UNUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents
Конвенция о трансграничном воздействии промышленных аварий

Environment and Human Settlements

CONVENTION ON THE TRANSBOUNDARY EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS


1. According to Article 24 of the Convention, the future Parties in order to implement their obligations under the Convention may continue existing or enter into new bilateral or multilateral agreements or other arrangements.

2. This section contains information on bilateral and multilateral agreements dealing with industrial accidents already concluded in the ECE region. The multilateral agreements in general cover the main areas of the Convention, i.e. prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents, whereas bilateral agreements are mainly devoted to response measures, including mutual assistance in the event of major industrial accidents. The information listed below also gives an idea of what subregions and countries have been already covered by such agreements and where further agreements could facilitate the implementation of the Convention.

Agreements between

  • Armenia - Belarus - Kazakstan - Kyrgyzstan - Republic of Moldova - Russian Federation - Tajikistan - Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
  • Armenia - Russian Federation
  • Austria - Croatia - Hungary - Italy - Poland - Slovenia
  • Austria - Czech Republic
  • Austria - Germany
  • Austria - Hungary
  • Belgium - Germany
  • Bulgaria - Romania
  • Canada - United States of America (marine pollution)
  • Canada - United States of America (inland pollution)
  • Denmark - Finland - Norway - Sweden
  • Denmark - Germany
  • France - Germany
  • Germany - Italy
  • Germany - Lithuania
  • Germany - Luxembourg
  • Germany - Netherlands
  • Germany - Russian Federation
  • Germany - Switzerland

    ARMENIA-BELARUS-KAZAKSTAN-KYRGYSTAN- REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA-RUSSIAN FEDERATION-TAJIKISTAN-TURKMENISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN

    1. Agreement on Joint Actions in the Prevention of and Response to Emergencies of Natural and Technological Disasters was signed on 22 January 1993 in Minsk and entered into force the same day.

    2. The Agreement defines the joint actions to be taken by the Contracting Parties to prevent and respond to natural disasters, industrial accidents or other emergencies, including those causing transboundary effects. It covers the organization and coordination of activities to set up and improve a system for the prevention of and response to emergencies; the drawing-up and implementation of intergovernmental task programmes for the protection of the population, property and the environment; the control and inspection of hazardous activities and the prediction of emergencies, including the development of scenarios; the identification of hazardous activities and information on their conditions and measures to be taken in the event of an industrial accident; the mitigation and elimination of the consequences of an emergency, including the possibility of resettling the affected population on the teritory of the Contracting Parties; and the training and education of personnel involved in the prevention of and response to industrial accidents.

    3. The Intergovernmental Council on Emergencies consisting of one representative from each State was created in April 1993 for the practical implementation of the Agreement.

    4. The following activities are carried out under the Agreement:

    - Establishment of points of contact for the purposes of the Agreement;

    - Preparation and conducting of exercises;

    - Organization of meetings of points of contact in which points of contact under the Convention also participate.

    5. The main provisions of the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents were taken into account during the drafting of the Agreement. The Agreement is considered as a tool for the implementation of the Convention at the subregional level.

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    ARMENIA - RUSSIAN FEDERATION

    1. An agreement between the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Government of the Russian Federation concerning cooperation in preventing and responding to industrial accidents and natural disasters was signed in Erevan on 17 August 1994; entered into force on 17 August 1994 and was signed by the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation.

    2. The body responsible for the implementation of the agreement is the Emergencies Administrations. Methods are being developed to prevent and respond to industrial accidents and natural disasters, and on-line information exchange is being organized. The agreement offers a tool for use in implementing the Convention.

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    AUSTRIA - CROATIA - HUNGARY - ITALY - POLAND - SLOVENIA

    1. The Cooperation Agreement on the Forecast, Prevention and Mitigation of Natural and Technological Disasters was signed on 18 July 1992 in Vienna. It has not yet entered into force.

    2. The Agreement concerns cooperation for the prediction, prevention and mitigation of extraordinary threats likely to cause adverse effects on human and environmental safety. The Agreement aims to create a joint civil defence and management programme for the prevention of natural or industrial disasters. The programme would cover joint research projects, training of experts, exchange of scientific and technological information. In the framework of the Agreement it will be possible to strengthen cooperation and coordinate assistance in the event of an emergency.

