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.

The project is implemented under the Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Interreg VI-A NEXT 2021–2027 Programme, in partnership with the Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association.

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)

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Project ID: HUSKROUA/23/RI/2.1/011
PROTECT project: next.huskroua-cbc.eu

PARTNERSHIP WITHOUT BORDERS

Further details about the project can be found on the partners' official social media channels.
Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association