Strengthening Health Capacities and Creating a Safer Cross-Border Community through the “Heart Safe CBA” Project

On October 29, 2026, a press conference was held in Strumica to present the project “Heart Safe CBA – Towards a Cross-Border Area Safe for the Heart.” The event was attended by representatives from the media, healthcare centers from the South-East region, the Red Cross, and local municipalities.
The project’s objectives, partnership structure, planned activities, and expected outcomes were presented at the event. The project is being implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027 program, with financial support from the European Union and national funds.
The project aims to improve preparedness for timely and effective responses to cardiac arrest and other life-threatening conditions through education, the provision of modern medical equipment, and the enhancement of the practical capabilities of healthcare services.
One of the key components involves training more than 1,200 healthcare professionals, citizens, and volunteers in life-saving techniques, basic and advanced life support, and appropriate procedures for medical emergencies.
In addition to educational activities, the project includes the procurement of modern medical equipment—such as ambulances, defibrillators, and electrocardiographs—as well as the establishment of facilities for medical simulation and practical training. The project is implemented through a partnership between the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, the AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki, and the Hellenic Society for Emergency Prehospital Care (HSEPC). By combining institutional and medical expertise from both countries, the partners are working to create a better-prepared and more resilient cross-border region.
“Knowledge saves lives. Every second counts.” – this message captures the essence of the project and its core commitment: ensuring that timely responses, trained personnel, and appropriate medical equipment become accessible and effective resources for protecting human life.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region (CDSEPR) participated in the international event AGRO EXPO 2026, held on 30 and 31 October 2026 at SPACE Park in Skopje, under the motto “The Agriculture of Tomorrow. Today.”

The event served as an important platform for connecting institutions, agricultural producers, the scientific and research community, companies, and organisations working towards agricultural advancement, the introduction of modern technologies, and the promotion of sustainable regional development.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region actively participated in the exhibition programme with its own promotional stand, showcasing projects, initiatives, and activities focused on agricultural development, support for rural communities, sustainable management of natural resources, and strengthening regional cooperation.

Through promotional materials and direct communication with visitors, representatives of the Centre presented ongoing project activities and the results achieved so far, placing particular emphasis on opportunities for implementing innovative solutions, improving agricultural production conditions, and establishing new partnerships to support the development of the South-East Planning Region.

As part of the official programme, Tanja Mitev, representative of the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, participated in the session dedicated to regional cooperation and agricultural needs from the public sector’s perspective.

The AGRO EXPO 2026 programme featured presentations of European projects, modern agricultural machinery, digital technologies, smart irrigation systems, drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence-based solutions, as well as discussions on opportunities for modernising agricultural production.

The event was organised within the framework of the European project CAAIVE, co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme, focusing on the development of vocational knowledge, digital skills, and the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture. The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, as a partner in the CAAIVE project, was also actively involved in organising the event alongside the other project partners.

Participation in AGRO EXPO 2026 provided valuable opportunities for exchanging experiences, establishing contacts with potential partners, and promoting the development potential of the South-East Planning Region, particularly in the fields of agriculture and rural development.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region remains committed to promoting and implementing projects that contribute to the modernisation of agriculture, strengthening the local economy, ensuring the sustainable use of regional resources, and improving the quality of life of the population in the region.

On 30 October 2026, the first regional workshop dedicated to the preparation of the South-East Planning Region Development Programme for the period 2027–2031 was held at the Army House in Strumica.

The workshop was organised as part of the regional strategic planning process, aiming to assess the current situation, identify key development challenges and opportunities, and establish the foundations for defining future strategic priorities and a shared development vision for the South-East Planning Region.

The event brought together representatives of municipalities from the South-East Planning Region, public institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders. Through active participation and constructive discussions, participants contributed to the development of the new strategic document.

During the first session, the preliminary findings of the final evaluation of the South-East Planning Region Development Programme for 2021–2026 were presented. Participants had the opportunity to review the key findings, share their perspectives, and contribute to their validation through an interactive plenary discussion.

Particular attention was given to assessing the current situation in the region through the presentation of key findings from the draft sectoral analyses covering various thematic areas. Discussions focused on identifying the region’s main development challenges, existing resources, and opportunities for further economic, social, and sustainable development.

The workshop continued with thematic group sessions dedicated to the preparation of SWOT analyses, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the proposed priority strategic areas. This participatory approach encouraged the exchange of experiences, perspectives, and recommendations among stakeholders, ensuring that future development priorities reflect the actual needs and potential of the region.

