FIREDEFEND | Visit to the Pilot Site in the Municipality of Bosilovo

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.

FIREDEFEND | Joint Steps Towards Successful Implementation

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.

FIREDEFEND | Joint Solutions for Fire Prevention and Waste Management

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.

Electromobility in Focus at the Second G4G Workshop in Thessaloniki

On 17 September in Thessaloniki, the second workshop within the Green for Good (G4G) project was held under the theme “Accelerating Electromobility Uptake: Strategies, Business Models and Local Engagement”, as part of the CIVITAS Forum 2026.

The workshop was organised by project partner CERTH and brought together project partners, experts and relevant stakeholders to exchange experiences and discuss how strategies, infrastructure, financing, regulation and local engagement can contribute to the wider uptake of electromobility.

Dr Vasileios Kappatos, Director of HIT/CERTH, presented Greece’s growing electromobility landscape, highlighting 6,282 BEV registrations in January–July 2026, up 28.8% year-on-year, and 8,700+ public charging points. The presentation stressed the need for better coverage, higher-power and smarter charging, supported by Greece’s strong renewable energy potential.

Prof. Dr Strahinja Trpevski presented the current state of electromobility in North Macedonia and highlighted the rapid growth in the number of fully electric passenger vehicles — from 561 in 2023 to 2,047 in 2025, representing around 0.3% of the total passenger car fleet. The presentation also covered the expansion of the public charging network, as well as the need for more reliable intercity infrastructure, greater access to home and workplace charging, and stronger integration of electromobility with renewable energy sources.

The experience of the City of Ioannina demonstrated how a local strategy can be translated into concrete actions, including plans to expand the electric vehicle charging network from 30 to 100 stations by 2038, electrify the public vehicle fleet, and introduce low- or zero-emission zones. Experience from the e-bike pilot scheme further highlighted the importance of establishing an appropriate regulatory framework in advance, involving stakeholders at an early stage, and planning operation and maintenance before introducing new mobility solutions.

The Romanian experts complemented the discussion with a broader public-policy perspective, emphasising that electromobility should be considered as part of an integrated sustainable mobility system, rather than simply as a transition to electric vehicles. The need to connect transport policies with charging infrastructure, the electricity grid, renewable energy sources, sustainable business models, data, governance and users’ needs was also highlighted.

The common message of the workshop was that infrastructure alone is not enough. For G4G, the exchange provided practical guidance for the next steps in the development and sustainable use of EV charging infrastructure in the cross-border area, with stronger local cooperation and closer links between electromobility and the broader objectives of the green and energy transition.

The project “Green for Good” – G4G is implemented within the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021-2027 Programme and is co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries.

 

         

Validation of Factor Maps for precision farming digital skills

Focus group held within the framework of the CAAIVE project – Centers of Excellence in Vocational Education and Training for Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

On July 10, 2026, at the premises of the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region in Strumica, a focus group dedicated to the validation of digital skills in the field of agriculture was held.

Representatives of relevant institutions, organizations and stakeholders from the agricultural sector participated in the discussion, who, through their experiences and practical observations, contributed to a better understanding of the current situation, needs and challenges related to digitalization in agriculture.

The participants discussed:
✅ the current level of use of digital tools and technologies in agriculture;
✅ the necessary digital competencies for modern agricultural production;
✅ the possibilities for applying artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector;
✅ the needs for training, development and validation of digital skills.

The conclusions and recommendations from the focus group will contribute to the development of appropriate solutions and activities within the CAAIVE project, aiming to improve digital capacities and prepare personnel for the future of agriculture.

🤝 We thank all participants for their active participation, shared knowledge and constructive discussion!

#CAAIVE #DigitalSkills #Agriculture #AI #VET #DigitalTransformation

Held the Second Meeting of the Project Team within the TX4ALL Project

On 7 and 8 July 2026, the Second Project Team Meeting was held within the framework of the project “Accessibility and Inclusion for All to Public Tourism Goods and Services (TX4ALL)”, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027.

The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with an online session held on the first day, 7 July, with the participation of representatives from all project partners. During this session, the current status of the project implementation, progress on the work packages, financial implementation, reporting obligations, communication activities, as well as the status of public procurement procedures were reviewed.

On the second day, 8 July, the meeting continued with a physical presence at the Sirius Hotel in Strumica, organized by the Center for Development of the Southeast Planning Region (PB3). Within the framework of the technical coordination session, the project partners discussed the progress in the implementation of the planned activities, with a special emphasis on improving the accessibility of tourist destinations, the procurement of specialized equipment, the establishment of an inclusive beach in Dojran, as well as the fulfillment of the planned project results and indicators.

In addition, the dynamics of the implementation of the activities, challenges and potential risks in the coming period, as well as the necessary steps to ensure timely and efficient implementation of the project were reviewed. The meeting ended with the definition of specific activities, division of responsibilities between the partners and the coordination of the next steps.

