Sustainable Weather Emergency Management

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Date of latest update: 2026-09-11

Description

Description (EN):

Two partner cities, Ivano-Frankivsk (IF) and Baia Mare (BM), are facing common challenges, which are the prevention and elimination of the consequences of weather emergencies, as well as effective and timely response to them, specifically snowstorms and rainstorms. Main issues include changeable weather conditions and heavy precipitations, emergency response and warning of population, limited funding opportunities, and low public awareness on proper methods of snow and ice cleaning. Both Ivano-Frankivsk and Baia Mare require additional funding and resources to effectively mitigate the impact of natural hazards, ensure public safety, and sustain functionality of urban communications and utilities in severe weather conditions. To deal with the above challenges, the Executive Committee of Ivano-Frankivsk City Council (LP) and the Municipality of Baia Mare (PP) decided to apply for a joint cross-border project. The project's overall objective is to improve weather emergency response in two cities of the cross-border area and extend abilities to eliminate consequences of heavy weather conditions by providing municipalities with specialised equipment and vehicles, studying best practices and sharing experience, training the responsible staff and increasing public awareness. The main outputs the Sustainable Weather Emergency Management (SWEM) project will produce are deepened cross-border collaboration between the partners and relevant municipal institutions, acquiring an investment in disaster warning and response systems, and holding joint cross-border events to build a strong connection between municipalities and their stakeholders. The beneficiaries of the project outputs and results will be the staff of the municipal enterprise Municipal Road Company in Ivano-Frankivsk and the Public Transport and Civil Protection Service of Baia Mare which will receive new specialised vehicles and equipment; the Executive Committee of IF and Municipality of Baia Mare and other responsible institutions will also benefit from the project due to the improved ability to ensure safety of residents and operability of city utilities. The population of Ivano-Frankivsk and Baia Mare will receive the opportunity to take part in project activities, and purchased vehicles and equipment will ensure people’s safety and accessibility, especially for people with disabilities, after unfavourable weather conditions. With the help of equipment, responsible institutions will provide full functioning of main city communications and people’s awareness of danger in case of disasters. The project's objectives can be efficiently reached only by acting on a cross-border level. Thus, Baia Mare, as a city situated in an EU member state, will share its experience of climate change adaptation actions with Ukraine, a future EU Member State. Cross-border cooperation is essential to comprehensively manage existing natural disaster risks, reduce vulnerability, and increase resilience. It is also an integral part of all activities, supported by joint project structures, the sharing of resources, knowledge, and best practices. Cross-border cooperation allows the combination of scientific research, technology, and experience, which will lead to more innovative and effective solutions. Projects related to response to weather emergencies have never been implemented before in Ivano-Frankivsk and Baia Mare, so the SWEM project will become the first step to improve the sphere of management of consequences of natural disasters. Due to replacement of outdated equipment, an automated alert system will provide more centralised and effective management of warning the population of upcoming dangers, showcasing the best practices in this area. The project activities also involve new approaches to spread awareness among the population of IF and BM on how to deal with snowstorms and innovative solutions to maintain safety on the streets in winter using eco-friendly accessible and affordable resources in the form of an E-Guide to be conveniently used in any environment without using unnecessary paper materials. The SWEM project will not only benefit the residents of the Ivano-Frankivsk city community and Baia Mare city but also become an example of the successful implementation of a project related to the elimination of consequences of natural disasters and timely weather emergency response. The project will be the first step for Ivano-Frankivsk and Baia Mare to improve their ability to ensure the safety of the population in severe weather conditions.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, the project made progress in setting up an effective management structure, launching key activities, and strengthening cross-border cooperation between Ivano-Frankivsk and Baia Mare. A fully functional project team was established, supported by a procurement expert and equipped with newly purchased equipment. A detailed project implementation plan was developed and jointly discussed with the partner to ensure coordinated actions on both sides of the border. The team also mapped key local stakeholders—such as the Department of Infrastructure and Housing and Municipal Policy and the Municipal Road Company—and initiated active collaboration to align project goals with municipal needs. Communication and visibility actions advanced also: the project identity was developed, roll-ups and promotional materials were produced, and professional photo documentation was completed. These efforts contributed to the successful organisation of the project kick-off press conference on 14 August 2025 in Ivano-Frankivsk, gathering 24 participants from public authorities, the media, and stakeholder institutions. The event formally launched activities and helped engage the project’s target groups. Cross-border cooperation was further strengthened through the project opening conference held in Baia Mare on 5 September 2025, attended by 20 participants including representatives of emergency services, environmental authorities, and both project teams. This event highlighted the shared commitment of both municipalities to improving winter emergency preparedness. Important technical activities have also begun. In Ivano-Frankivsk, the Lead Partner launched a transparent procurement process for a sand spreading machine with a swivel blade to improve the city’s readiness for severe weather conditions. In Baia Mare, the audibility study assessing communication systems during winter emergencies was completed, providing valuable data for future improvements. Overall, the project has laid strong foundations for effective winter emergency management. All the steps taken so far directly contribute to the achievement of the project goal. Further activities are planned to be completed in the next period. The progress achieved so far demonstrates the partners’ commitment to building more resilient and better-prepared communities on both sides of the border. During the second reporting period, the project achieved milestones in enhancing the winter emergency response capabilities within the cross-border region. A primary focus was the modernization of municipal’s infrastructure, highlighted by the successful procurement and delivery of a sand-spreading machine equipped with a swivel blade in Ivano-Frankivsk and procurement of Backhoe loader, Slope bucket, Vegetation chopper and Platform on chassis in Baia Mare Municipality. This specialized equipment represents an improvement in the cities readiness to manage severe weather conditions and ensures safer road networks for the partner communities. To support operational goals and to increase it’s capacity, the Lead Partner also onboarded a communication expert and procured IT equipment (two laptops and multifunctional device). The added value of international cooperation was most evident through the professional exchange of knowledge and expertise. In November 2025, Ivano-Frankivsk hosted a joint workshop focused on environmentally friendly de-icing methods, bringing together 15 key stakeholders from both Baia Mare and Ivano-Frankivsk. This collaborative event allowed partners to move beyond traditional winter maintenance techniques and foster face-to-face connections. To ensure publicity, the project team successfully implemented a comprehensive communication plan. This included the finalization of the project’s visual identity by LP and consistent outreach through social and local media. A notable highlight was the media coverage by RAI.ua (https://rai.ua/novyny/kp-munitsypalna-dorozhnia-kompaniia-otrymalo-spetsavtomobil-video), which featured a video report on the new specialized vehicle in Ivano-Frankivsk, allowing citizens to see the direct results of the funding.