    3. The Joint Committee and the national authorities are responsible for its implementation.

    4. Poland is not yet involved in the implementation of the Agreement, as the ratification procedure is still pending.

    5. Because the Joint Committee is to establish the rules, the scope and priorities for cooperation, it will be possible to include the projects focusing on the cooperation to fulfil relevant requirements under the Convention.

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    AUSTRIA-CZECH REPUBLIC

    1. The Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection was signed on 17 July 1987 in Prague and entered into force on 3 March 1989.

    2. The Agreement prescribes the following cooperation between Contracting Parties:

    - The exchange of experience in planning and organizing environmental protection measures, as well as in relevant applied research;

    - The exchange of information on industrial plants near the border which might have a negative environmental impact across the border on the territory of the other Party;

    - The exchange of experts on environmental protection with a view to information and training;

    - The immediate exchange of information concerning: (i) situations threatening the environment of the other Party; (ii) response measures which have been taken, as well as consultations on further action which may be necessary.

    Note:

    This Agreement was originally concluded with the former Czechoslovakia. At present it is in force with the Czech Republic, and a memorandum of understanding with Slovakia is under preparation.

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    AUSTRIA-GERMANY

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed on 23 December 1988 in Salzburg (Austria) and entered into force in 1992.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in the event of disasters or major accidents according to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. Assistance will also be rendered by trained rescue teams equipped for disaster prevention and major accidents.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany and the Ministries of the Interior of the border Lnder;

    - The Ministry of the Interior of Austria and the local governments of the border regions.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance, provisions for the import and export ofresources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between the Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Minister of the Interior of Austria.

    Note:

    A new agreement on mutual assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents with the principality of Liechtenstein was signed on 23 September 1994 and entered into force on 1 January 1996. Similar agreements with the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland are at various levels of preparation.

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    AUSTRIA-HUNGARY

    1. The Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection was signed on 7 June 1984 in Budapest and entered into force on 10 October 1985.

    2. The Agreement covers:

    - The exchange of experience in planning and organizing environmental protection measures, as well as in relevant applied research;

    - The exchange of information on industrial plants near the border which might have a negative environmental impact across the border on the territory of the other Party;

    - The exchange of experts on environmental protection with a view to information and training;

    - The immediate exchange of information concerning: (i) situations threatening the environment of the other Party; (ii) response measures which have been taken, as well as consultations on further action which may be necessary.

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    BELGIUM-GERMANY

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed in Brussels on 6 November 1980.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in case of disasters or major accidents according to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. In general, Germany will provide assistance through disaster relief teams and Belgium through civil defence units.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministry of the Interior of Belgium.

    For regions close to the border:

    - Germany: Ministries of the Interior of the border Lnder or their chief officials;

    - Belgium: Governors of the border provinces.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Minister of the Interior of Belgium.

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    BULGARIA-ROMANIA

    1. The Convention for Cooperation in the field of Environmental Protection was signed in Sofia in December 1991 and entered into force for Bulgaria on 21 February 1992 and for Romania on 23 November 1992.

    2. Both countries attach great importance to measures for preventing accidents and minimizing their consequences at their nuclear power stations, chemical installations and other industrial sites, which are potential sources of transboundary pollution. The Contracting Parties agree upon measures for preventing chemical accidents, including technical and organizational issues as well as matters concerning the location of new plants.

    3. An intergovernmental committee has been set up so that representatives of both countries can hold consultations before taking any decisions on the construction of new plants.

    4. The cooperation covers:

    - The exchange of information about disasters and accidents which can affect the territory of the other country through the emission of hazardous substances in the atmosphere, water or soil;

    - The exchange of meteorological data and information about the transboundary transfer of pollutants by air.

    5. The forms of collaboration have also been defined: exchange of technologies, joint development of projects and programmes, methods and methodologies of analysis and assessment of the pollution level, control measuring instruments, etc.

    6. The Convention stipulates that the Contracting Parties should notify and help each other in the event of disasters and accidents, by holding consultations and poviding technical equipment, depending on their possibilities.

    7. An interministerial committee which is recognized by both Governments is responsible for the implementation of the Convention.

