Delegation of the Russian Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM of Russia) headed by Minister Vladimir Puchkov visited Brussels on 30-31 May 2013.
During the visit Minister Vladimir Puchkov, State-Secretary/Deputy Minister Vladimir Artamonov and Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the EU Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov held a working meeting with Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crises Response Kristalina Georgieva and representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (DG ECHO). The parties discussed further practical steps to develop Russia-EU cooperation in the field of emergency management. It was mentioned, that a significant role in this area should be played by the Administrative Arrangement between EMERCOM of Russia and DG ECHO on Practical Cooperation in the Field of Civil Protection signed on 22 March 2013.
The EMERCOM delegation visited a new EU Emergency Response Center (ERC) and discussed with the partners the prospects of establishing operational interaction between the ERC and the Russian National Emergency Management Center.
During its stay in Brussels the EMERCOM delegation also paid a visit to NATO, got an insight into activities of the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Center and exchanged experience and best practices with the colleagues from fire and rescue service of the Brussels capital region.
