International cooperation in crisis management

A flu pandemic, power cut or internet failure can affect several countries. To be well prepared, international cooperation is essential. The Netherlands has therefore concluded agreements with its European partners to protect critical infrastructure and prevent and deal with incidents involving hazardous substances.

Dealing with crises within the European Union

A disaster, terrorist attack or other crisis can affect several countries. To be well prepared, international cooperation is essential. The Netherlands has therefore concluded agreements within the European Union on protecting critical infrastructure and assessing risks. For this purpose, in 2010, the EU drew up its four-year Stockholm Programme.

Protectig critical infrastructure in Europe

The agreements between the countries of the European Union on protecting critical infrastructure are contained in the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP Directive). They concern:

Energy

  • electricity: power stations, cables;
  • oil: production, storage, pipelines;
  • gas: production, storage, pipelines.

Transport

  • road transport;
  • railway transport;
  • aviation;
  • inland waterways;
  • maritime shipping.

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents

Since late 2009, the European Union has had a CBRN action plan to improve our ability to prevent or deal with attacks and accidents involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances. For more information on preventing criminal use of CBRN substances, see Terrorism.

Crisis management outside Europe

The Netherlands works closely with several other countries to minimise the risk of disasters and attacks. As well as cooperating with individual countries and within the EU, the Netherlands also works within the:

  • Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD);
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO);
  • United Nations (UN).

The OECD regards the Dutch National Security Strategy and the National Risk Assessment as examples to the world on how to assess risks and take measures to strengthen national security.

The government also works with NGOs. With the International Red Cross, for instance, it has been examining how countries can prevent formalities from obstructing the early provision of international assistance.

Responsible ministry