Reconceptualizing the Civil Defence Paradigm: Insights from European Civil Protection Developments in the DPPI SEE Member States

Abstract

The European civil protection landscape has evolved significantly in response to growing transboundary risks, necessitating enhanced cooperation, interoperability, and resilience. Instruments such as the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and RescEU (as a reserve within UCPM framework) have played a central role in shaping national civil protection and civil defence strategies, while frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasize prevention, capacity building, and resilient infrastructure. Following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in 2022, a shift toward a more integrated civil defence paradigm has emerged, integrating prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities across national borders.
Within this evolving context, the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South-Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE) serves as a regional platform, facilitating collaboration among national civil protection authorities and fostering knowledge exchange in disaster preparedness and prevention aligned with experiences and standards of the European Union, United Nations Agencies and other relevant stakeholders connected with civil protection and humanitarian action, encompassed with DPPI SEE interests and mandate.
This paper examines the extent to which developments within the European civil protection system influence national paradigms of civil defence among DPPI SEE member states, with a particular focus on preparedness, prevention, and cross-border cooperation. The study employs qualitative data collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to national civil protection focal points across the ten DPPI SEE member states, but also regarding the statements and reactions received by representatives of the member states regarding the title and purpose of this study. Preliminary findings reveal a broad acknowledgment of the need to adapt national systems to contemporary risks. However, divergences persist concerning the integration of civil protection and civil defence concepts. Although progress toward alignment with European Union standards is evident, disparities in institutional capacity, legal frameworks, and available resources remain considerable challenges.
The findings highlight the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and value of innovative technologies, harmonized legal and institutional frameworks and enhanced cross-sector collaboration. By exploring the evolving civil defence paradigm in South-Eastern Europe, the paper offers insights into the opportunities and challenges of aligning national systems within broader European trends, while recognizing region-specific complexities and contexts.