Closer integration of Candidate Countries into EU activities and support for the European course of the Western Balkan countries comprise one of the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2008. We believe that civil protection is one of the areas where cooperation between the EU, Candidate Countries and potential candidate countries in the Western Balkans should be strengthened in order to create a safer environment in which to live.

In this regard, the European Commission – DG Environment, Civil Protection Unit and the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief will jointly organise the Seminar on Strengthening Cooperation with Candidate Countries and Western Balkan Countries in the Field of Civil Protection. The seminar will be held from 24 to 26 February in Bled, Slovenia.

The aims of the seminar are:

1. to support closer integration of Candidate Countries into EU activities in the field of civil protection and to facilitate their activities in the EU accession process;

2. to enable better understanding of the current status and development of national disaster management systems in Western Balkan countries and to provide further support  in their European course;

3. to inform Candidate Countries and Western Balkan countries of EU developments in the field of civil protection;

4. to identify further opportunities for the enhanced association of the Western Balkan countries with EU work in the area of civil protection.

For more information, please contact Ms. Mateja Berglez, Telephone number: +386 1 471 3227, E-mail address: Mateja.Berglez.