Over 250 rescuers from Europe to take part in MD–EU MODEX 2026 exercise organized in Moldova

Over 250 rescuers and emergency management specialists from more European states on June 15-19 will participate in the international field exercise, MD–EU MODEX 2026, hosted by Moldova within the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

The exercise will simulate the response to major floods and will bring together seven international teams specialized in rescue operations and mitigation of the effects of natural disasters. Participants will carry out water pumping operations, water rescue, victims’ recovery and will ensure access to drinking water by using modern purification systems.

According to the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), the practical activities will take place on June 16-28 and will be conducted continuously, 24 hours a day, in real field conditions.

The exercise will involve high-capacity pumping modules from Poland and Bulgaria, boat rescue teams from Romania and Croatia, as well as a water purification module from Germany. Experts from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism and a technical support team from the Netherlands will also be present.

More locations will be set up for the exercise in the municipality of Chisinau, its suburbs, as well as in the districts of Ialoveni and Ungheni. The base of operations will be installed in the area of Danceni Lake, and the coordination cell of the exercise will operate in Costesti.

Starting from June 15, international teams will arrive in Moldova both by air and by land, including through the Leuseni–Albita border crossing point.

The IGSU announces that, during the preparations and the exercise, citizens may notice in the field special vehicles, intervention equipment and increased numbers of rescuers and firefighters. The authorities emphasize that these activities are part of a planned exercise and do not represent real emergency situations.

The EU MODEX programme is one of the main training tools of the European Union for response to major disasters, aiming to test and strengthen cooperation between intervention teams from different participating states.