30 years of EUMETNET: ‘Working together to strengthen resilience to extreme weather events’
What began in 1996 as a voluntary network is now an innovative and dynamic partnership comprising 33 national meteorological services. GeoSphere Austria is not only a founding member of EUMETNET but also plays a central role in its programmes. For example, through the operation of the European weather warning system MeteoAlarm and the management of the climate programme.
Strengthening cooperation between national meteorological services in Europe – that was the fundamental intention when the informal conference of European meteorological services was founded in 1996. This – by today’s standards – loose and voluntary association quickly blossomed into a success story: As a sign of mutual trust and long-term commitment, the informal conference was transformed into a legal entity as an economic interest group in 2009. In the anniversary year 2026, Andreas Schaffhauser, Scientific Director General of GeoSphere Austria, draws an extremely positive interim conclusion: ‘For 30 years, we have been improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and climate observations through intensive European cooperation. By exchanging knowledge, data and expertise, we create synergies and jointly strengthen resilience to extreme weather events and the consequences of climate change.’
Initially, EUMETNET’s focus was purely on coordination. Efforts centred on filling observational gaps in data-poor and remote areas such as the North Atlantic and the Arctic – for example, through radiosonde launches from ships and aircraft-based measurements. At the same time, the exchange of observational data from ground stations and radar systems began, with the aim of improving their quality and availability. This ultimately led to the establishment of the ‘EUMETNET Composite Observing System’, a milestone in the cooperation between European meteorological services. It quickly became apparent that cooperation at European level enabled improved observation coverage, higher-quality data, Europe-wide products based on national data and, ultimately, more accurate weather forecasts at lower cost.
Building on this success, further observation capacities were added, including marine surface observations and measurements of atmospheric conditions at various altitudes (wind, temperature, humidity, aerosols, pollen). At the same time, cooperation was extended to weather forecasting, climate services, aviation meteorology, training and education, data policy and availability, as well as joint advocacy.
In the field of forecasting, MeteoAlarm is one of EUMETNET’s most visible successes. ‘It is an early warning dissemination system that aggregates, harmonises across borders, visualises and issues weather warnings from national meteorological services throughout Europe,’ explains Elke Ludewig, Director of Meteorology and Regional Offices. The operation of MeteoAlarm has traditionally been in Austrian hands – and that’s not all: ‘GeoSphere Austria is also entrusted, together with Hungary, with the management of the climate programme. We are also involved in the European weather radar network OPERA,’ adds Gerhard Wotawa, Director of Climate and Environment. ‘For GeoSphere Austria, cooperation within the European context delivers clear added value. We don’t have to develop everything on our own and benefit from the shared use of infrastructure,’ emphasise Ludewig and Wotawa.
Conclusion after EUMETNET’s first 30 years: The demands placed on national meteorological services are constantly evolving, and sustainable cooperation remains crucial to effectively meeting these challenges. Building on three decades of shared experience, EUMETNET will continue to support its members by fostering cooperation, driving innovation and strengthening the European meteorological community – ensuring that national meteorological services remain well-equipped to provide high-quality and reliable information for the benefit of society.
This text was produced in cooperation with EUMETNET.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)