Cooperation of South-East European countries is the central topic of this scientific publication.
Abstract
Emergencies do not recognize national borders and often acquire regional and global character. South-East European countries are permanently exposed to various emergency situations, such as earthquakes, floods, snow storms, droughts, forest fires etc. In certain cases, these countries are incapable of coping with catastrophic consequences of these emergencies with their own capacities, but are forced to seek help from their neighbours or international organizations. Possible means of help and cooperation demand internationally institutionalized, coordinated and adequate answer of available forces and means by all subjects of protection and rescue before, during and after the occurrences of emergency situations. In this respect, international-legal foundation of cooperation and offering help to the SouthEast European countries in cases of emergencies and operations of a humanitarian nature are first observed. After that, important international organizations and associations which, helped by legal platforms, realize different aspects of regional cooperation of South-East European countries at eliminating consequences of emergencies, as well as numerous regional initiatives and strategies for reduction and estimation risks from emergencies were analysed.
Conclusions
South-East European countries are increasingly facing ES that surpass their national borders or national capabilities of providing an adequate response. Therefore, cooperation of South-East European countries in averting catastrophic consequences of ES is significantly supported by different international organizations such as the UN, EU and NATO. Establishment of a solid international legal basis for providing coordinated assistance and cooperation in the countries affected by ES is contributed by a number of regional initiatives and strategies for risk reduction and risk assessment of ES signed by the majority of the countries of South East Europe.
The possibility of further improvement of cooperation among the countries of South East Europe in ES ranges from its greater institutionalization of international legal and the domestic legal harmonization of the issues in question, then, consistent implementation of the signed regional initiatives and strategies, especially in strengthening their own capacities (strengthening community, trust and information among the executive power, equity holders, citizens and other entities in the system of protection and rescue) and strengthening joint regional capacity (preparation and exchange of experts, joint training of police, military and civil emergency and rescue services – e.g. “Danube Guard” exercise, unifying own and donated financial, material and technical resources, establishment of regional centres for training and humanitarian assistance – e.g. Russo-Serbian humanitarian centre in Nis, greater involvement of non-governmental organizations, etc.), up to improving systems for early warning, information, communication and decision support in ES, and establishing urban and market mechanisms such as stricter procedures for obtaining building permits and more expensive insurance for building at risky locations.
How to cite
Reference – Mlađan, D., Milojković, B., Baras, I., Cvetković, V. (2013). Cooperation of South-East European countries in Emergency Situations. International Scientific Conference, The Balkans between Past and Future: Security, Conflict Resolution and Euro-Atlantic Integration, 05-08 June 2013, Ohrid, 279-291
