Published
2026-04-24
Conference Proceedings Volume
Section
Security (international and national, corporate and information security, protection of critical infrastructure, armed forces and defense)
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Mato Tomljanović, Antonio Lanza
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
Strengthening the European civil protection system at the regional level by implementing European cross border projects within different Interreg programs
Mato Tomljanović
Dubrovnik-Neretva Region
Antonio Lanza
Puglia Region
Keywords: civil protection, preparedness, Emergency Response, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Puglia Region, Union Civil Protection Mechanism, resilience
Abstract
The Adriatic Sea area holds great value for both the Republic of Croatia and the Italian Republic as a natural and economic resource. However, it should be considered that this area is also vulnerable to various natural and man-made disasters. It is crucial to improve the level of preparedness for responding to natural disasters in the coastal areas of both countries to the greatest extent possible. Given that subsidiarity is one of the key principles of civil protection, it is vital to enhance the readiness of operational civil protection forces at the regional level. The focus of this professional paper is on the transition from emergency response to a culture of preventative resilience. The Dubrovnik-Neretva County - Puglia Region axis has established a model that uses the sharing of knowledge as a collective shield by combining regional capabilities with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). This approach ensures that the local community is not just a spectator of high-level diplomacy, but a direct beneficiary of integrated safety protocols. Sharing knowledge and conducting joint exercises are a significant part of cross border programs both countries are participating in, with a special emphasis on the Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia and the Interreg IPA South Adriatic.
Author Biography
Antonio Lanza, Puglia Region
Policy Officer for Civil Protection, Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Aid
Cabinet of the President, Administrative Directorate, Ceremonial Service, Protocol and Institutional Representation
References
https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/handy
https://www.italy-albania-montenegro.eu/
https://feamp.regione.puglia.it/en/web/dpc-gestione-emergenze/resilience
Republic of Croatia (2015), Civil Protection Law, Official Gazette, No. 82/15, 118/18, 31/20, 20/21, 114/22.
Republic of Croatia (2023), Disaster Risk Management Strategy until 2030, Official Gazette, no: 122/22.
Regulation (EU) 2021/1059 of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L 231, 30.6.2021., pg. 94–158.
Italian Government (2018), The Civil Protection Code, Legislative Decree No. 1 of January 2, 2018.
Regione Puglia (2019), Regional Civil Protection System, Regional Law no. 53/2019.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – UNDRR (2015) Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
European Union (2013), Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
European Commission (2025), EU Preparedness Union Strategy.
