4.3.4 Strategic level of coordination and cooperation

The strategic level for coordination and cooperation lies basically within the government and its supreme leader (e.g. Prime Minister). The government defines the strategic directions in security matters and addresses challenges by forming national plans and programs that are subsequently further elaborated within regional and local governmental units to reflect local particularities. The emergency management process is competed when road users and the private sector are included in the risk management framework.

As the primary concern of emergency management is protection of the population, usually the supreme government authority responsible for the strategic level of coordination is the Ministry of the Interior, which controls the emergency response services and the security services (i.e. fire department, police) or other specialized agency created for emergency management.

For the road transport sector, the relevant authority it is usually a ‘Department of Transportation’ type of body responsible for dealing with emergencies affecting the road network. A permanent working body in the Government, whose members are the highest representatives of the authorities and ministries ensures interministerial coordination and cooperation in the development of strategic plans and policies for emergency situation management. Its main task is to participate in the creation of a reliable national security system and fulfill international obligations. Experts from different sectors (e.g. representatives from the private sector or academia) can supplement such committees to ensure high quality of decision-making in determining appropriate course of action.

Various goal-oriented working committees focusing on individual areas of security are working at a national, regional and local level, to ensure co-ordination in preparation for disasters and crisis situations in their area of competence. These, are usually presided by the highest elected representatives of members if the cabinet, regions, cities and municipalities.

For emergency situations of national implications, a national risk management working body is formed for emergency situation management. Primarily, elected bodies and senior management, especially from national and regional levels, ensure the coordination at the strategic level.