Floods are becoming a growing threat across Europe – and North Macedonia is no exception. In recent years, we have witnessed how sudden heavy rains can turn into destructive floods, damaging homes, farmland, roads, and even taking lives. With climate change making extreme weather more frequent, the need for better flood prevention and protection is urgent.
The EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) was created to help countries prepare for and reduce the risks from flooding. It sets out clear steps:
- Assess which areas are most at risk of floods.
- Develop flood risk maps to understand possible scenarios and consequences.
- Prepare long-term flood management plans focused on prevention, protection, and preparedness.
For North Macedonia, transposing the Floods Directive into national policies and practice is especially important. It would mean:
- Better protection for people and communities, as risks are identified early and measures are planned in advance.
- Smarter land use and infrastructure planning, avoiding construction in flood-prone areas.
- Stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries, since floods do not stop at borders.
- Alignment with EU standards, supporting the country’s EU integration path.
By following the principles of the Directive, North Macedonia can move from responding to floods only after disasters, to building a system of prevention and resilience. This means the possibility of long-term policies for flood protection and management, raising awareness among citizens and local authorities who will have the tools to protect people and property.
In short, adopting the EU Floods Directive is not just about fulfilling EU requirements. It is about making North Macedonia safer, more resilient and better prepared for the challenges caused by climate change.
