This ARW was conducted in Tbilisi, Georgia in the period of 2-4 June 2014. It had the task of analysing accumulated European theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of disaster prevention, involvement of public in preventing and fighting the consequences of terrorism, natural and manmade disasters as well as elaboration of practical recommendations adapted to the trends of human and social dynamics. It involved social and sociological aspects, positive attitudes of the population to events, public information, warning and territorial features. The workshop had demonstrated the internationalization of security policy, the overcoming of regional limits and, eventually, achieving safety and security globalization through efficient international cooperation. The measures to prevent terrorist acts were discussed and adapted to the local Caucasian region features.

Risk and vulnerability assessments related in particular to both natural and engineering science approaches with particular emphasis on effective methods of communication between relevant authorities and the public. Thus the Workshop had the aim to summarize and generalize the assessments of different types of vulnerabilities that impact social, personal, economic and political development, as well as presenting applications and possible solutions for different scenarios of terrorist attacks and disasters.

ARW had embraced a wide range of topical problems including environmental security issues and methods of preventing and mitigating risks caused by terrorist activities and disasters. Economically critical infrastructure (such as dams, pipelines, transportation and storage facilities and hazardous material production and treatment) becomes more vulnerable because of the growing number of natural disasters and local conflicts in the region. Thus, the focal points of the ARW had included management of water and non-renewable resources, disposal of dangerous chemicals and radioactive wastes, as well as defensible methods of transport for fuel supplies, and key personnel, as well as the study of the necessary human factors in defence against terrorism.

Discussed in the Workshop problems were recognised trough the necessary adjustment of many national requirements in partner countries to meet European Union’s standards. It is very important to set uniform and independent standards for hazard and risk assessment methods, and the prevention and management of identified risk at a national and regional level. Their implementation can be based on a combination of national and regional elements, and will integrate the most advanced accumulated relevant practical experience in European countries.

The ARW contributions reflected extensive experience in the participating NATO and “partner” countries as Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Moldova, Nederland, Romania, Turkey and the Ukraine as well as in such international organisations as UNECE and NATO.

The ARW had attracted a high level of interest from different Georgian scientific and state institutions.

Participants had expressed their opinion on continuing need to convene some more dedicated follow-up ARWs, especially in the field of terrorist attempts involving CBRN aspects, related to these public health issues.