Joint Cross Border Cooperation for Securing Societies Against Natural and Man-Made Disasters
The project is co-funded by the European Union and by National Funds of the Countries participating in the Interreg IPA CBC Programme “Greece – Republic of North Macedonia 2014 – 2020″
Acronym: J-CROSS
Priority Axis: Protection of Environment – Transportation
Call:1st Call for Project Proposals
Project Beneficiaries:
LB (Lead Beneficiary): Region of Western Macedonia
PB2: Center for Development of Pelagonia Region
PB3: Crisis Management Center
PB4: Special account for Research Funds Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
PB5: Special account for Research Funds National observatory of Athens
Budget: 935.389,72 €
The “Joint Cross Border Cooperation for Securing Societies Against Natural and Man-Made Disasters” (J-CROSS) project addresses the central question: How can cross-border collaboration between the Regions of Western Macedonia (Greece) and Pelagonia (Republic of North Macedonia) effectively minimize risks associated with natural and man-made disasters?
In response, J-CROSS aims to demonstrate that joint cross-border planning for prevention, preparedness, and emergency management can save time and effort, while optimizing resource use efficiently and effectively. The project’s main objective is to minimize risks from natural and man-made disasters in the Regions of Western Macedonia and Pelagonia. This approach includes the development of a Joint Cross Border Action Plan to establish long-term cooperation and a series of interventions to tackle current risk problems.
The overall objective of the “Joint Cross Border Cooperation for Securing Societies Against Natural and Man-Made Disasters” (J-CROSS) project is to enhance the resilience and preparedness of the cross-border regions of Western Macedonia (Greece) and Pelagonia (Republic of North Macedonia) against natural and man-made disasters.
This is achieved through joint planning, coordinated risk management strategies, and improved emergency response mechanisms. The project focuses on preventing disasters, strengthening institutional cooperation, and optimizing resource utilization to protect communities and infrastructure in both regions.
Target groups
Local Populations in the Regions of Western Macedonia and Pelagonia
Emergency Management Authorities and Civil Protection Agencies
Environmental and Natural Resource Management Entities
Academic and Research Institutions
Project results
The project successfully strengthened cross-border coordination and cooperation mechanisms between participating countries, leading to improved preparedness and response to both natural and man-made disasters. Through joint training exercises, simulation drills, and shared communication protocols, emergency services and civil protection agencies developed a deeper mutual understanding and operational synergy. These efforts resulted in a significant improvement in the region’s overall disaster resilience and risk mitigation capacity.
In addition to operational improvements, the project fostered strong community engagement through awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs focused on disaster risk reduction. Local populations became more informed about potential risks and were equipped with practical tools and knowledge to respond effectively. Infrastructure investments, including the installation of monitoring systems and the upgrade of critical facilities, also contributed to a safer and more responsive environment. Overall, the project demonstrated that joint, cross-border approaches can significantly elevate the efficiency and impact of disaster management strategies.
Communication Information Deliverables:
https://www.ipa-cbc-programme.eu/gallery/Files/events/PROJECTS/J-CROSS/J-CROSS-Brochure.pdf
Final event: https://authgr.zoom.us/j/93752953912#success
Technical Deliverables
https://www.ipa-cbc-programme.eu/gallery/Files/EN-Study-for-landslides.pdf
https://www.ipa-cbc-programme.eu/gallery/Files/EN-Study-for-Strezhevo-Dam.pdf
https://www.ipa-cbc-programme.eu/gallery/Files/events/PROJECTS/J-CROSS/REPORT_FINAL_EARTHQUAKES.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwsOwN-J2n6_CyKSbtA5Ysg
Related News:
https://pelagonijaregion.mk/en/2021/05/25/j-cross-workshop/
Links
The Programme’s website
https://www.ipa-cbc-programme.eu/
The website dedicated to EU Regional Policy
https://commission.europa.eu/index_el
European Neighbourhood Policy And Enlargement Negotiations
https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/index_en
European Territorial Cooperation
https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/cooperation/european-territorial_en
Publications
https://pelagonijaregion.mk/proekti/j-cross-javni-nabavki/
Partners Info
LB, Region of Western Macedonia: Paraskevi Christopoulou, Head of the Department of European Projects, Kozani, 50100
Email: gnikou@gmail.com, info@pdm.gov.gr, p.christopoulou@pdm.gov.gr
Website: https://en.pdm.gov.gr/
PB2, Center for Development of Pelagonia Region: Gogo Vidimche, Bitola 7000
Email: director@pelagonijaregion.mk
Website: https://investinpelagoniaregion.mk/en/pelagonia-planning-region/center-development-pelagonia-region/
PB3, CRISIS MANGEMENT CENTER: Urim Vejseli, Skopje 1000
Email: urim.vejseli@cuk.gov.mk
Website: https://ovp.gov.mk/en/institutions/crisis-management-center/
PB4 Special account for Research Funds Aristotle University of Thessaloniki: Theodoros Tsapanos, Thessaloniki 54623
Email: research@rc.auth.gr
Website: https://www.auth.gr/
PB5, Special account for Research Funds National observatory of Athens: Panagiotis Elias, Αthens 11851
Email: pelias@noa.gr
Website: https://www.noa.gr/