Regional civil security cooperation in South Eastern Europe: the case of disaster preparedness and prevention initiative

Abstract

The paper aims to explore the quality aspect of Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative as a regional organization in South Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE) striving to enhance the overall crisis management capacity in this crisis prone region. The research is based on secondary sources analysis and in depth interviews with stakeholders. The Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South Eastern Europe is the only regionally owned initiative in South Eastern Europe which includes 11 partner states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia and Turkey) and two states with observers status (Hungary and Greece). The DPPI SEE was launched in November 2000 by the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe in order to facilitate the cooperation and coordination of the SEE countries in preventing, preparing and strengthening capabilities to respond to natural and man-made, i.e., technological, disasters. After transforming the Stability Pact for South Eastern European 2008, the DPPI SEE came under the umbrella of Regional Cooperation Council. In the same year, a Memorandum of Understanding, as the only legal basis regulating its objectives, structure and decisionmaking process, was signed by partner countries. DPPI SEE activities are on capacity building of partner countries aimed to enhance disaster preparedness and prevention through disaster management education and training courses, including organization of workshops, seminars, conferences, etc. Significant achievements have been made throughout the implementation of several regionally owned projects. Nevertheless, besides the important results that have been achieved in the work of the DPPI SEE to date, certain weaknesses and shortcomings have been demonstrated. The DPPI is now at some sort of milestone anticipating the new Memorandum of Understanding.