Project outputs: Cross-Border Collaboration(EN)
Investments in disaster warning and response systems(EN)
Joint cross-border events(EN)

Thematic information

Managing natural and man-made threats, risk management Evaluation systems and results Cooperation between emergency services

Priority: (VI-A_Ro-Ua_1) Environmental focus across borders

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 058 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: floods and landslides (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: Виконавчий комітет Івано-Франківської міської ради

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 914014511

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 04054346

Address: Hrushevskoho, 76004 Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website (not verified): https://www.mvk.if.ua/en/

Total budget: EUR 721 843.14

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 649 658.82

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 72 184.32

Contractors:

Name: Misto-NV, LLC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30106695
Name: "NPO NT "BUDSHLYAKHMASH" LLC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 34049688
Name: PE Hutsuliak I.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2743512557
Name: "NPO NT "BUDSHLYAKHMASH" LLC
VAT registration or tax identification number: 34049688
Name: PE Zhdanov Ye.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2891709716

Municipiul Baia Mare

Name: Municipiul Baia Mare

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 918485338

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3627692

Address: GHEORGHE ȘINCAI, 430311 BAIA MARE, MARAMUREȘ COUNTY, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Total budget: EUR 639 000.56

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 575 100.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 63 900.06

Contractors:

Name: Terra Romania Utilaj. Constr.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13813188
Name: S.C.Renault Commercial Rou SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO13943110
Name: SC World Events SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 46359135
Name: SC Multinet SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 5783680
Name: S.C. AXATEL Service S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 16853357

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Baia Mare Municipality

Sustainable Weather Emergency Management

Partners and Projects info

Виконавчий комітет Івано-Франківської міської ради

Sustainable Weather Emergency Management

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Sustainable Weather Emergency Management

