A total of 12 firefighters are taking part in the first training session in Bulgaria as part of the strategic project BGRS0100003 – RESPONSE of the Interreg VI-A Bulgaria–Serbia Programme. The project aims to improve training and strengthen the professional skills of firefighters, rescuers and volunteers.
The event, taking place from 9 to 13 March in Montana, includes theoretical modules and practical exercises aimed at improving response capacity, strengthening coordination between institutions and ensuring effective management of rescue operations. The training covers responses to forest fires, road traffic accidents, earthquakes and floods.
It is a key step in preparing trainers who will later pass on knowledge and skills to professionals and volunteers involved in emergency response. During the session, participants take part in an intensive five-day training programme based on specially developed educational materials.
Representatives of the Managing Authority attending the event included Stanka Dimitrova, head of the Interreg–IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programmes Department, and Rumyana Slavovska, monitoring expert at the Joint Secretariat.
More than 300 participants are expected to take part in the joint training programmes, including management and operational staff, as well as experts involved in training professionals and volunteers. Special attention is also given to public education.
Within the framework of the project, 4,500 children and 1,600 adults will be be trained on how to respond to disasters and emergency situations.
The strategic project of the Bulgaria–Serbia Programme is worth more than EUR 7.3 M and aims to improve protection for 1.8 million people in the border region between the two countries.
It is implemented by the General Directorate Fire Safety and Civil Protection of the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior, the Academy of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Interior of Serbia and the National Association of Volunteers in Bulgaria.
In addition to training, the project also includes plans to renovate a training centre, deliver specialised vehicles, purchase rescue equipment and coordinate joint action plans.
