RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL AND OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL

of 9 December 1999

on cooperation with candidate central and eastern European countries and Cyprus on civil protection

(1999/C 373/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

In the context of the accession process of the candidate central and eastern European countries (CEECs) and Cyprus;

Recalling the Resolution of 31 October 1994 on strengthening Community cooperation on civil protection(1);

Building on the discussion at the 1996 Civil Protection Council;

Taking into account the view expressed at the fourth and fifth Meetings of Directors General for Civil Protection;

Considering that, in preparation for accession by the candidate CEECs and Cyprus, steps should be taken as of now to enhance appropriate links with them in the civil protection sector, so that, when needed, the civil protection structures of each side are immediately ready to collaborate;

Emphasising that cooperation on civil protection will not prejudice positions which the EU may take in the accession negotiations;

Believing accordingly that, when suitable occasions arise, every opportunity for contacts between the Union and the candidate CEECs and Cyprus and for pooling experience should be supported;

Bearing in mind the similar action already taken by some Member States bilaterally and in various international fora in which many candidate countries are to varying extents involved, action aimed at securing the introduction of best practices established on the basis of principles developed through Community cooperation on civil protection;

Whereas the activities referred to above contribute to improving inter alia the capacity for management of civil protection of the candidate CEECs and Cyprus and their level of preparedness in the event of natural and/or technological disaster, in the prospect of their accession to the European Union;

With a view to strengthening cooperation in the field of civil protection between the Community and its Member States and the candidate CEECs and Cyprus, invite the Commission to:

- assess the extent and nature of current cooperation,

- improve the exchange of information between the Community and the candidate CEECs and Cyprus, including as regards operational manuals,

- make appropriate proposals.

(1) OJ C 313, 10.11.1994, p. 1.