Project acronym: SWEM

Project ID: ROUA00430

Project start date: 2025-05-10

Project end date: 2027-05-09

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Together for improvement of disaster risk management and faster response in Cross-Border RO-UA Community under 2014 - 2020 Romania - Ukraine ENI CBC, with a total project budget
EUR 519 641.50
Start: September 2021
(EN) |
The project "Together for improved disaster risk management and faster response in the Romania-Ukraine ENI CBC 2014-2020" aims to improve the capacity of the beneficiaries - local authorities and population from Romania and Ukraine - to coordinate their actions, prevent and respond to natural and human-induced risks and emergencies (such as floods, heavy snowfalls and forest fires).
The “Sustainable Weather Emergency Management (SWEM)”project, with its emphasis on disaster prevention, can complement the research aspects of the project "Together for improved disaster risk management and faster response in the Romania-Ukraine ENI CBC 2014-2020".
Both projects are active in the Romania-Ukraine cross-border region, providing opportunities for cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange.
That is why the SWEM project provides training for users to ensure the effective use of their capabilities. In this respect, the vehicles that are to be purchased will tackle with heavy snow conditions.
The specialized personnel/technicians that will be operating the vehicles will receive specialized training in order to use them properly, as for the communities to get the highest benefit from the specialized vehicles and to avoid any accidents. The project SWEM will develop the abilities for intervention and will increase awareness among population, in the field of the measures that are necessary in order to prevent natural/antropic disaster and to react and respond when they occur, with emphasis on flood prevention and heavy snow falls. These are the most common emergency situations that occur within the given communities.
(EN), Extension of the operational "Space Emergency System" towards monitoring of dangerous natural and man-made geo-processes in the HU-SK-RO-UA cross-border region (GeoSES) under 2014 - 2020 Hungary - Slovakia - Romania - Ukraine ENI CBC, with a total project budget EUR 938 105.22
Start: January 2019 (EN) | Over the past decades in the Carpathian Euroregion cases of ecological catastrophes have become more frequent. Territories with the observed deformations of the earth surface are found in relatively densely populated areas, in industrial, urban areas, and in landscapes with varying level of nature conservation. Any surface displacements due to hazardous processes can destroy structures of different types on the earth surface, endanger the human lives and property and seriously impacts the success of environment protection. Due to climate change, the border areas of HU-SK-RO-UA is more and more endangered by sudden and strong meteorological events (heavy rainfalls and snowfalls) causing severe floods threatening the population and economy.
Therefore, there will an opportunity within the project "Sustainable Weather Emergency Management (SWEM)" to obtain detailed knowledge about the current situation as well as to be able to identify the focus areas of further local studies to assess the risks associated with nature disasters.
(EN), Cross-border harmonized response to risks and disasters (RESQUE GUARD) under 2014 - 2020 Hungary - Slovakia - Romania - Ukraine ENI CBC, with a total project budget EUR 613 354.65.
Duration: 20 months.
Start: June 2021 (EN) | This project represents an integrated approach of Romania, Hungary and Ukraine to identify, assess and reduce risks associated with hazards and human activities that threaten cross-border territory, and to find solutions to act jointly in case of disasters. One of the main hazard challenges that this territory is facing is snowfalls and other nature disasters. Historical snowfalls are unfortunately common for each of the partners. Both floods and snowfalls can easily spread across the border producing losses.
In detail, the project "Sustainable Weather Emergency Management (SWEM)" foresees the organization of several activities (exchange of experience, meetings with stakeholders, drills, prevention activities for inhabitants, equipment purchase, building specific emergency infrastructure etc) to facilitate the development of a harmonized approach for the emergency services quality increasing in this area. Partners aim to enhance the human safety level of the populations from the region and thus, to reduce the social, economic and environmental costs of natural disasters. (EN), „Developing and implementing an common Emergency Situation Management System by Ivănești commune from Vaslui county and Bulboaca village from Anenii Noi district” (2SOFT/4.2/92) under 2014 - 2020 Romania - Republic of Moldova ENI CBC, with a total project budget EUR 294 515.49
Start: September 2020 (EN) | The project aims at increasing the efficiency of the management of emergency situations through common actions of school population awareness and training of personnel of interest, as well as the purchase of first intervention equipment for endowment of the service responsible for reducing human and material damage caused by natural disasters.
Within the project "Sustainable Weather Emergency Management (SWEM)" will increasing the level of knowledge in the field of emergency management of staff working at the level of local partner authorities. Raising awareness and correct action among the population in the field of emergency situations. The proper endowment of local authority with modern and efficient equipment and facilities. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 360 843.70

