essential — students work in small international groups, attend scheduled sessions, and self-coordinate meeting times with their team during September 2026.

On-site sessions (5–9 October 2026 · ~35h · Skopje): Workshops and expert lectures from academic and professional partners. Tabletop simulations on realistic emergency scenarios (cyber attacks, blackouts, floodings, hybrid threats). Field visits to relevant facilities and operational sites. Practical drills with civil protection, defence and security stakeholders. Interdisciplinary teamwork under simulated pressure. Co-creation of integrated contingency plans.

Follow-up / reflection: After the onsite week, students engage in guided reflection to evaluate individual and team performance, identify lessons learned and teamwork dynamics, consolidate knowledge and develop critical thinking about preparedness, and translate experience into improved professional practice and a culture of resilience in their communities.

• Understand and explain the principles and structure of civilian contingency planning.
• Conduct basic risk assessments and contribute to resource allocation and emergency coordination.
• Apply crisis management skills in simulated emergency scenarios.
• Demonstrate effective leadership, teamwork and decision-making under pressure.
• Use digital tools and simulation methods to support integrated security responses.
• Contribute to building resilience and a culture of preparedness within their communities.

Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate students from ACE²-EU partner universities.

Fields: Social Sciences (Psychology, Social Work, Public Policy) · Information Technology · Law · Engineering · Security Studies.

Suitable for those interested in: Emergency and crisis management · Civil protection and public safety · Security and defence studies · Disaster risk reduction and resilience · Civil–military cooperation and coordination.

Language: Minimum B2 English (active participation in discussions, teamwork and presentations required).

Apply here: https://forms.gle/KTbNwi6cNaGJnCSF7

Deadline for receipt of applications: 15 July 2026

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the programme. Participating institutions apply their own internal selection procedures. Prior to the start of the course, selected participants will receive a welcome email from the ACE²-EU Alliance containing detailed information and instructions specific to the programme.