FIREDEFEND’s participation at the “Forward Green Expo” in Thessaloniki – exchange of experiences and promotion of sustainable practices

On March 27, the project team of the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, as a partner in the FIREDEFEND project, participated in the 4th International Circular Economy Exhibition “Forward Green Expo”, which was held as part of the “Renewable Energy Tech” event in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Participation in this important international event enabled the exchange of experiences, knowledge and good practices with relevant institutions, experts and organizations from the region and beyond, in the field of risk management, environmental protection and sustainable development. Special emphasis was placed on modern approaches and innovative solutions related to the circular economy and renewable energy sources.

Through participation in the exhibition, the team had the opportunity to learn about new technologies, tools and practices that contribute to improving fire prevention and management systems, as well as more efficient waste and natural resource management – topics that are directly related to the objectives of the FIREDEFEND project.

Within the framework of the event, a partner meeting of the FIREDEFEND project was also held, at which the activities to date, the progress achieved and the challenges in the implementation were reviewed. The partners discussed the next steps, in order to improve the cooperation and ensure the effective and timely implementation of the project activities.

Participation in such events contributes to strengthening regional and cross-border cooperation, as well as to the application of modern solutions for addressing the challenges related to climate change and environmental protection.

#FIREDEFEND #ForwardGreenExpo #RenewableEnergy #CircularEconomy #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction

   

The first working meeting for the “Heart Safe CBA” project was held

On March 24, 2026, the implementation of the project “Towards a Heart-Safe Cross-Border Area” (Heart Safe CBA) officially began, with the holding of the first working meeting.
The project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg IPA Greece – North Macedonia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union and the national funds of the participating countries.
The event was attended by representatives of all partner institutions – the Center for Development of the South-East Planning Region, the AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki and the Society for Emergency Pre-Hospital Care of Greece. The meeting discussed the coordination of activities, defining the next steps and strengthening cross-border cooperation in the field of emergency medical care.
The project envisages significant investments in the healthcare infrastructure in the South-East region. The procurement and installation of 18 automatic (mobile) defibrillators in public locations, including municipal facilities and border crossings in Gevgelija, Dojran and Novo Selo, is planned. Additionally, 6 semi-automatic defibrillators, 6 ECG devices and 4 fully equipped ambulances will be provided for the needs of health centers.
Special emphasis at the meeting was placed on the organization of an extensive education program. Within the framework of the project, 60 trainings on first aid using defibrillators will be implemented, intended for doctors, medical staff, employees of several institutions, as well as for citizens from the region.
With the implementation of these activities, the “Heart Safe CBA” project aims to improve the emergency medical care system, increase the readiness to respond to cardiac emergencies and contribute to creating a safer and more resilient cross-border community.

First G4G workshop, focused on sustainable tourism – held in Thessaloniki

On 23 March 2026, the first workshop of the Green for Good (G4G) project was held at the CERTH premises in Thessaloniki, organised and hosted by CERTH/HIT.

The event brought together the project partners – Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, CISS International Cooperation South-South Branch Skopje, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, and the Municipality of Thermi, and together with the other participants, they contributed to a constructive exchange of views and proposals on sustainable tourism and the smart planning of destinations.

The workshop combined presentations with an interactive case study focused on Thessaloniki as a strategic tourism destination, creating space for discussion, reflection and the sharing of practical ideas. Participants explored how tourism can be developed in a more balanced and sustainable way, while also responding to the needs of local communities and visitors.

As the first workshop organised within the G4G project, the event marked a meaningful start to this series of activities and highlighted the value of cooperation, knowledge exchange and working together toward more sustainable and resilient communities.

