On October 5, the opening ceremony of the Host Nation Support mechanism table-top exercise took place in Yerevan within the framework of EU-funded EU-RESPOND program. More than 40 representatives from partner countries of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism were participating. 

"The program launched earlier this year, and the Educational Complex of the Ministry of Internal Affairs as a part involved was the first to host the training exercise. More than 40 participants are currently in Armenia, receiving initial instructions on how to respond to a devastating earthquake should they deploy to a host country", noted Armine Hayrapetyan, Deputy Head of 112 Operative Management Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

"Host Nation Support is a key component of the process of receiving and managing international aid. We are modeling the entire course of the mission of international teams from their arrival in Armenia to the coordination of response operations and the conclusion of the mission", noted the leader of the Host Nation Support mechanism table-top exercise Christian Rey.

The nine modules of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism were presented. The importance of effectively organizing and coordinating the actions of the relevant bodies and international partners involved in the disaster response process was emphasized.

According to Frédéric Caron, a representative of the International Division of the French Ministry of the Interior, "In case of major emergencies, it is crucial to effectively integrate rescue forces arriving from various countries into the national response system. To achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen the system capabilities through continuous training and the development and refinement of standard operating procedures particularly regarding the Operative Management Center activities and the personnel responsible for ensuring coordination between international teams and relevant authorities".

During the practical phase of the table-top exercise, response procedures for the situation arising in the disaster zone following an earthquake were simulated. Upon receiving assignments from commanders and information regarding the situation, participants assessed the existing needs and developed various courses of action aimed at organizing the necessary support.

The entire chain of actions required to provide international assistance to Armenia via the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism was tested from the receipt of aid to the conclusion of response operations.
The exercise was a significant step toward developing the capacity for a prompt and coordinated response to major disasters in cooperation with international partners.