At the invitation of the European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC) of San Marino, the directors of Specialised Scientific Centres met on 22-24 May 2025 at the Centre for Global Studies at Palazzo Masi in San Marino (and online) to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation among the Centres, refine roles and streamline networking efforts across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The Forum participants were welcomed to San Marino by Captains Regent of the Republic of San Marino. The Executive Secretary used the occasion to thank the authorities of San Marino for their initiative to host the 15th EUR-OPA Ministerial Session, on a date that would coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the Agreement (spring 2027).

At the Forum, the directors of the Specialised Scientific Centres presented current projects and discussed lessons learnt over the years of cooperation implementing joint projects. The need to further reinforce cooperation among centres was recognised. Involvement of the newly admitted centres from Serbia and the Slovak Republic in ongoing projects was warmly welcomed. 

During a side event “Seminar on Safety of First Responders and Healthcare Workers in Conflict Zones and Non-Permissive Environments”, organised on the second day of the meeting, the Executive Secretary highlighted the ongoing work on the draft UN Convention on the Protection of Persons in the event of Disasters, which is currently under consideration with the aim of being adopted by the end of 2027.