    8. A project has been worked out in collaboration with the European Union for the assessment of the potential sources of transboundary pollution, including cases of industrial accidents. It will be put out to tender soon. The project will be carried out within six months after the signature of the contract.

    9. There are possibilities for making use of the provisions of the Convention between Bulgaria and Romania to implement the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents. A better implementation of the latter can be expected after the signing of the draft agreements between Bulgaria and respectively Greece, Romania, the Russian Federation and Germany through the Civil Defence Department.

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    CANADA-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (marine pollution)

    1. The Canada-United States of America Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan was signed on 15 September 1983 and entered into force on the same day.

    2. It concerns the prevention of, preparedness for, and response to marine accidents. The purpose is to provide for coordinated and integrated responses to pollution incidents in the waters designated in the agreement and its annexes by the federal, state/provincial, and local agencies of both Parties. It is intended to complement the national, state, provincial, regional and subregional (local) plans of the two Parties.

    3. The competent bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Canadian Coast Guard;

    - The United States Coast Guard.

    4. Under the Contingency Plan the following activities are carried out: the development of the appropriate preparedness measures and system for the discovery and reporting of a pollution incident within the areas covered by the agreement and its annexes; the implementation of prompt measures to restrict the further spread of oil or other noxious substances; and the provision of adequate resources to respond to a pollution incident.

    5. The Contingency Plan could be used as an instrument for the implementation of the Convention in that it deals with transboundary marine accidents.

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    CANADA-UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (inland pollution)

    1. The Canada and the United States of America Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan was signed in Washington, D.C. on 25 July 1994 and entered into force on the same day.

    2. This Contingency Plan concerns the preparedness for and response to land-based spills and accidents which impact on the jurisdiction of the other Party and which are not covered by the Canada-United States of America Joint Marine Contingency Plan. The purpose is to provide for coordinated and integrated responses to pollution incidents in the areas designated in the agreement and its annexes by the federal, state/provincial and local agencies at both Parties. It is intended to complement the national, state, provincial, regional and subregional (local) plans of the two Parties.

    3. The competent bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - Environment Canada;

    - The United States Environmental Protection Agency.

    4. Under the Contingency Plan the following activities are carried out: the development of appropriate preparedness measures and systems for the discovery and reporting of a pollution incident within the areas covered by the agreement and its annexes; the implementation of measures to assess and restrict the impacts of a polluting incident; and the provision of adequate resources to respond to a pollution incident.

    5. The Contingency Plan deals specifically with several articles of the Convention, for instance on preparedness, response, alerting, notification, etc.

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    DENMARK-FINLAND-NORWAY-SWEDEN

    1. The Agreement on cooperation over national territorial borders with the aim of preventing or limiting damage to man or property or the environment in the event of accidents was signed on 20 January 1989 in Stockholm and entered into force on 9 August 1989.

    2. The Agreement concerns cross-border cooperation in the event of accidents. Pursuant to the provisions of the Agreement, the contracting States are committed to providing such assistance according to their possibilities to do so.

    3. For the purpose of this Agreement, the contracting States inform each other about the organization and competent authorities which may be contacted directly. The competent authority in a contracting State where an accident occurs may request the assistance directly from the competent authority in another contracting State, which decides where it can be rendered. Supplementary agreements on the local/national/regional level for direct cooperation have been made.

    4. The following activities are carried out under the Agreement:

    - Organization of a biannual general conference;

    - Research and development in the field of response to industrial accidents;

    - Development of cooperation within the expert working group;

    - Cooperation on a local/national/regional level;

    - Exercises.

    5. The Agreement can be used as an Instrument for the implementation of the Convention in that it concerns subregional cooperation to strengthen the capacity to respond to an industrial accident.

    6. An unofficial translation of the Agreement into English is available for reference.

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    DENMARK-GERMANY

    1. The Agreement on mutual assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed in Tondern (Denmark), on 16 May 1985 and entered into force on 17 March 1988.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in the event of disasters or major accidents according to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. In general, Germany will provide assistance through disaster relief teams and Denmark through civil defence units.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministry of the Interior of Denmark.

    For regions close to the border:

    - The Minister of the Interior of Schleswig-Holstein or the chief administrative officers or local mayors of the districts or cities;

    - The President of the Graasten Police Force.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. Current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Minister of Justice of Denmark.

