Actuality

The objective of the case study is to highlight the importance of developing local and national strategies and policies focused on preventive activities and risk-informed planning and investments.

In 2014, Serbia suffered the most severe flood in 120 years, with unprecedented human, financial and environmental losses. Serbia reacted by establishing the Office for Assistance and Recovery of Flooded Areas, initially entrusted with the recovery of flood affected areas. It then adopted the “Lex Specialis” Law on the Post-Flood Rehabilitation in the Republic of Serbia. In 2015, it signed an agreement for participation in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Going forward, the Disaster Risk and Crisis Management Law is under preparation.

These actions reflect the country’s will to move from a strategy of responding to emergencies, to one of fostering resilience and preparedness, as a condition for sustainability, with the full involvement of all stakeholders at , especially at community and municipal levels.