The TX4ALL project aims to contribute to the development of more accessible and inclusive tourism by improving access to public tourism goods, services and infrastructure for all citizens and visitors in the cross-border region between Greece and North Macedonia.

#TX4ALL #Interreg #IPA #CrossBorder #Inclusion #AccessibleTourism #EUProjects

Exchange of Experiences and New Development Approaches within the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria – North Macedonia Programme

Here is the English translation in a professional style:

From 9 to 12 June, a training session for the Strategic Council and capacity building on the Territorial Strategy under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria – North Macedonia Programme was held in Ohrid. A representative of the Center for Development of the South-East Planning Region participated in the training as part of the process for the implementation and monitoring of the Territorial Strategy.

The event provided an excellent opportunity to present the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the Territorial Strategy, highlighting the projects currently under implementation and their contribution to the development of the cross-border region.

Particular emphasis was placed on discussions regarding the future Interreg programming period 2028–2034 and the new results-based delivery approach, which aims to ensure greater impact and sustainability of supported initiatives.

Through interactive workshops and group work, participants had the opportunity to simulate real-life scenarios and acquire new knowledge and practical skills related to institutional coordination, as well as to better understand the role of the Territorial Strategy as an important tool for strategic planning and priority setting.

The training facilitated the exchange of experiences, ideas, and good practices among participants, creating space for discussions on future challenges and opportunities within the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria – North Macedonia Programme. At the same time, it contributed to further strengthening cross-border cooperation, reaffirming that people on both sides of the border share a common vision: prosperous local economies, vibrant and sustainable communities, better opportunities for young people, and a higher quality of life for all.

TX4ALL – ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION FOR ALL TO PUBLIC TOURISM ASSETS & SERVICES

Project partners

The project is implemented through a partnership between organizations from Greece and North Macedonia, combining expertise in accessibility, tourism development, regional planning and social inclusion.

Project description

  • Acronym: TX4ALL
  • MIS: 6007137
  • Programme: Interreg VI-A IPA Greece–North Macedonia 2021–2027
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Priority: Support & Upgrade of Health & Social Services

TX4ALL – Accessibility and inclusion for all to public tourism assets & services is a cross-border initiative aimed at transforming the tourism sector into a more inclusive and accessible experience for all. Responding to persistent challenges of social exclusion and limited access, particularly for elderly individuals and people with disabilities, the project proposes a comprehensive model of inclusive tourism development.

The project focuses on two key regions: Thessaloniki in Central Macedonia, Greece, and the broader Southeastern Planning Region in North Macedonia, including Strumica and the Doiran Lake area. These locations will serve as focal points for physical interventions, technological upgrades and training programmes designed to ensure full accessibility to public tourism assets and services.

TX4ALL targets a wide range of beneficiaries. These include elderly tourists, people with disabilities or chronic conditions, and their families and companions. Additionally, tourism professionals, local businesses, public authorities, and unemployed individuals in the region are also expected to benefit, particularly through new training opportunities, capacity building, and job creation.

A major component of the project is the installation of innovative accessibility infrastructure. In Thessaloniki, over 200 smart pedestrian crossings will be equipped with audio-enabled systems to assist visually impaired individuals. Public buildings will be fitted with navigation systems for users with limited mobility or vision, while new, universally accessible signage will be installed in tourism sites across both countries. In the Doiran Lake area, a fully inclusive beach will be developed, complete with adapted infrastructure and mobility support.

To support independent travel planning and better information dissemination, TX4ALL will conduct extensive accessibility audits and create a multilingual Visitors Guide. This will help tourists identify and navigate inclusive routes and points of interest before and during their visit.

Beyond infrastructure, the project places strong emphasis on awareness and capacity building. It will provide specialized training for tourism professionals to improve their understanding of accessibility needs and launch a pilot consulting program to support businesses entering the accessible tourism sector. These efforts are designed to foster entrepreneurship and promote job opportunities, particularly for people with disabilities.

Finally, TX4ALL will implement a joint branding and international promotion strategy, positioning the cross-border region as a leading destination for inclusive tourism. Through coordinated campaigns and digital tools, the project aims to reach emerging global markets, attract new visitor segments and extend tourism activity into lesser-known areas and off-peak seasons.

In doing so, TX4ALL not only enhances the accessibility of the tourism offer but also contributes to sustainable economic development, regional cooperation, and social inclusion across the Greece–North Macedonia border region.

The Centre’s contribution to TX4ALL

 As Project Partner 3, the Centre for development of the South-East planning region is responsible for implementing a significant part of the project activities in North Macedonia, with a particular focus on improving accessibility to tourism assets and public services across the South-East Planning Region.

