HANDY in Action: New equipment tested and Cross-corder Strategy presented in Croatia
25/09/2026
On 23 September 2026, Split-Dalmatia County organised a local theoretical and practical exercise at the VACETRAS Firefighting Training Centre in Vučevica, Croatia, as part of the activities implemented within HANDY.
The initiative followed the large-scale “Vučevica 2026” exercise, previously held at the same training centre with the participation of all HANDY project partners. This new local exercise represented an important step forward for Split-Dalmatia County, as it provided the first opportunity to put into operational use the new equipment procured through the project and delivered after the cross-border exercise.
The event brought together representatives of Split-Dalmatia County, the Split-Dalmatia County Firefighting Association, VACETRAS, the Croatian Firefighting Association and the State Fire School.
The first part of the day focused on a theoretical introduction to the newly acquired equipment, including intervention suits and other personal protective equipment, fire hose fittings and nozzles, chainsaws and additional operational tools. Participants explored the purpose and correct use of each item, as well as the related maintenance and safety requirements.
The training then moved from theory to practice. Participants tested the equipment through a joint operational scenario, gaining hands-on experience and further strengthening local capacities to respond effectively and safely to wildfires and other emergency situations.
The event was also an opportunity to share and discuss some of the key results developed through cross-border cooperation within HANDY. In particular, participants were introduced to the draft Cross-Border Strategy and Joint Action Plan for the Standardisation of Civil Protection Training, developed jointly by the project partners.
The presentation opened a discussion among participants, who were invited to provide comments and suggestions on the draft documents. Their contributions will support the further development of a shared approach to civil protection training, helping to strengthen coordination, operational preparedness and cooperation across the Adriatic.
Through initiatives combining training, practical testing and joint strategic planning, HANDY continues to turn cross-border cooperation into concrete tools and capacities for civil protection professionals and organisations.
