site.btaBulgaria and Serbia Implement Joint Disaster Response Project

Bulgaria and Serbia are implementing a joint project for better disaster response, said here on Saturday Slavjan Kostadinov, head of the Joint Secretariat INTERREG Bulgaria – Serbia Programme 2021-2027, during the closing conference of the Europe in the Balkans: A Common Future Project, implemented by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) with the support of the European Commission.

The Bulgarian-Serbian project is aimed at preparing the general population in disaster response and capacity building of professionals in emergency situations in the cross-border region. The project is expected to reach about 25,000 people in the cross-border region. It is strategic for both countries, Kostadinov said, adding that the project is expected to be completed in March 2026.

The partners are the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection at the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, the Serbian Ministry of Interior and the relevant Serbian emergency disaster response authorities, the National Association of Volunteers in Bulgaria and the Academy of the Ministry of Interior in Bulgaria. The project aims to provide the firefighters themselves with the necessary modern technical means, as well as to create a culture of responsibility among people in the regions at risk for disaster response, Kostadinov said.

Kostadinov identified fires as a major challenge. He noted that according to statistics for the period 2017 - 2021, more than 500 forest fires have been registered in Sofia and Vidin regions. He added that Serbia has seen an increase in emergency situations and disasters. In 2016, there were many floods, the expert noted. 

He pointed out that one of the objectives of the programme is to train volunteers. Preparing and training over 4,500 children is one of the main tasks for disaster response. There are plans to develop mobile applications, educational materials and information brochures between the Bulgarian and Serbian population, the expert added. The focus of the project will also be the elderly, and there will be various emergency response information materials for them as well, he said.