Droughts have dramatically increased in number and intensity in some parts of Europe. The vulnerability to drought impacts in South East Europe (SEE) is higher in comparison to neighbouring regions. Ineffective water management is seen as the fundamental problem and can induce additional problems when drought occurs. Droughts have become a strategic issue in SEE. National focal points of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (national authorities in the field of drought and desertification) and national permanent representatives with World Meteorological Organization decided to address a threat of drought and desertification and to establish a Drought Management Centre for SEE (DMCSEE). Environmental Agency of Slovenia was selected by agreement of all parties to organise sustainable, long term work of DMCSEE once its functions will be established through the execution of this kick-off project. DMCSEE will coordinate development and application of drought risk management tools and policies with the goal of improving preparedness and reducing drought impacts. It will introduce and continue to provide now missing regional information on drought situation. Since definitions and thresholds for drought differ on country/region levels today, the partnership will agree upon an integrated approach combining outputs of meteorological services and information from agricultural institutions. Using common methodology in drought analysis and impact assessment the project will obtain regionally comparable results enabling better overview of drought situation for sectors economically dependant on water availability, such as agriculture, energy and tourism. Quality assessments of drought occurrence risk and possible drought impacts provided by DMCSEE and disseminated to decisions makers and general public will allow effective and timely decisions to reduce drought related damages. Achievements: • GIS application showing climatological and vulnerability maps as input for drought risk assessment• Drought risk assessment• Report on adapting Palfai Drought Index for applicability in whole SEE area• Study on developing irrigation scheduling system and tools for case study areasFor more information see:http://www.southeast-europe.net/en/projects/approved_projects/?id=83