IV session of the Development Council of the JIPR was held

The 4th session of the Council for the Development of the South_East Planning Region was held at the premises of the Center for the Development of the South-East Planning Region in Strumica, chaired by Mayor Petar Jankov.
The session reviewed and adopted several points of importance for the further development of the region, with special emphasis on the current open calls for financing projects of national interest.
The Council reviewed the Call for Financing Project Proposals for Reducing Disparities between and within the Planning Regions and Increasing Regional Competitiveness for 2026, published by the Ministry of Local Self-Government, with a total budget of 74,840,000 denars, intended for all eight development centers in the Republic of North Macedonia. After reviewing the priorities, the members of the Council unanimously made a decision to apply for a project for the procurement of a municipal vehicle for the municipality of Valandovo.
The call from the Bureau for Regional Development was also reviewed, with a total amount of 81,545,150 denars for financing projects in the planning regions. According to the Decision on the classification of planning regions according to the level of development for the period 2024–2028, approximately 10,200,000 denars have been provided for the Centre for Development of the Regional Development Agency. Within the framework of this call, a decision was made to apply for a project for the procurement of a utility vehicle for the municipality of Strumica, as well as a project for the construction of a road in the settlement of Staro Vladievci, to the church “Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary” in the municipality of Vasilevo.
All municipalities will participate with their own co-financing, which further confirms the joint commitment to the implementation of priority projects.
With the decisions made, the Council emphasized the need for a coordinated and strategic approach in the use of available financial resources, with the aim of improving infrastructure, improving utility services and ensuring balanced development of the entire South-Еast Planning Region.

Successful implementation of the Kick-off press conference for the Green for good project

On 4 March 2026, at Hotel “Sirius” – Strumica, the kick-off press conference for the “Green for Good” (G4G) project was held, implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme “Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027.” The project is co-funded by the European Union and the national funds of the participating countries.

The event was organized by the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, with the participation of project representatives, institutions, government officials and media.

Media statements were delivered by Zlatko Perinski – Minister of Local Self-Government, Petar Jankov – President of the Council for Development of the South-East Planning Region and Mayor of Municipality of Strumica, and Jovan Kocev – Acting Director of the CDSEPR, followed by their welcome addresses, together with an address by Goran Boshkov – a representative of CISS. In his address, the Acting Director of the CDSEPR, Jovan Kocev, emphasized: “The value of this project lies not only in the individual activities, but also in the foundation it lays for long-term change. It strengthens the region’s capacity to plan and invest strategically, with better coordination among municipalities and alignment with national policies and European programmes.”

After the opening speeches the “Green for Good” (G4G) was presented as well as the promotional video for the project. The project is aimed at reducing pollution and improving air quality; increasing the use of renewable energy and introducing smart energy management; advancing sustainable mobility; developing green urban infrastructure and environmental education; and strengthening cross-border cooperation through joint initiatives and governance structures.

The project also foresees specific actions and investments, including the installation of 8 fast EV charging stations across the cross-border region, the installation of photovoltaic systems in several municipalities, and the establishment of Green Education Centres, with the goal of delivering long-term and sustainable benefits for the community.

The event concluded with a Q&A session and a constructive discussion on the upcoming activities and next steps in the project implementation.

 

“Cross-border cooperation for Fire Detection and Enhanced Fire Emergency Network for Waste Disposal”

On March 6, 2026 in Thessaloniki, Greece, was officially held the kick-off meeting of the project FIREDEFEND – Fire Detection and Enhanced Fire Emergency Network for Waste Disposal, launching the implementation of the project activities.

During the meeting, the partners presented their organizations and project teams as well as the planned activities and work packages. Key aspects of project management, financial and administrative rules, communication obligations, as well as the next steps for the successful implementation of the project were discussed.

The project aims to improve the early detection systems of landfill fires and strengthen the capacities for prevention and risk management, through the installation of pilot systems for early fire detection and the exchange of experiences and good practices between partners from Greece and North Macedonia.

A study visit to the Thermi-Panorama Ecological Park, which is successful example of the transformation of a former uncontrolled landfill into a modern ecological park, was also organized by Lead Partners as part of the event.

We express our sincere gratitude to our Lead Partners – FoDSA (Regional Association of Solid Waste Management Agencies in Central Macedonia) for the excellent organization and hospitality.

The FIREDEFEND project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union and the national funds of the participating countries.

#FIREDEFEND #Interreg #CrossBorderCooperation #Environment #FirePrevention