Media

RESPONSE behind the scenes: Search and rescue in hard-to-reach areas

Search and rescue operations in mountainous terrain leave no room for hesitation.
The environment is demanding, conditions change quickly, and decisions must be taken on the spot.

This is exactly what teams from Bulgaria and Serbia are preparing for within the strategic project “RESPONSE”, funded under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2021–2027.

Interested in gaining hands-on experience in EU project communication and cross-border cooperation?

The Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2021–2027 offers an opportunity for a young volunteer to join the Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) initiative.

The initiative is addressed to young people aged 18 to 30 and aims to engage volunteers in promoting the results of territorial cooperation programmes, as well as in telling the stories behind the implemented projects.

RESPONSE behind the scenes: Real training for real situations

One of the major challenges in the cross-border region between Bulgaria and Serbia is the response to disasters – situations that pose risks to people, cause significant damage, and require fast and well-coordinated action.

When a disaster occurs, response time is measured in seconds, and preparation does not begin at the moment of crisis. It starts much earlier – with training, coordination, and work in the field.

What are the real needs of the border regions and where should support be directed in the coming years? These were the key questions that guided the discussions during the first regional consultations for the preparation of the new Interreg Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2028–2034, held in Vidin (25 February) and Kyustendil (6 March).

On 31 March 2026, the deadline for submitting applications under the Second Call for project proposals for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under the Interreg VI-A Bulgaria–Serbia Programme 2021–2027 came to a close.

Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works

Address: 17–19 “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” Str., Sofia, Bulgaria
Tel.: +359 2 9405 564

The support provided by the Interreg programmes for the long-term growth of small and medium-sized enterprises was presented during the Fourth Regional Partnership Forum “Connecting 4 Growth”, held on 27 March 2026 in Burgas.

A representative of the Directorate “Management of Territorial Cooperation” at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works presented the role of Interreg in supporting business development in a cross-border context.

For guidance on completing the 'Co-financing' tab under the section 'Project Partners' in your JeMS application, please refer to the attached instructions HERE.