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    FRANCE-GERMANY

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed in Paris on 3 February 1977 and entered into force on 18 January 1980.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in the event of disasters or major accidents according to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. In general, Germany will provide assistance through disaster relief teams and France through civil defence units.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministry of the Interior of France.

    For region close to the border:

    - The Ministers of the Interior of the border Lnder concerned or their chief officials;

    - The prefects of the border Dpartements.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Minister of the Interior of France.

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    GERMANY-ITALY

    1. The Agreement on mutual assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents is in its final draft phase.

    2. According to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this agreement, the Contracting Parties shall provide assistance in case of natural or technology-related disasters that cause severe damage or present dangers to the physical integrity of people or goods and can obviously not be managed with the means available to the Contracting Party requesting assistance. Assistance will be rendered by trained rescue teams trained equipped for disaster prevention and major accidents.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry for the Coordination of Civil Defence of Italy.

    4. The activities carried out under the agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for good (import and export provisions) necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and sources of additional information concerning the agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Minister of the Interior and the Minister for the Coordination of Civil Defence of Italy.

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    GERMANY-LITHUANIA

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was initialled on 16 April 1993.

    2. According to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Contracting Parties shall provide assistance in the event of natural or technology-related disasters that cause severe damage or present dangers to the physical integrity of people or goods and can obviously not be managed with the means available to the Contracting Party requesting assistance. Assistance will be rendered by trained rescue teams equipped for disaster prevention and major accidents.

    3. The competent bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministries of the Interior and Defence of Lithuania.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities atborder crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministers of the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Defence of Lithuania.

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    GERMANY-LUXEMBOURG

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed in Luxembourg on 2 March 1978.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in the event of disasters or major accidents according to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. In general, Germany will provide assistance through disaster relief teams and Luxembourg through civil defence and fire fighting teams.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministry of the Interior of Luxembourg.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, desgnation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the interior of Germany;

    - The Minister of the Interior of Luxembourg.

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    GERMANY-NETHERLANDS

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed in Bonn on 7 June 1988 and entered into force in 1992.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in the event of disasters or major accidents corresponding to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. Assistance will also be rendered by trained rescue teams equipped for disaster prevention and major accidents.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministry of the Interior of the Netherlands.

    For regions close to the border:

    - The Minister of the Interior of the border Land concerned;

    - Her Majesty's Commissioner of the province concerned.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can beobtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Minister of the Interior of the Netherlands.

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    GERMANY-RUSSIAN FEDERATION

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed in Moscow on 16 December 1992 and entered into force in September 1994.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in the event of disasters or major accidents according to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. Assistance will also be rendered by trained rescue teams equipped for disaster prevention and major accidents.

    3. The competent bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Ministry for Civil Defence Affairs, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Russian Federation.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The State Committee for Civil Defence Affairs, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Russian Federation.

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    GERMANY-SWITZERLAND

    1. The Agreement on Mutual Assistance in the event of disasters or major accidents was signed in Bonn on 28 November 1984.

    2. The Contracting Parties undertake to assist each other in the event of disasters or major accidents according to their respective possibilities and in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Assistance will be rendered by rescue teams trained in fire fighting, nuclear and chemical dangers, medical aid, recovery and provisional repair that are sent to the scene. Assistance will also be rendered by trained rescue teams equipped for disaster prevention and major accidents.

    3. The bodies responsible for its implementation are:

    - The Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Confederate Department for Foreign Afairs of Switzerland.

    For regions close to the border:

    - The Minister of the Interior of the border Lnder concerned or authorized regional commissioners;

    - The Governments of Cantons.

    4. The activities carried out under the Agreement include: the exchange of information, designation of competent authorities and initiation of measures necessary to establish contact between them; minimizing customs formalities at border crossings to ensure effective assistance; provisions for the import and export of resources necessary for the relief mission including equipment, auxiliaries and operational instruments of the teams.

    5. If necessary, current findings or contacts already established between Contracting Parties may be used for the implementation of the ECE Convention. An exchange of experience and information is also possible.

    6. Reference material and additional information concerning the Agreement can be obtained from:

    - The Federal Minister of the Interior of Germany;

    - The Confederate Department for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.


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