The CREWS project addresses the urgent need to enhance disaster risk reduction capacities in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). It leverages the potential of civil society in disaster scenarios, aiming to empower local communities and bridge the gap between formal and informal actors in disaster management. By fostering transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange, CREWS develops a joint mechanism for the collaboration of public players and civil society actors adaptable to regional needs. The project outputs include a collaboration model and a digital tool facilitating effective coordination between public authorities and civil actors. By doing so, the project enhances resilience, optimises disaster risk reduction capacities, and promotes a whole-of-society approach to crisis management. Aligned with the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), CREWS contributes to Policy Area Secure by strengthening capacities for preparedness and response, while fostering a common societal security culture in the BSR, and to PA Innovation.