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 224 759.32

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Materials of conducting the press conference in IF
Materials of conducting the press conference in BM
Promotional materials
Information materials and media
Developed identity
Materials of conducting the press conference
Materials of trainings
Materials of trainings
Materials of the Conference
Materials of conducting 4 conferences with students in Baia Mare
Audibility study
Materials of final press conference in BM
Materials of conducting training on emergency response
Materials of the experience exchange and holding International conference
Materials of conducting Joint workshop
Materials of holding the experience exchange
Materials of conducting the Joint workshop
Equipment for LP1
Equipment for PP1

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other Development Strategy of Ivano-Frankivsk city until 2028.
Strategic goal B.3. Modernization of the municipal infrastructure of the city. The inclusion of snow control in the strategy will allow the development and implementation of programs for clearing roads, sidewalks and public areas from snow. This will help increase the safety of pedestrians and drivers, including people with disabilities and low mobility, reduce accidents and ensure uninterrupted access to city infrastructure for all categories of the population. Heavy snowfall can lead to disruptions in city services, traffic jams and other problems affecting the city economy. Including the fight against snow in the strategy will allow to develop and implement measures to minimize such negative consequences, maintaining the stability and efficiency of the city. The project envisages investments in the modernization of technical means for dealing with snow, such as snow removal devices, technical means of maintenance of roads and sidewalks. This will allow the city to create a sustainable and efficient infrastructure that will improve over time to ensure maximum efficiency in dealing with snow.
Other Development Strategy of the Ivano-Frankivsk Region for 2021-2027 includes measures to increase the efficiency of infrastructure, in particular road and communal infrastructure.
It provides for the improvement of measures for the prevention and liquidation of emergency situations, in particular, winter natural disasters. The strategy establishes mechanisms for the optimal use of resources for the fight against snow, in particular by improving the management system for cleaning and maintenance of roads in the winter period. This helps to efficiently use financial and human resources to ensure road safety during snowfall. This project places special emphasis on cooperation with other regions, local authorities, the public and the private sector to jointly solve the problems of snow control. This facilitates the exchange of experience and resources to ensure safety and comfort on the roads in winter.
Other The regional program for the development of highways and traffic safety in the Ivano-Frankivsk region for 2021-2025 includes plans for the modernization of the road network, the implementation of early warning systems and rapid response to weather conditions. This program involves the development and implementation of effective snow removal systems, including the use of modern technologies and vehicles for quick and effective snow removal from roads. The project aims to develop an information system that provides the public with up-to-date information on the condition of roads during snowfall and recommendations on road safety.
Other The comprehensive targeted social program for the development of civil defense in the Ivano-Frankivsk region for 2022-2025 provides for measures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations, in particular snow drifts and icing. The program provides for the modernization of the technical equipment of the civil protection services, including vehicles and special equipment for dealing with snow and ensuring road safety. The project aims to include conducting educational events and training in civil protection, including issues related to responding to bad weather and combating snow. Training helps to increase the awareness and readiness of the population to act in critical situations.
Other The sustainable development strategy "Ukraine-2030" covers the issue of sustainable development of infrastructure, including transport infrastructure, which should ensure reliability and safety in the winter period. Effective management of snow resources reduces economic losses from traffic stoppages and road accidents. The strategy includes measures to increase energy efficiency and introduce the latest technologies in infrastructure management. Out project contributes to the implementation of the strategic goals of Ukraine-2030 by increasing the country's overall resilience to extreme climate conditions. Emphasis is placed on the implementation of systems for monitoring weather conditions and prompt response to extreme weather events, which will allow early preparation for snowfall and ensure uninterrupted traffic.
Other National security strategy of Ukraine.
This strategy covers matters of national security, including road safety and protection of the population during emergencies such as heavy snowfall and blizzards. The project provides effective coordination of actions between various services (State Emergency Service of Ukraine, police, communal services) for quick response to snow storms and other winter emergency situations, which ensures prompt clearing of roads and assistance to victims.