The Centre is also responsible for coordinating project activities in North Macedonia and ensuring cooperation with municipalities, tourism stakeholders, disability organizations and local communities throughout the implementation process.

The Centre will lead the implementation of several investments aimed at removing physical and information barriers for persons with disabilities, elderly visitors and people with reduced mobility. Key interventions include the establishment of an inclusive beach at Dojran Lake, the installation of a new accessible elevator and stair platform at the Centre’s premises, the procurement of mobile accessibility ramps for all ten municipalities in the region, and the deployment of universally accessible signage and audio-based wayfinding solutions.

In addition, the Centre will support the introduction of innovative mobility solutions through the procurement of accessible transport equipment and electric sightseeing vehicles, helping visitors with disabilities to access tourism destinations more independently and comfortably.

Beyond infrastructure investments, the Centre actively contributes to accessibility assessments, stakeholder consultations, awareness-raising activities and capacity-building initiatives for tourism professionals and service providers. Through close cooperation with municipalities, disability organizations, tourism stakeholders and project partners from Greece, the Centre aims to promote accessible tourism as a driver of social inclusion, regional development and cross-border cooperation.

By implementing these activities, the Centre contributes to creating a more inclusive tourism environment in the South-East Planning Region and to positioning the area as an accessible destination for both residents and visitors.

Expected Results

Through TX4ALL, public tourism assets and services in the cross-border area will become more accessible to persons with disabilities, elderly visitors and people with reduced mobility. The project will introduce new accessibility infrastructure, innovative wayfinding and information systems, inclusive tourism services and improved mobility solutions. It will also strengthen the capacity of tourism professionals and public authorities to address accessibility needs, while promoting the South-East Planning Region and Central Macedonia as attractive and inclusive tourism destinations for all visitors.

About the Programme

The Interreg VI-A IPA Programme “Greece – North Macedonia 2021 – 2027” is a cross-border cooperation Programme co-financed by the European Union under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III). This joint Programme empowers public authorities, private non-profit organizations and other institutions to work together on common challenges and problems, seeking for smarter solutions in the areas of Thessaloniki, Kilkis, Pella, Serres, Florina, Kozani and Vardar, Pelagonia, Southeast and Southwest. The strategy statement of the Programme is “to enhance territorial cohesion by improving living standards and employment opportunities holding respect to the environment and by using the natural resources for tourism”. The total budget of the Programme for the period 2021-2027 is 33.3 million €.

Project duration: October 2025 – October 2027

Total project budget: €1,385,108.68

Budget of the Centre for development of the South-East planning region: €315,991.00

The TX4ALL project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme “Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027” and is co-funded by the European Union at 80% and by national funds at 20%.

The contents of this are the sole responsibility of the Centre for development of the South-East planning region and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union, the participating countries, the Managing Authority or the Joint Secretariat.

 

 

 

 

 

CDSEPR PARTNER IN NEW EU PROJECT CAAIVE – HELD KICK-OFF MEETING IN SERRES, GREECE

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region (CDSEPR) is an official partner in the new CAAIVE – “Centers of Agricultural AI Vocational Excellence”, approved by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme.

The project has a total budget of 3.76 million euros, a duration of 48 months, and involves 15 partners from 6 countries: the Republic of North Macedonia, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Italy and Romania.

As part of the start of the project activities, a Kick-off meeting was held in Serres, Greece, with the participation of all project partners, aimed at mutual introduction, detailed presentation of the project, its objectives and expected results, as well as defining the work packages and the roles of the partners in its implementation.

The meeting addressed the key activities, implementation timeline, and mechanisms for coordination, communication and cooperation among partners during the project execution.

With this, the CAAIVE project officially begins its implementation, focusing on improving vocational education and integrating artificial intelligence into the agricultural sector. The project is expected to contribute to strengthening innovation capacities, enhancing cooperation, and promoting sustainable development in the region.

2nd Project Meeting held within the “Green for Good” – G4G project

The 2nd Project Meeting within the project “Green for Good” – G4G was held on the 3rd of June in Thessaloniki, Greece. The meeting was hosted by the Centre for Research and Technology Hellas – CERTH, and brought together representatives of the project partnership.

During the meeting, the partners discussed the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the project, with a focus on coordination, communication and visibility activities, prepared project materials, ongoing deliverables and the next implementation steps.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, as Lead Beneficiary, presented its current progress. Special attention was given to the planned investment in six fast EV chargers in the South-East region, as one of the main activities of the Lead Beneficiary. The partners also discussed the continuation of project communication, reporting obligations, future activities and the coordination needed for the upcoming implementation period.

This meeting provided an opportunity for exchange between partners on joint project activities, including sustainable tourism, green transition, low-carbon mobility and cross-border cooperation.

The project “Green for Good” – G4G is implemented within the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021-2027 Programme and is co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of the participating countries.