EU practices dealing with massive hybrid attacks as part of crisis exercise

TALLINN – Last week, European Union member states and institutions practiced handling a crisis in a situation where critical services, including electricity supply and communication services, would be significantly disrupted as a result of various hybrid attacks.

The first phase of the exercise focused on planning the common security and defense policy and resolving a consular crisis. The second phase consisted of various scenarios related to hybrid attacks, including the evacuation of people from a conflict zone.

Priit Saar, deputy director for national security and defense coordination at the Estonian Government Office, said that the exercise gave Estonia the confidence that we will receive quick and necessary support in possible crises.

"It is important for Estonia that, alongside natural disasters and civilian crises, national defense risks are also taken into account. The launch of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism enabled to identify bottlenecks and established clarity about who is responsible for what," Saar added.

This time, Estonia had a leading role in the exercise. The goal was to practice asking for and receiving support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and solving a crisis situation with diplomatic efforts. The exercise was a wider stress test for the various institutions of the EU as well as the member states to test preparedness for crises.

Altogether 24 EU member states, the United States and Norway took part in the exercise. From Estonia, the Government Office, the permanent representation to the EU, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Climate, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the Health Board and the Rescue Board took part.

At the heart of the EU's civil protection activities is the Emergency Response Coordination Center (ERCC). The center monitors events around the world around the clock and coordinates the EU's response to crisis situations and disasters. In Estonia, the national security and defense coordination unit of the Government Office performs a similar role.