Other The strategy for the formation and implementation of state policy in the field of climate change for the period up to 2035 includes measures for adaptation to climate change, including the fight against extreme weather events, such as heavy snowfalls. It covers the development of infrastructure and early warning systems for extreme weather conditions. The strategy includes the introduction of modern energy-efficient equipment for snow removal, which reduces energy costs and environmental impact. The project envisages cooperation with international partners to share experience and implement best practices in the field of snow resource management and response to snow storms.
Other The European Civil Protection Mechanism (ECPM) provides a platform for the exchange of information and resources between EU member states during extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall. This allows countries to quickly respond to the situation, exchange experience and receive assistance from other states. Specialized snow control resources and equipment can be mobilized as part of the ECPM, including snow removal equipment, salt and sand spreaders, and emergency rescue equipment. The project aims to obtain financial support for the implementation of measures for preparation and response to snow storms, including the purchase of equipment, conducting exercises and introducing new technologies.
Other The EU Adaptation Strategy envisages the modernization and adaptation of infrastructure to climate change, including preparing the transport network for extreme weather conditions such as snowfall. This may include building and upgrading road systems and developing innovative snow removal solutions. The strategy emphasizes cooperation between EU member states and the exchange of experience and best practices. Within the framework of the project, this allows the introduction of proven methods and technologies for dealing with snow, adapted to specific regional conditions.
Other The Red Intervention Plan of Maramureș County
According to the Plan, Local public authorities (town halls, CLSU) have the following duties:
- provides forces and means, through the own personnel/ volonteers, for locating and removing some negative effects of the emergency situation produced, in cooperation with forces of the Emergency Situations Inspectorate;
- provides support, together with the other authorities, in order to pick up and transport the deceased to the temporary morgue or to the Forensic Medicine Laboratory.
Other Consolidation And Development Strategy of General Inspectorate For
Emergencies For The Period 2016-2025
The Strategy identifies a number of vulnerabilities in the logistics insurance activity: Underfunding of the logistics field in terms of investments, as well as maintenance of movable and immovable assets;
The modest or even absent degree of endowment with special vehicles, special means of intervention and equipment for the execution of operative missions: pyrotechnic sanitation, CBRN intervention, urban search-rescue, search-rescue and specific interventions in territorial waters, shelter, notification-alarm
Difficult administrative regulations and reactive and bureaucratic way of working of the staff who supervise the support structures; Lack of an electronic record of the IGSU patrimony
Insufficient endowment with personal protective equipment;
Insufficiently modernized communication system and information technology; Lack of logistical provision of missions due to the lack of feeding capabilities for the units' personnel
Other Emergency prevention activities represent a main component of the integrated system of technical and organizational measures, as well as specific actions planned and carried out according to legislation, in order to prevent, reduce or eliminate the risks of emergency situations and their consequences, the protection of the population, the environment, assets and heritage values. (ORDER No. 1474 of October 12, 2006 for the approval of the Regulation on planning, organization, preparation and carrying out of emergency prevention activities).
Other (DECISION No. 762 of July 16, 2008 for the approval of the National Strategy for the Prevention of Emergency Situations). This strategy includes emergencies and establishes responsibilities of state authorities and enterprises concerning the design and implementation of appropriate contingency plans according to the type, magnitude and expected consequences of a disaster. The National System for the Management of Emergencies in Romania aims at prevention and management of emergency situations and the planning and coordination of human, material and financial resources. Our project includes measures to prevent critical situations during snowfalls. The project provides training for utility workers on the effective use of snow removal equipment, as well as educating the public on the correct actions to take in the event of heavy snowfall.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Ukraine (UA), Ivano-Frankivsk, Maksymovycha St., 13, 76000
România (RO), Baia Mare City, Gheorghe Șincai, 37, 430311

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 024 - Investments in new or upgraded disaster monitoring, preparedness, warning and response systems against natural disasters, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO24) Investments in new or upgraded disaster monitoring, preparedness, warning and response systems against natural disasters: 178878.98
(RCO81) Participations in joint actions across borders: 15.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 037 - Population benefiting from protection measures against climate related natural disasters (other than floods or wildfire), Measurement unit:
RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania - Ukraine

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

79 / 79 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

197 / 208 (94.71%)

Notes on the data

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Sustainable Weather Emergency Management

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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