1. European action programme on
PRB kick-off meeting
European action programme on
flood risk management
Brussels, 4 July 2005
Adriënne van der Sar
DG Environment
European Commission
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005

2. Action programme on Flood risk management
Explanation
EAF Flood protection =
Action programme on Flood risk management
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005

3. Action programme on flood risk management
Package - three components:
Information and research: facilitating exchange of information, knowledge and experiences
EU funding possibilities: targeted approach to funding
Proposal for a legal instrument: a Directive
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005

4. Facilitating exchange of information and knowledge
EU research projects and exchange groups
Examples:
EFAS: forecasting system
FLOODsite: methodology for flood risk management
ERA NET CRUE: national research programmes
Exchange Circle on Flood Forecasting: exchanging practical experiences
Flood Stakeholder meeting in September to further develop this component
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005

5. Targeted approach to funding
European Solidarity Fund: for emergency operations
New Cohesion Policy :
“Environment and risk”
New cross-border funding
Rural Development Regulation: flood prevention and protection measures included in Rural Development Plans.
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005

6. Proposal for legal instrument
Based on annex of Floods Communication
Member States will be required to develop:
Preliminary flood risk assessment (= present policy and priorities)
Flood mapping (= knowing areas at risk of flooding)
Flood Risk Management Plans (= plans to reduce flood risks)
Principles of flexibility and subsidiarity:
Precise objectives, deadlines and measures to be left to Member States
Risk based approach:
Maps and plans to be developed for each river basin and coastal area where floods have a negative impact
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005

7. Principles for flood mapping and Flood Risk Management Plans
To be developed at river basin level and for coastal areas; transboundary co-operation necessary in case of transboundary river basins
Solidarity principle
Long term strategic approach
Holistic approach
Shift from flood defence to living with floods
Public participation
Preferably using existing structures
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005

8. PRB kick-off meeting 4 July 2005
PRBs are invited to:
Share experiences on:
preliminary risk assessment
flood mapping
flood risk management plans
Contribute to defining Research & Information needs
Give recommendations on how to improve the link between research and policy at regional/ national/ international level
PRB kick-off meeting July 2005