Δευτερη Αναρτηση

Today national authorities in SEE have the primary responsibility for civil emergencies while NATO's role in this area is only secondary and subsidiary but in the light of latest developments in disaster emergency in the SEE region it seems the role of NATO must considerably upgraded. In the Balkan territory its role should not be subsidiary in relation to other competent international organisations, particularly the United Nations but a decisive one.

 The justification for NATO's role in civil emergencies can be found in organising the contribution of civilian assets and resources the Alliance offers to the management of crisis situations. We can find specific information on the types of operations or scenarios in which NATO could be called to intervene in civil emergencies on NATO’s Handbook. Though in this report we are interested in analyzing NATO's engagement in Nuclear and Radiological Disasters its range includes natural and manmade disasters, such as chemical and toxic spills, avalanches, floods, earthquakes, extreme weather, fires, etc. and covers all the various stages of emergency planning: early warning and prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. It is also important to note that since the end of the Cold War, it has been adapted to emerging needs and threats and additionally has included the civil effects of terrorism and of the use of WMD.