The Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques (SDIS64) and the Gipuzkoa firefighters held a cross-border meeting on February 21, 2025, at the Hendaye Rescue Center. This meeting marks the launch of the twinning implementation between the Hendaye and Irun fire stations. The objective is to improve the coordination of emergency services in the face of cross-border risks. 

Commitment to Cross-border Security : 

This cooperation aims to enhance public safety through the exchange of best practices, joint exercises, and shared training programs. The twinning between Hendaye and Irun fire stations represents a significant advancement for the security of our citizens. The exchanges also allowed for planning the next actions to structure this collaboration. 

A common Response to territorial Challenges : 

SDIS64 and the Gipuzkoa firefighters continue their commitment to a coordinated response to regional challenges, including heavy traffic, sensitive industrial areas, and high population density. With the support of Resilient Borders, this cooperation is part of a long-term effort to optimize risk management and protect citizens.

Towards long-lasting and European Cooperation :

This project highlights the importance of European partnerships for more effective and coordinated risk management. Similar initiatives could develop, inspired by this cross-border collaboration. Standardizing intervention protocols and pooling resources will enhance emergency response times and overall effectiveness. Such cross-border cooperation acts as a model for other European regions facing similar challenges. The success of this initiative could encourage the development of new projects, further strengthening territorial resilience in the face of risks.

“ Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, of the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) or of the Mission Opérationnelle Transfrontalière (MOT)”