# European emergency response training exercises

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-emergency-response-training-exercises
> Updated: 2026-10-28T13:20:54.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Various emergency response drills have been organized across Europe to test specialized rescue capabilities. In Bulgaria, the SAREX-26 aviation rescue drill is scheduled for November 2026 in Pirin National Park. This exercise, organized by the Civil Aviation Administration, aims to simulate an aviation accident in high-altitude terrain to improve coordination between the Bulgarian Air Force, mountain rescue services, and ground teams.

In Croatia, the Petrinja Public Firefighting Department conducted an international demonstration under the ARIANNA project. This exercise focused on flood response and water rescue, involving partners from Italy, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, and Serbia. The drill utilized specialized equipment to simulate rescuing individuals from vehicles in riverbeds, part of a broader initiative to strengthen community resilience to natural disasters through the Interreg IPA ADRION program.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Petrinja hosts international ARIANNA firefighting exercise

Petrinja hosted an international firefighting exercise under the ARIANNA project to enhance flood response and water rescue capabilities through European Union-funded cooperation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/petrinja-hosts-international-arianna-firefighting-exercise

### 2026-10-23: Pirinsko Mountains to host SAREX-26 aviation rescue drill

The SAREX-26 joint search and rescue exercise will be held on November 5, 2026, in Pirin National Park to simulate aviation accident responses in mountainous terrain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pirinsko-mountains-to-host-sarex-26-aviation-rescue-drill

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Cite as: European emergency response training exercises. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-emergency-response-training-exercises