Why this project matters
Floods, droughts, wildfires and extreme weather events affect communities on both sides of the border and require coordinated emergency response. However, the area faces outdated infrastructure, shortages of trained volunteer firefighters and limited frameworks for cooperation between Hungarian and Serbian voluntary disaster management services. JERICO addresses these gaps by connecting infrastructure development with shared tools, training and operational coordination.
Capitalisation
Capacity building relevant
The project will strengthen the skills and operational readiness of voluntary firefighters through joint training programmes. Public awareness activities will also improve community-level disaster preparedness.
Scalable / Replicable
The combination of cross-border coordination, shared training, digital support and specialised intervention protocols could inform similar disaster preparedness initiatives in other border regions.
Project type
Last Mile projects
JERICO translates disaster risk prevention objectives into practical implementation through firefighter centres, operational equipment, training and tools that directly support emergency response.
Available resources
Relevant project resources are currently under development and will be added as they become available.
Achievements
As JERICO runs from September 2025 to August 2028, most of its main outputs are still under development.
Achieved so far
- Infrastructure development prepared: Designs and building permits are in place for the planned firefighter facilities in Mórahalom and Horgoš.
- Community preparedness activities started: Public programmes have introduced children and local communities to fire prevention, emergency preparedness, first aid and the work of firefighters.
In development
- New Border Firefighter Centre in Mórahalom: The centre will support joint training, cross-border operations and emergency response.
- Upgraded Fire Station and Training Centre in Horgoš: The existing facility will be renovated and extended with modern training spaces, accommodation, a garage and a rescue-training tower.
- New equipment for volunteer units: Firefighting vehicles, protective gear, breathing apparatus, rescue tools and drones will strengthen operational capacities.
- Digital support for interventions: A mapping application will help firefighters plan and coordinate emergency operations.
- Preparedness for green-energy risks: New intervention protocols will address electrical fires and other emergencies involving renewable-energy systems and related technologies.
- Joint training and public awareness: Training programmes will improve the readiness of volunteer firefighters, while community activities will strengthen public knowledge of disaster prevention and emergency response.
- Stronger bilateral cooperation: Recommendations will be developed to improve cooperation between Hungarian and Serbian firefighter associations and disaster-management organisations.
What can be reused
JERICO’s main transferable value will lie in combining operational infrastructure, digital support, specialised protocols and joint training within one cross-border disaster management model.
Reusable resources
Relevant project resources are currently under development and will be added as they become available.
Reusable concepts
- Training firefighters from both sides of the border: Joint training allows Hungarian and Serbian volunteer firefighters to share experience, practise together and prepare for emergencies requiring coordinated action.
- Using shared facilities for training and response: The new centre in Mórahalom and the upgraded facility in Horgoš will provide practical spaces for joint exercises, professional development and emergency coordination.
- Preparing for risks linked to green-energy systems: The project addresses fires and other emergencies involving renewable-energy installations and related technologies through dedicated intervention protocols.
- Supporting interventions with digital mapping: The planned mapping application will help participating organisations improve emergency planning and coordinate interventions more effectively.
- Combining equipment with professional training: New vehicles, protective equipment, rescue tools and drones are introduced together with training so that volunteer units can use them effectively in real situations.
- Helping communities prepare for emergencies: Public awareness and citizen-training activities will strengthen local knowledge of disaster prevention, emergency response and personal preparedness.
- Improving cooperation between firefighter organisations: The project brings together firefighter associations, municipalities and voluntary units to develop more coordinated bilateral cooperation between Hungary and Serbia.