The IN4SAFETY project, part of the Interreg Italia–Slovenija programme, has recently collaborated with the BORIS2 project, which operates under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, to strengthen efforts in the field of earthquake preparedness and emergency management across borders.
We were invited by the BORIS2 team to take part in a joint initiative focused on improving cross-border response capabilities in the event of earthquakes. As a first step, we presented the IN4SAFETY project during a seminar held on June 12, dedicated to the BORIS2 methodology for cross-border emergency management planning. This online event introduced a structured, multi-step methodology for assessing single and multi-risk scenarios in urban areas. Developed through a combination of stakeholder input, identified needs and clearly defined objectives, the BORIS2 framework offers a harmonized approach to risk assessment and also includes tools for evaluating the efficiency of urban emergency systems. These tools are designed to support more effective emergency planning during the preparedness phase.
As part of the ongoing collaboration between the two projects, a practical application of the methodology was integrated into the IN4SAFETY field exercise called "GO IN4SAFETY". This exercise was conducted in the cross-border area between Italy and Slovenia. It involved the collection of relevant data for an extended region, structured organization of the territory into grid cells, and the gathering of additional data on Emergency Medical Services in selected municipalities. These efforts were showcased during the local IN4SAFETY exercise, which demonstrated how theoretical approaches from BORIS2 can be effectively applied in real-world emergency preparedness activities.
