The recent study on "Strengthening the resilience of EU border regions: Mapping risks & crisis management tools and identifying gaps," conducted by a consortium led by Technopolis Group with CMCC and Nordregio as partners on behalf of DG REGIO and DG ECHO, sheds light on the effectiveness of disaster prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms at the European level, specifically in cross-border territories. This article explores the identified gaps in the current mechanisms and provides recommendations for enhancing the resilience of these regions.

Gaps in Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Mechanisms

The study reveals several gaps in the existing European disaster prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms for cross-border territories. These gaps include inadequate financial resources, limited access to funding for high-risk municipalities, a lack of continuity in projects, and insufficient sharing of information and good practices.

Financial Resources and Support

One of the major challenges identified is the need for increased funding for all types of cross-border projects. Full Union financial assistance is required to improve capacities to respond to low probability risks with high impact. However, concerns are raised regarding the complexity of EU funds, suggesting a need for simplification to encourage broader participation. The lack of mechanisms ensuring the participation of all organizations and municipalities exposed to risks in relevant INTERREG or EU initiatives is a significant gap. There is a need to establish a mechanism to proactively encourage these municipalities to apply for relevant initiatives.

Information Deficits and Project Continuity

Local authorities face significant obstacles due to information deficits, hindering comprehensive risk assessments and access to EU funds. The study highlights the risk of losing social capital and critical relationships built during projects when mechanisms for sustained interaction across borders are not established.

Sharing of Information and Good Practices

The study emphasizes the need for a policy framework to collect, store, and reuse data on disaster risk management, promoting comparability among Member States facing similar cross-border risks. Recommendations include the creation of a European tool evaluating multi-risks across borders and the establishment of liaison officers on DRM between countries.

Joint Exercises and Crisis Centres

The importance of joint exercises, common crisis centres, and joint teams between neighbouring countries is underscored. The study suggests exploring the successful model of Benelux crisis centres and advocates for strengthened cooperation within supplies, logistics contingency planning, and pooling of resources.

The study provides valuable insights into the gaps in European disaster prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms for cross-border territories. To address these gaps, the study recommends actions such as developing regional risk assessments, simplifying funding procedures, establishing common units, and enhancing information sharing at cross border level. Strengthening disaster resilience requires a collaborative effort at the European level to ensure the effectiveness of mechanisms and protect cross-border territories from the increasing challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters.