Peer review report: Republic of Serbia 2019

This peer review of disaster risk management and civil protection systems provides the Republic of Serbia with a valuable opportunity to reflect on its readiness to cope with natural hazards and human-induced disasters, as well as to identify ways to strengthen its prevention and preparedness policies and practices. It also facilitates the exchange of good practices and recommendations. The peer review programme is a tool made available to civil protection authorities of Member States, participating states, and enlargement and neighbourhood countries under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism legislation. It is managed by the Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department.

The Peer Review report of Serbia's disaster risk management (DRM) system assesses progress following recent legislative reforms, notably the 2018 Law on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management. While Serbia's DRM framework is comprehensive, supported by laws on critical infrastructure, fire protection, and reconstruction aligned with the Sendai Framework, areas for improvement were identified. Key recommendations include expanding risk assessments to address multi-hazard and climate-related risks, improving preparedness and contingency plans at all levels, and increasing administrative capacity and funding for the Sector for Emergency Management (SEM). Further refinement of Serbia's institutional framework, focusing on training, public awareness, and integration of international resources, is also essential to building a more resilient DRM system for Serbia.