As part of the synchronized roll-out of the ENG4VOL project outcomes across Europe, dedicated Multiplier Events were also organized in Hungary and Spain to present the project's final deliverables. Organised by MRSZ (Hungarian Baptist Aid) in Debrecen and the Spanish School of Rescue and Detection with Dogs (ESDP) in Madrid, these complementary events brought together 50 key stakeholders, including active first responders, volunteer coordinators, trainers, civil society leaders, and public officials, to bridge European research with national emergency response practices.

Hungary: Connecting European Research with National Civil Protection Needs

Organized at the University of Debrecen, the Hungarian Multiplier Event was led by Gabor Hegedus, President of MRSZ. The session gathered 25 participants from across the civil protection and non-profit sectors to review the State of the Art research alongside the Lessons Learnt recommendations.

Key highlights from the Hungarian event included:

• National Context & Preparedness: Discussions centered on adapting the ENG4VOL recommendations to the Hungarian operational context, specifically regarding volunteer training, equipment, and structural preparedness.
• Organisational Support & Recognition: Attendees highlighted the need for clear communication, formal recognition of volunteer contributions, and strong management support to sustain long-term commitment.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: The exchange emphasized building inclusive, accessible civil protection organisations that welcome diverse profiles while maintaining operational readiness.
• Inter-Sectoral Dialogue: First responders, trainers, and public authorities engaged in open dialogue to explore how the project's outputs can benefit the broader civil society landscape reliant on volunteer efforts.

Spain: Focusing on Volunteer Well-Being, Training, and Rescue Operations

Complementing the European discussions, ESDP welcomed 25 participants to its venue in Madrid for an interactive four-hour workshop focused on volunteer management, search-and-rescue practices, and burnout prevention.

Key outcomes from the Spanish event included:

• Motivations & Enabling Conditions: While volunteers are primarily driven by altruism and civic duty, discussions emphasized that long-term retention relies heavily on progressive training, team cohesion, and proper equipment.
• Psychosocial Support & Burnout Prevention: ESDP highlighted the critical need for mental health awareness, psychosocial support, and operational well-being to prevent volunteer fatigue during high-stress rescue missions.
• European Comparative Value: Participants connected Spanish rescue practices with the wider ENG4VOL findings from France, Greece, and Hungary, noting that while national governance models vary, recruitment and retention challenges are shared across borders.
• Digital Tool Access: Attendees were introduced to the downloadable Lessons Learnt guide and digital Pocket Guides available on the ENG4VOL web portal for immediate implementation in their respective organisations.

A Shared European Vision for Volunteer-Driven Resilience

Together, these joint events demonstrated that building resilient communities across Europe requires more than goodwill: it demands structured institutional support, continuous skill development, and cross-border cooperation. By combining ground-level insights from Hungary and Spain with the parallel events in France and Greece, the ENG4VOL partnership reinforces the vital role of volunteers as the backbone of European civil protection.

Visit our Resources section to download the complete Lessons Learnt document and country-specific Pocket Guides!

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only.