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Eur-Opa Agreement Centre Directors and Permanent Correspondents Meeting

Strasbourg, Novembre 6-7, 2023

Council of Europe's Major Hazards Agreement Marks 80th Meeting, Working to Enhance Safety from Disasters in Europe and the Mediterranean
The Council of Europe - European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement reached a significant milestone as it convened its 80th Joint Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Correspondents and Directors of Specialised Centres in Strasbourg on 6-7 November 2023. This event brought together key stakeholders from across Council of Europe countries to address pressing issues and discuss future strategies.
During the two-day event, a wide range of critical topics was covered. The meeting commenced with the formal adoption of the agenda to ensure that all pertinent topics were addressed. The Executive Secretary, Mr. Krzysztof Zyman, provided an in-depth update on the status of the Agreement and its ongoing initiatives.
A detailed plan for the upcoming year, which included statutory meetings, reports, and key activities, was presented to the attendees. This was followed by a discussion on the "United Around our Values" declaration adopted at the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe in Reykjavík on May 16-17, 2023, and its implications for the Agreement's objectives.
Participants also explored the upcoming priorities and with a focus on the use of social media and other communication tools for disaster risk management. Furthermore, collaboration between the Bern Convention, the Landscape Convention, and EUR-OPA to address the challenges of climate change was a focal point of discussion.
The Directors of specialized canters presented their achievements for 2023 and the project proposals for 2024. In this regard, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine showcased its activities in 2023, encompassing research, training, education, networking, and knowledge sharing. The Centre also outlined its key objectives for 2024.
The meeting also included a review of various operational activities conducted throughout the year and provided an opportunity for participants to discuss additional matters of importance.
The 80th Joint Meeting underscored the Major Hazards Agreement's unwavering commitment to addressing the significant challenges of our time, particularly in the realm of disaster risk management and climate change. The meeting fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation among participants.
The Council of Europe - European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the European and Mediterranean regions and will continue its vital work in the coming years.