Disaster response mechanisms in EU and NATO

Abstract

The objective of this article is to identify, analyse and assess the European Union (EU) and NATO’s roles in international disaster response operations. The article adopts a broad approach and deals with mechanisms that could apply to so-called “natural” and “man-made” disasters. It considers instruments that may contribute to fulfil the rights of people stricken by disasters in Europe and beyond. The use of NATO’s disaster response capabilities has drawn limited attention in scientific literature so far. The main hypothesis stipulates that NATO provides added value in international disaster response in relation to the United Nations (UN) and EU actions. NATO with its transatlantic dimension and its military capabilities can assist when a stricken nation, its neighbours and/or other international organization(s) capacity or measures cannot cope with the potential negative consequences of a natural or man-made disaster. However, EU and/or NATO disaster response actions do not substitute a stricken country actions but complements their efforts in this area.