In the chapter, the shape and evolution of the civil security systems in so called "New" European Union members states are examined (with focus on the post-communist countries). The specificity of these countries is analyzed in three respects: a) types of actual threats; b) perception of threats; c) organization of civil security systems.
It is investigated whether the new member states constitute a specific cluster in terms of threats and risk perception, actual disasters risks, and whether the actual shape and evolution of the systems can be attributed to these specific features. The analysis shows that the assertion about a distinctive path of civil security systems development in the new member states cannot be sustained.
It can be argued that the similarities in the countries' civil security systems are driven by the geographic conditions and related risks.