Belgian and French emergency services signed a new agreement in Metz on Friday to strengthen their cooperation in border areas. The agreement covers the provinces of Namur and Luxembourg, as well as the French departments of Ardennes, Meuse and Meurthe-et-Moselle.
“The aim is to improve the process of dealing with victims of road accidents, fires, or other common or specific risks that occur in the border area,” the partners explained.
Three levels of authority have been set up. Firstly, a steering and monitoring committee co-chaired by the three signatories of the agreement: the prefect of the French eastern defence and security zone, the governor of the Province of Luxembourg and the governor of Namur Province.
Additionally, an operational committee will bring together the heads of the fire and rescue services.
Finally, working groups may be set up according to geographical or thematic needs (cross-border risk analysis, exercises and training, telecommunications, operational techniques, etc.).
These bodies should allow for the pooling of good practices, the sharing of any difficulties encountered and an enriching exchange, officials said.
“As part of the implementation of the agreement, the intervention methods and useful operational procedures will be brought together. Training and exercises will also be organised jointly to share knowledge, train teams and seek complementarities in the means implemented,” the partners specified.
