The official kick-off of the KOMOAL-PREP project took place on 16 April 2026 at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) in Brussels.
This milestone marks the beginning of a 24-month journey (April 2026 – March 2028) dedicated to strengthening cross-border wildfire preparedness and prevention in the Western Balkans, specifically across Kosovo*, Montenegro, and Albania. The project brings together a strong consortium of partners committed to building a safer and more resilient future for communities increasingly exposed to wildfire risks.
KOMOAL-PREP responds to the growing challenges posed by climate change, which is intensifying the frequency and severity of wildfires across Europe. In cross-border regions, these risks are compounded by fragmented systems, differing procedures, and limited coordination. The project aims to address these gaps through a comprehensive and collaborative approach that enhances cooperation, strengthens capacities, and promotes a shared culture of prevention.
Over the course of the project, partners will work closely with civil protection authorities, municipalities, first responders, and local communities to:
- Improve cross-border wildfire risk management through aligned methodologies and shared hotspot identification
- Strengthen prevention and preparedness capacities via joint trainings, exercises, and pilot activities
- Enhance early warning and coordinated response mechanisms through interoperable tools and communication protocols
- Increase awareness and engagement of local communities, fostering a lasting culture of prevention
- Reinforce sustainable cooperation structures in line with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)
The project is implemented by a strong and diverse consortium of partners:
- Resilience Solutions Resch (Austria) – Project Coordinator
- Ministry of Interior – Rescue and Protection Directorate (Montenegro)
- Emergency Management Agency (Kosovo)*
- Prime Consulting (Kosovo)*
- European University Cyprus (Cyprus)
- Together for Life (Albania)
- National Civil Protection Agency (Albania)
The kick-off meeting provided an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow project coordinators, exchange insights, and receive valuable guidance from DG ECHO on implementation, reporting, and visibility.
With a shared vision and strong partnerships, KOMOAL-PREP sets the foundation for improved cross-border collaboration and more effective wildfire risk management in the region and beyond.
