Professional Cooperation in Uzhhorod: The PROTECT Project for Epidemiological Preparedness
On July 16–17, 2026, we took part in a two-day professional event held in Uzhhorod (Ukraine), in the conference hall of the "Uzhhorod" Hotel, as part of the PROTECT project, supported by the Interreg NEXT IV-A Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme 2021–2027.The first day (July 16) featured a working meeting, followed by a workshop for local communities on July 17. The purpose of the event was to strengthen epidemiological preparedness, enhance laboratory diagnostic capacities, and deepen cross-border professional cooperation.
All countries participating in the project — Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania — were represented at the event. Welcoming remarks were given, among others, by Oleh Osiyan, First Deputy Head of the Derzhprodspozhyvsluzhba, Ivan Brenzovics, Deputy Head of the service's Transcarpathian Department, as well as representatives of the Transcarpathian Regional State Laboratory, the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration, and the Hungarian, Slovak, and Romanian partner organizations.
The meeting reaffirmed the partners' commitment to long-term cooperation and laid new groundwork for continuing joint efforts in monitoring infectious diseases and strengthening the responsiveness of the region's healthcare systems.
A multinational partner team from four countries ensures the success of the project:
Lead Partner: Zakarpattia Regional State Laboratory (Ukraine)
Partner No. 1: Non-Governmental Organization "European Initiatives Center (Ukraine)
Partner No. 2: Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association (Hungary)
Partner No. 3: Regional Innovation Agency (Slovakia)
Partner No. 5: Satu Mare Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate (Romania)
Partner No. 6: Satu Mare County Administrative Territorial Unit (Romania)
Further details regarding the project can be found on the partners' official social media platforms.
Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association