An important part of the workshop was also dedicated to defining a shared development vision for the South-East Planning Region by 2031, providing a foundation for the subsequent formulation of strategic objectives, measures, and activities within the new Development Programme.

The preparation of the South-East Planning Region Development Programme for 2027–2031 represents an important step towards establishing a long-term and coordinated regional development framework. The Programme aims to contribute to improving citizens’ quality of life, strengthening regional competitiveness, ensuring the efficient use of available resources, and promoting balanced and sustainable regional development.

The process will continue with the second regional workshop, scheduled for 25 November 2026, during which consultations and joint efforts with relevant stakeholders will continue, focusing on the further definition of regional development priorities.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region remains committed to ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and participatory strategic planning process, actively involving all relevant regional stakeholders in pursuing a common objective – creating better conditions for sustainable development and long-term prosperity in the South-East Planning Region.

The activity is implemented as part of the preparation process for the South-East Planning Region Development Programme 2027–2031, with the support of the Ministry of Local Self-Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

On 29 October 2026, the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region officially handed over a new specialized municipal waste collection vehicle, Ford Trucks 1833DC, aimed at improving public utility services and strengthening the waste management system in the Municipality of Strumica.

The vehicle was procured within the framework of the project “Modernization of the Region – Procurement of Specialized Vehicles”, implemented by the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, with financial support from the Ministry of Local Self-Government – Bureau for Regional Development, through the Programme for Balanced Regional Development for 2026, and co-financing provided by the Municipality of Strumica.

The official handover took place at the premises of the public utility company in Strumica, marking an important step towards strengthening the technical and operational capacities of municipal services and ensuring more efficient and higher-quality public utility services.

The newly acquired specialized vehicle is intended for the collection and transportation of municipal solid waste. It will contribute to improving the organization and operational efficiency of municipal waste management services, as well as enhancing public cleanliness in both urban and rural settlements throughout the Municipality of Strumica.

The implementation of this investment is expected to generate several significant benefits, including increased efficiency in municipal waste collection and transportation, improved public hygiene, reduced risks of illegal dumping, and enhanced environmental protection.

Furthermore, the modernization of municipal infrastructure will enable more effective utilization of available resources, improve the quality of services provided to citizens, and contribute to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable living environment.

This investment represents another concrete step towards achieving the objectives of balanced regional development by supporting municipalities in improving local infrastructure, strengthening public services, and introducing more sustainable practices in municipal waste management.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region remains committed to implementing projects and investments focused on modernizing regional and local infrastructure, improving citizens’ quality of life, and promoting sustainable development throughout the South-East Planning Region.

Knowledge and rapid response can make a critical difference when every second counts. This was the focus of the two-day Intermediate Life Support (ILS) Provider Course, successfully completed in Strumica, bringing together 50 healthcare professionals from the South-East Region.

The training took place on 30 September and 1 October at Hotel Sirius in Strumica, organised by the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region (CDSEPR) as part of the “Heart Safe CBA – Towards a Cross-Border Area Safe for the Heart” project, co-funded by the Interreg VI-A IPA CBC Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027 Programme.

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals spent two intensive days working with four trainers from the Greek project partners, combining theoretical instruction with practical exercises and simulations of emergency medical situations.

The training focused on strengthening participants’ practical skills in early recognition of life-threatening conditions, timely initiation of appropriate interventions and effective response in situations where speed, teamwork and coordination are essential.

Through practical sessions and work in small groups, participants had the opportunity to apply their knowledge in simulated emergency scenarios, making the training focused not only on acquiring knowledge but also on developing the confidence and practical skills needed for its application in real-life situations.

The Heart Safe CBA project contributes through such activities to strengthening the capacities of healthcare professionals and improving preparedness for medical emergencies across the cross-border area.

The ILS training is part of a broader set of activities implemented under the project, through which partners from North Macedonia and Greece are working together to strengthen healthcare capacities and contribute to creating a safer cross-border area.

Heart Safe CBA – Towards a Cross-Border Area Safe for the Heart.

As part of the FIREDEFEND – “Fire Detection and Enhanced Fire Emergency Network for Waste Disposal” project, the project partners carried out a technical field visit to the proposed pilot site in the Municipality of Bosilovo, where a modern early fire detection and monitoring system is planned to be installed.

