<scp>EPPO</scp> / <scp>NEPPO</scp> contingency exercise workshop for <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i> , Hammamet, Tunisia, 2025‐05‐26/28

Abstract Preparedness for plant pest outbreaks through contingency planning is an effective approach to ensure a rapid response. Within the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) region, Xylella fastidiosa has significant economic, environmental and social impacts in some member countries, as well as its potential for spread to other member countries. To enhance preparedness for this pathogen, a contingency planning simulation exercise workshop was jointly organized by EPPO and the Near East Plant Protection Organization. The event took place over 3 days in May 2025 in Tunisia. A total of 69 participants from 21 countries attended the workshop. The attendees came from diverse plant health backgrounds, including experts from National Plant Protection Organizations, international organizations, plant health scientists, policy officials, inspectors, quarantine officers, and pest control specialists. Participants were divided into six groups, each acting as an outbreak management team tasked with addressing the challenges of an X. fastidiosa outbreak. The scenario was based on the first detection of X. fastidiosa at an olive nursery in a fictitious country called Surveyland. As the scenario progressed over a simulated one‐year timeline, each team had to organize themselves to manage a range of issues designed to mimic the fictitious but realistic development of an X. fastidiosa outbreak.