Project Progress

The RiskGovEU project is an Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module that aims to strengthen academic and professional understanding of how European Union law and policy frameworks contribute to building effective disaster risk governance systems. The module explores the intersection of EU legal instruments, disaster management, climate adaptation, and resilience building, with a special focus on knowledge transfer and capacity development in Central Asia.

The RiskGovEU Module is a three-year initiative funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme. The Jean Monnet Modules aim to promote excellence in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide.

PROJECT RATIONALE

In recent years, the frequency and intensity of disasters have increased, posing major challenges to governance, human security, and sustainable development. The European Union has developed a comprehensive approach to disaster risk management based on the principles of solidarity, prevention, preparedness, and cooperation.
The RiskGovEU Module brings this expertise to an academic setting outside the EU, providing students, legal practitioners, and policymakers in Uzbekistan with opportunities to study EU law as a model for integrated disaster risk governance.

OBJECTIVES

• To enhance teaching and research on EU disaster law and governance.

• To promote understanding of EU integration principles in risk management and climate resilience.

• To develop a multidisciplinary learning experience combining law, environmental studies, and crisis management.

• To create a network of educators and professionals engaged in EU-related studies on disaster risk governance.

• To raise awareness among students, local authorities, and civil society about the role of the EU in promoting sustainable and resilient societies.

TARGET GROUPS

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• Policy officers, disaster management professionals, and local government representatives.

• Academic staff seeking to integrate EU legal perspectives into their teaching and research.

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Development and delivery of a 30-hour Jean Monnet Module course on EU Disaster Law and Risk Governance.

• Workshops, guest lectures, and moot court simulations focused on EU disaster management case studies.

• Public events, webinars, and publications promoting dialogue between academia, policymakers, and practitioners.

• Creation of teaching materials and open educational resources (OERs) for wider dissemination.

TEACHING

The project’s objectives will be achieved through the following initiatives:

1. Introduction of a New Course “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance Through EU Law”:

   The course will address key areas such as:

   • International legal frameworks on DRM and DRR, with a focus on the role of the UN and its agencies.

   • EU-specific DRM and DRR frameworks: preparedness for future challenges.

   • Rights of individuals before, during, and after disasters, including during the reconstruction phase.

   • Legal considerations regarding the right to remain in one’s homeland, housing, and property in disaster contexts.

   • Temporary and public housing issues post-disaster.

   • Energy access in disaster-affected areas, addressing energy poverty concerns.

   • Legal obligations related to mortgages and ongoing contracts in disaster-stricken regions.

   • Protecting the rights of people with disabilities and marginalized communities during disasters.

   • Supporting entrepreneurs through state aid in disaster-affected regions.

   • The impact of disasters on EU values such as democracy and the rule of law.

   • Extraordinary measures affecting the EU internal market and public procurement.

   • The role of new technologies in enhancing disaster risk management capabilities.

2. Moot Court on Disaster Law:

   An interactive moot court will allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a simulated legal setting. This activity will enhance argumentation skills, prepare participants for inter-university competitions, and foster a deeper understanding of disaster law in a collaborative and engaging environment.

3. Seasonal School on Disaster Law:

   A one- or two-week school will be organized before the semester starts (autumn, winter, or summer, depending on scheduling needs). This intensive program will focus on a specific disaster law issue within the EU context, providing a flexible learning opportunity for students.

RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION

Project team members involved in the module will engage in research activities, presenting their findings at international conferences to boost the project’s global visibility. These efforts will be complemented by blog posts aimed at sharing legal perspectives on disaster management with the broader public in an accessible, non-technical manner.

PROJECT OUTPUTS:

• Peer-review publications: 3.

• International conference: 1.

• Workshops & trainings: 1.

• Handbook on the project topic: 1.

• Diploma theses on disaster management topics: 2.

EXPECTED IMPACT

The module is designed to empower future legal experts and decision-makers with knowledge of EU governance principles and their application to risk management. It will contribute to Uzbekistan’s academic modernization, encourage EU–Uzbekistan cooperation, and inspire comparative research on legal and institutional models of disaster resilience.

Interested in learning more about the EU's role in building a more resilient future? Explore our Teaching and Research sections or Contact us with your inquiries.