What happens when a major flood or forest fire affects two countries at the same time? How is critical information shared? Who keeps whom informed? And how prepared are the stakeholders to collaborate in real time?
These are some of the key questions that the European HARMONY project seeks to answer; the project is developing common cooperation protocols and digital tools for managing natural disasters in cross-border regions of Europe.
Greece is participating in the project through the Greece–Bulgaria transnational pilot, focusing on two areas of particular importance: the Arda River, where flooding requires immediate coordination between the two countries, and the Dadia Forest, one of Europe’s most important protected areas, which has been the site of major wildfires in recent years.
As part of the project, the Alexander Innovation Zone (AZK) is participating in the coordination of the Greek pilot and in collaborative efforts with the relevant stakeholders, helping to identify real operational needs and challenges on the ground.
Two rounds of co-creation workshops have already taken place, with the participation of representatives from the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Civil Protection, the Fire Department, the Hellenic Police, universities, infrastructure management agencies, volunteer organizations, and corresponding agencies from Bulgaria.
During the first workshop, participants identified the key operational needs and challenges they face in managing cross-border crises. Particular emphasis was placed on real-time data exchange, the need to establish a shared operational picture among different agencies, communication procedures during emergencies, as well as the difficulties arising from the different procedures, terminology, and protocols applied in both countries.
The second round of workshops focused on specific cross-border flood scenarios and the development of common cooperation procedures. Through the discussion of real-life operational scenarios, participants agreed on common principles regarding when and how cross-border information sharing should take place, what information is critical for decision-making, and which agencies should be involved at each stage of crisis management.
One of the most important conclusions was that the exchange of information should not begin only when the event is already underway, but as early as the forecasting stage, giving the competent authorities the necessary time to prepare and take preventive measures. At the same time, the need for neighboring countries to be officially notified before or at the same time as public warnings are issued was highlighted, as was the importance of having common procedures for coordination and mutual assistance when a country’s available resources are insufficient.
The project utilizes digital tools, geospatial data, and artificial intelligence technologies with the aim of strengthening prevention, preparedness, and operational response to natural disasters. The results of the workshops will be used to develop harmonized transnational protocols and decision-support tools that will strengthen cooperation among the participating organizations.
HARMONY is not merely a technological project. It is a joint effort by organizations from different countries to create more effective and resilient civil protection mechanisms, based on cooperation, field experience, and the exchange of knowledge.
The HARMONY project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program.
