Council conclusions on an EU Strategy for supporting disaster risk reduction in developing countries

 To read the Council conclusions click here

As a main conclusion the ministers have approved an EU strategy for supporting disaster risk reduction in developing countries. The strategy was formulated by the Commission to help reduce the impact of natural disasters on countries considered to be high risk.

 The strategy should be seen as a concrete action point as a result of the two following communications, which were published in February 2009:

• A Community approach to reducing the impact of natural and man-made disasters within the EU
• A strategy for supporting disaster risk reduction in developing countries 

 The strategy should also be seen in the light of the increased focus, which the European Commission has demonstrated during the past years on Disaster Risk Reduction related issues. The Red Cross has been playing an active role and has contributed with relevant input during the formulation process of the two communications.  

Ms Pytrik Dieuwke Oosterhof

Tel: +32.(0)2.235.06. 95