What are EU solidarity talks: Kapuściński series?
This series of talks brings EU humanitarian aid and civil protection experts directly to university campuses across Europe. Named in honour of renowned journalist Ryszard Kapuściński, this initiative continues his legacy of bearing witness to global crises and amplifying voices from the frontlines.
The format is simple:
Critical topics, EU-wide talks
Some will focus on humanitarian aid challenges around the world. Some will explore civil protection and emergency response. All aim to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Why are these talks relevant now?
From coordinating firefighting teams across borders to delivering clean water in crisis zones, the EU responds when disaster strikes. The new EU preparedness strategy sets out a comprehensive approach to anticipate risks, boost resilience and ensure effective crisis response across Europe. It brings together governments, civil society and the private sector to prevent and react to emerging threats and crises.
EU solidarity in action
These talks aim to connect interested students directly with the experts in the field with honest conversations about what it takes to help people when they are most in need.
What topics will be covered in the talks?
The series covers essential topics split between humanitarian aid and civil protection:
- Talk 1: European solidarity in action. How does the EU coordinate assistance in times of crisis?
- Talk 2: European solidarity in action. How to strengthen Greece’s wildfire preparedness?
How does the EU coordinate assistance in times of crisis?
Talk 1: European solidarity in action. How does the EU coordinate assistance in times of crisis?
European solidarity in action. How does the EU coordinate assistance in times of crisis? This panel talk highlights Poland’s vital role in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and explores how EU civil protection and humanitarian aid differ – and complement – each other. The session will cover:
- Poland’s contributions to European crisis management
- lessons learned from recent field operations
- the importance of preparedness and resilience at both EU and national levels
Speakers:
Karolina MoychoEmergency Response Officer, Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
Jacek SzczypiorskiFirefighter, UCPM-trained expert, participant in the EU response following the earthquake in Türkiye
Dr Jowanka Jakubek-LalikExpert on Poland’s crisis-management framework, University of Warsaw
Zofia KwolekBoard Member and Chair of External Relations, Polish Centre for International Aid (PCPM)
Marcin ŻyłaModerator, journalist, co-creator of the podcast: Raport o stanie świata
When and where:
Warsaw, Poland, 7 May 2026, 13:00–14:30
University of Warsaw, Main Campus, ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28, Gmach Audytoryjny, Aula Baszkiewicza, Ground Floor.
How to strengthen Greece’s wildfire preparedness?
Talk 2: European solidarity in action. How to strengthen Greece’s wildfire preparedness?
This panel will showcase Greece’s important contributions to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Greece’s response to wildfires across the Mediterranean provides important lessons in what disaster relief and rescue operations could look like as climate change drives forward. The speakers will provide observations of what they have seen in the field and on the kinds of policies and capacities needed for climate adaptation.
Speakers:
Spyros AfentoulidisTeam Leader of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre analytical team, European Commission’s Department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations
Zisoula NtasiouExecutive Vice-President of the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services
Professor Foteini AsderakiJean Monnet Chair, Director of the Msc in International and European Studies, Dept of International and European Studies, Chair of the European Doctoral School on CSDP, Brussels
Elena PapadimitriouModerator: an experienced journalist and Head of Editorial at FYI News
Statements from:
- Petros Maravelakis, Professor, Head of the Department of Tourism
- Professor Konstantina Kottaridi, Director of the MS. in Bioeconomy, Circular Economy and Sustainable Development, Dept of Economics
When and where:
Piraeus, Greece, 28 May 2026, 11:00-12:30 CEST/12:00–13:30 EEST
Conference Room at the University of Piraeus; 80 M. Karoli and A. Demetriou Street, Piraeus.
How can I participate?
If you’re a student: Watch for announcements from your university about upcoming talks at campus.
If you’re interested in humanitarian work or civil protection: we will have recordings of the live talks and some will be recorded and broadcast as podcast episodes. Don’t miss them.
Why Kapuściński series?
Ryszard Kapuściński (1932-2007) was a Polish journalist and writer who spent decades reporting from conflict zones, revolutions, and liberation struggles across the developing world. Often called the ‘Voice of the Poor,’ he travelled for over 50 years documenting the lives of people often overlooked by mainstream media.
His unorthodox approach and profound respect for the people he met challenged conventional understandings of global crises. His books have made him one of Poland's most prominent writers and have been translated into almost 40 languages, they include:
- The Emperor
- Shah of Shahs
- The Shadow of the Sun
- Another Day of Life
Although the connection between the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and Ryszard Kapuściński may not be immediately apparent, a closer look reveals a strong link between his philosophy of being ‘here and now’ and the principles of humanitarian action and crisis management. Regardless of the surrounding noise—politics, disinformation, or logistical constraints—we must remember that our work is ultimately about people. This is the key common denominator that connects them.
Listen to previous #EUSolidarityTalks
This series builds on our ongoing #EUSolidarityTalks podcast collaborations with media partners across Europe. Previous episodes have covered topics including: medical evacuations from Ukraine, climate change emergencies, health emergency response, and disaster preparedness.
Related links
This page was last updated on 22 May 2026