Water as a Cardinal Area of Critical Infrastructure Protection

This volume presents a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific research on critical infrastructure security, with a particular emphasis on water security. Contributions come from across Central Europe—including Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Ukraine—as well as from North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria) and Western Europe (France). This international collaboration explores a wide range of climate and infrastructure challenges, focusing on the pivotal role of water in ensuring the sustainability and security of societies.

Recent extreme weather events have underscored the dual nature of water as both a vital resource and a potential threat. While essential to life, water can cause devastating floods when in excess, or lead to famine and social instability when scarce. In 2024, Europe experienced both extremes—severe flooding and prolonged drought—resulting in significant economic and humanitarian impacts. These events highlight the urgent need to prioritize water in critical infrastructure protection.

One often-overlooked water-related hazard is ice flooding, which occurs primarily in Central and Eastern Europe during winter or early spring. Ice jams can block river flow, causing sudden floods that damage bridges, dams, waterworks, and municipal infrastructure. These events also pose serious public health risks and threaten drinking water supplies.

The 6th International Conference on Central European Critical Infrastructure Protection (ICCECIP 2024) rightly focused on water as both a strategic resource and a natural hazard. The conference showcased cutting-edge technological solutions and research addressing 21st-century challenges in disaster management, energy independence, and smart systems. Topics included cybersecurity, robotics, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and alternative energy sources such as hydrogen.

Key research areas covered:

• Physical protection, especially of water infrastructure
• Cybersecurity and the defense of digital networks
• Political security, including international resource governance
• Individual security, focused on population safety and well-being

This international network of cooperation and knowledge exchange offers valuable insights for preventing future crises, developing effective responses, and advancing sustainable development.