Sectoral integration in the European Union on the Example of the Emergency Management Service of Georgia

Abstract

European Integration is number one priority for the government of Georgia and therefore implementing obligations under existing cooperation frameworks and establishing new areas of cooperation is always active issue. Civil protection sphere is important both for Georgia, as well as for the EU. This Article relates to the establishment of the Emergency Management Service of Georgia (EMS), underlines the sectoral integration into the European institutions, and their role in the reforming process of the EMS by implementing EU standards as well draws on the signature of the Administrative Arrangement with respect

to Disaster Risk Management between EMS and the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and

Humanitarian Aid Operations of the European Commission (DG ECHO). Conclusion of the Administrative

Arrangement is one more step forward made in terms of European integration. It will promote cooperation between relevant agencies during the crisis, and support ongoing reforms as well as introduction of

European standards in this field. Conclusion of Administrative Arrangement will also promote more integration of emergency management system of Georgia into the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).

Keywords: EU, Georgia, Sectoral Integration, Eastern Partnership, Civil Protection, EU Commissioner, Union Civil

Protection Mechanism, DG ECHO, Emergency Management, Disaster Risk Management.