Southeast Europe frequently faces disasters that cross borders and can exceed the response capacity of individual countries. Preparedness and prevention levels vary across the region, and certain threats, like floods and forest fires, are seasonal, offering opportunities for proactive cooperation between neighboring countries. The Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South-Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE) is a regional effort aimed at strengthening the disaster management capacities of protection and rescue organizations across Southeast Europe. 

Launched in November 2000 by the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe, DPPI SEE focuses on developing a coordinated regional strategy for disaster preparedness and prevention in its 10 member states: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Türkiye. 

Over time, DPPI SEE has transitioned from relying on donors to becoming a self-sustaining regional initiative with a clear structure and mandate. In 2007, member states signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), taking full ownership of the initiative. This MoU was renewed in 2013 and 2014, extending DPPI SEE's mandate indefinitely, and ratified by the parliaments of all member states. 

A key priority for DPPI SEE is resolving its legal status to be recognized as an international regional organization with full legal identity. To achieve this, a Host Country Agreement was signed in 2018 and 2019 between Bosnia and Herzegovina (as the host country) and the other member states. Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia have already ratified the agreement, while Romania awaits ratification in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Türkiye and Montenegro are in the process of ratification. 

Since its inception, DPPI SEE has aimed to provide a framework for Southeast European nations to enhance their disaster prevention, preparedness and response capabilities. The initiative also fosters cooperation between donor countries, international organizations, and national disaster management systems, aiming to improve efficiency and address unmet needs.