STOP FIRES Roundtable: Joining Forces Against Forest Fires

Kelebija (Hungary), October 22, 2025 – As part of the STOP FIRES project, a roundtable was held to enhance cooperation and build capacities for forest fire prevention and protection between Serbia and Hungary.

The event gathered experts and representatives from partner institutions in both countries, including JP “Vojvodinašume,” Fund for European Affairs and Development of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia – Sector for Emergency Situations, and KEFAG Ltd. for Forestry and Wood Industry from Kiskunshág, Hungary. Participants discussed challenges and shared experiences in forest fire prevention and control, as well as explored ways to enhance cross-border cooperation for improved regional safety.

The meeting was inaugurated by Dr. Bojan Tubić, project manager at JP “Vojvodinašume,” who highlighted the project’s goals, its significance, and the activities carried out so far. Throughout the presentations and discussions, participants explored various aspects of forest fire protection: Lieutenant Colonel Balázs Wicker addressed the challenges faced by Bács-Kiskun County, while the forest fires that occurred in Hungary in 2025 and the preventive measures introduced by Péter Debreceni from the Hungarian National Security were also discussed. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Slobodan Milanović from the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Belgrade presented the findings of an analysis of forest fires in the Serbia-Hungary border region conducted under the project.

During the discussion, participants highlighted that climate change is making droughts in Hungary and Serbia increasingly frequent and intense. Following the dry conditions of 2022, both 2024 and 2025 have experienced exceptionally low rainfall, with the Homokhátság region receiving less than 300 mm to date. The district has seen a significant number of forest fires, prompting multiple interventions by fire brigades, including those in the border areas.

Project STOP FIRES, supported by Interreg VI-A IPA Hungary-Serbia Programme, has once again highlighted the critical role of knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and cross-border cooperation in enhancing the region’s resilience to climate-related challenges. For more information on the project’s goals and activities, visit STOP FIRES Facebook page: STOP FIRES