Georgios Boustras, Professor of Risk Assessment at the European University of Cyprus and Director of the CERIDES Research Center (Center for Risk and Decision Sciences), Georgios Boustras, is a member of the European Commission’s new PreparEU advisory group. His selection is a significant recognition of his academic and research expertise and highlights the international presence of CERIDES and the European University of Cyprus in the field of risk assessment and managementrisks.
The group, whose formation was announced on October 30, 2026, will provide strategic advice to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and to the Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Haja Labib. Its mission is to strengthen Europe’s preparedness in the face of growing disaster risks, including extreme weather events and wildfires.
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PreparEU brings together 11 senior experts in the field of civil protection and crisis management, with the scientific input of six scientists and academics from different Member States, including Professor Boustras.
CERIDES’ Expertise in the European Dialogue on Preparedness
The participation of the Director of CERIDES creates a meaningful link between the research conducted at the European University of Cyprus and the formulation of European policies for disaster prevention and responsedisasters. At the same time, it underscores the importance of leveraging scientific knowledge to protect citizens, strengthen societal resilience, and support decision-making.
Commenting on his selection, Professor Boustras stated: “I view my selection to the EU advisory group with a sense of responsibility and honor. As statistics from recent years show, extreme weather events and the risk of disasters are on the rise. We must reassess the measures we are taking and the resources we are securing; we must further promote regional cooperation and mobilize local communities toward prevention. “The work my colleagues and I are doing at CERIDES—Excellence in Innovation and Technology at the European University of Cyprus—is aimed in this direction.”
As part of its work, the team will examine the existing capabilities of member states through the European Civil Protection Mechanism and rescEU, as well as the impacts of natural, technological, and other emerging risks. It will also make recommendations on prevention, preparedness, and the development of new disaster response capabilities, including a European Firefighting Fleet. Its recommendations are expected to be submitted by spring 2027.
Through Professor Boustra’s participation in PreparEU, CERIDES and the European University of Cyprus are strengthening their contribution to the European dialogue on security and resilience, linking research to the needs of society and the priorities of European policy.