During the visit, the partners were welcomed by the Mayor of the Municipality of Bosilovo, Mr Risto Manchev, who highlighted the importance of the project in strengthening fire prevention and ensuring a timely response to fire-related risks at the local level, as well as the importance of cooperation between local institutions and project partners.

The technical site visit provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the potential location for the installation of the system, assess the technical and site-specific conditions, and jointly discuss the next steps towards the implementation of the pilot action.

The visit brought together representatives of the Regional Association of Solid Waste Management Agencies of Central Macedonia (FODSA), Greece, the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, representatives of the Municipality of Bosilovo, as well as technical experts.

Through joint field assessment, exchange of experience and cross-border cooperation, FIREDEFEND continues its efforts towards establishing more effective mechanisms for early fire detection, prevention and timely response to fire-related risks across the cross-border area. 🇪🇺🇬🇷🇲🇰

The FIREDEFEND project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia Programme 2021–2027.

On 22 September 2026, activities within the FIREDEFEND – “Fire Detection and Enhanced Fire Emergency Network for Waste Disposal” project continued with the second working meeting of the project partners, organised by the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region (CDSEPR). Dedicated to the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices, the second day focused on the practical implementation of the project, coordination among partners and defining the next joint steps.

📌 Particular emphasis was placed on the pilot actions and the establishment of a modern thermal camera system for early fire detection and monitoring. As part of the cross-border system, thermal cameras are planned to be installed at locations in Giannitsa, Kilkis and Edessa in Greece, while in the South-East Planning Region of North Macedonia, the system will be established in the Municipality of Bosilovo.

Through these pilot actions, FIREDEFEND will contribute to improved monitoring of high-risk areas, timely detection of potential fires and faster response by the relevant services on both sides of the border.

🔥🌿🇬🇷🇲🇰 From planning and knowledge exchange to concrete actions and solutions on the ground. Through the joint efforts of partners from North Macedonia and Greece, FIREDEFEND is turning cross-border cooperation into practical action for improved fire prevention, risk management and environmental protection.

🇪🇺 The FIREDEFEND project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027 Programme.

On 21 September 2026, the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region (CDSEPR) hosted an event within the framework of the FIREDEFEND – “Fire Detection and Enhanced Fire Emergency Network for Waste Disposal” project, dedicated to the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices among institutions, project partners, experts and relevant stakeholders from North Macedonia and Greece.

The event provided a platform for joint discussion on the challenges related to unmanaged landfills, wildfire risks, preventive measures and opportunities for applying modern approaches and solutions, while further strengthening cross-border cooperation.

During the official session, welcome remarks were delivered by Mr Petar Jankov, Mayor of the Municipality of Strumica; Mr Risto Manchev, Mayor of the Municipality of Bosilovo; Mr Jovan Kocev, Acting Director of the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region; and Mr Georgios Tachmetzidis, General Secretary of the Regional Association of Solid Waste Management Agencies of Central Macedonia – FODSA KM (ΦΟΔΣΑ Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας), Greece. The event was moderated by Ms Marija Taseva from CDSEPR.

The programme continued with Mr Ioannis Koumantos, FIREDEFEND Project Manager, who presented the project’s objectives, strategic framework, partnership, key activities and expected results, with particular emphasis on its contribution to improving fire prevention and the management of waste-related risks.

Representatives of the Lead Partner FODSA KM, Ms Anthi Oikonomou and Ms Argyro Vaumvouraki, presented the organisation’s work and expertise in integrated waste management, as well as experiences and practices from Central Macedonia that can contribute to the joint activities implemented within FIREDEFEND.

Mr Nikola Stamenov presented the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, highlighting its role in promoting balanced regional development, cross-border cooperation and initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the region.

A significant part of the event was dedicated to the presentation “Mapping and Risk Analysis of Unmanaged Landfills in the South-East Planning Region”, delivered by Mr Aleksandar Manchevski, Senior Technical Expert. The presentation outlined key findings, identified risks and recommendations that will serve as a basis for planning future project activities and interventions.

The analysis provides an important technical foundation for the next phase of FIREDEFEND – the establishment of a modern thermal camera system for early fire detection and monitoring, aimed at enabling timely identification of risks and faster response on the ground.

🤝 Through activities such as this, FIREDEFEND brings together institutions and experts from North Macedonia and Greece, enabling the exchange of good practices, knowledge and experience and the development of joint approaches for more effective fire prevention, waste management and environmental protection.

🇪🇺 The FIREDEFEND project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027 Programme.