The dispatcher’s offices for emergency situations of Bălți in Moldova and Iasi in Romania will be interconnected so as to swifter intervene in case of calamities and disasters and in case of medical emergencies as part of the crossborder project “Joint Effective Response to Crossborder Emergency Situations” that is financed with European funds in the framework of the Joint Operational Program Romania – Republic of Moldova 2014-2020, IPN reports.
“The first steps to ensure interoperability in joint crossborder interventions in emergencies are being taken,” said Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Ana Revenco. “The first international missions that the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations performed in Greece, to extinguish large-scale fires, and the mission of rescuers, doctors and paramedics that the Republic of Moldova conducted in Romania in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic showed how dependent we are on each other and how important it is to support each other when we experience situations that are dangerous for our citizens,” stated the minister.
Ana Revenco noted that by this project, the vital relationship between Moldova and Romania is being strengthened. “We will act together through two dispatcher’s offices for emergencies. The dispatcher’s offices will be outfitted with modern technologies, information and communication infrastructure for ensuring the strengthening and information management between the specialized structures that will act in crossborder emergency situations,” said the official.
Marius Ciprian Toth, charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova, said that for both banks of the Prut, for both countries, Romania as a EU member state and the Republic of Moldova as a country that aspires and has a well-defined European course, these financing opportunities are extraordinary. The current project comes after the completion of similar projects - SMURD-1, SMURD-2 - which are efficient. This is to be completed by the end of 2023. A sum of €2.5 million was allocated for its implementation. The dispatcher’s offices will be outfitted with modern equipment to respond to all kinds of emergencies.
Marius Ciprian Toth voiced hope that the next crossborder cooperation program for 2021-2027, which is at an advanced stage of elaboration, will be completed soon and will be then submitted to the European Commission for approval. Later, Romania and the Republic of Moldova will be able to propose projects within the new program so that no opportunity is lost.
