05/10/2026
🚒 🇪🇺 Joint Training Centre for Firefighters and Rescuers Inaugurated under the FLOODGUARD 2 Strategic Project 🇧🇬 🤝 🇬🇷
On 29 September 2026, a major step forward in Greece-Bulgaria cross-border cooperation was celebrated with the inauguration of the Joint Training Centre for Firefighters and Rescuers near Pokrovnik, Blagoevgrad, established under the FLOODGUARD 2 Strategic Project. With a total budget of €6.78 million, including €5.43 million of EU funding, FLOODGUARD 2 aims to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response capacities while enhancing cooperation between emergency services on both sides of the border.
The new Centre will serve as a hub for:
✅ Joint training of firefighters and rescuers
✅ Exchange of expertise and best practices
✅ Practical exercises for flood, wildfire and climate-related emergency response
✅ Training and awareness activities for children and local communities
The inauguration was attended by high-level representatives from Bulgaria and Greece, including officials from the Ministries, local authorities, the Hellenic Fire Service, the Bulgarian Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate, the Interreg Managing Authority, project partners, firefighters, volunteers and civil protection personnel.
Through FLOODGUARD 2, Greece and Bulgaria continue to invest in a safer, more resilient cross-border region, better prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
