1. Thessaloniki Municipality (GR)
2. Madan Municipality (BG)
3. Ministry of the Interior-General Directorate for the Sector of the former Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace (GR)
4. Association for Regional Social and Economic Development (BG)

The project addresses the limited availability of indoor air quality data by developing a harmonised monitoring and assessment approach in two complementary settings: Thessaloniki, Greece, representing a dense urban environment, and Madan, Bulgaria, representing a rural area with different pollution sources and building conditions.

Indoor pollutants such as PM2.5, NO2, VOCs and CO will be monitored and analysed together with outdoor air quality data, allowing a better understanding of pollution sources, exposure conditions and possible health risks. BreathINAir combines technology, scientific analysis, capacity building and awareness raising. The project will deploy indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring equipment, develop common methodologies, analyse data and prepare practical recommendations for improving indoor air quality in selected public buildings.

At the same time, it will engage policymakers, civil servants, public building managers, healthcare professionals, educators, youth and residents through training, communication and awareness activities. Cross-border cooperation is central to the project. By comparing urban and rural conditions and using common tools, the partners will produce transferable knowledge and practical solutions that can support better environmental planning and healthier indoor spaces.

The project contributes to greener and more resilient communities, strengthens institutional capacity and promotes evidence-based action for long-term improvements in air quality and public health across the Greece-Bulgaria region.

The Municipality of Thessaloniki (LB) has strong managerial, steering, and administrative capacity with a skilled multidisciplinary team. It has successfully coordinated EU projects such as LIFE SIRIUS, focused on urban air quality governance, and 2050CliMobCity, targeting sustainable urban mobility. LB ensures compliance with EU financial and reporting requirements, enabling effective project delivery. PB2 Municipality of Madan brings solid operational and managerial experience from Interreg V-A Greece-Bulgaria projects, handling procurement, finance, and stakeholder engagement to implement environmental activities. PB3 Ministry of Interior specializes in awareness raising and capacity building, with experience in communication and stakeholder engagement within EU projects, and regional policy support. PB4 ARSED is an NGO with expertise in project management, environmental consultancy, and communication, leading capacity-building and awareness campaigns based on extensive experience.

https://www.greece-bulgaria.eu/call/stage-b-1st-call-for-common-project-proposals/

1. Eastern S.A. A.O.T.A. (EN)
2. Economic Council of East Flanders. (BE)
3. Business Support Center Kranj, Ltd. (SI)
4. Municipality of Thessaloniki ( EL)
5. Public Institution Lithuanian Innovation Center (LT)
6. Nuovo Circondario Imolese (IT)
7. South Muntenia Regional Development Agency (RO)
8. Association of Municipalities of Tartu County (EE)

The main issue addressed in the project is the challenges faced by local governments in transitioning to circular design principles due to financial constraints, lack of staff, and the need for new technologies and business models. The project aims to address these challenges by identifying good practices and innovative business models related to circular design of products and services.

The partnership involves cooperation between various stakeholders, including policy makers, local designers, and experts in the field. Through interregional cooperation activities, the partners aim to exchange policy knowledge, learn from each other’s experiences, and improve their regional development policies.

The overall objective of the project is to enhance the capacity of product designers in the participating regions in relation to circular economy principles. This capacity building is expected to lead to benefits such as improved product design, increased market opportunities, cost savings, innovation, and better supply chain management.

The DESICE project aims to empower education in the field of circular economy by facilitating knowledge exchange, policy improvements, and capacity building among stakeholders.

The ultimate goal is to contribute to the transition towards a circular economy model in the participating regions.

(*relevant social media links will be available on the project website)