The Association of South-Western Municipalities (ASWM), as Partner No. 5 in the HEATSAFE project, is working with its associated partners - the Municipality of Blagoevgrad and the Blagoevgrad Regional Administration - to introduce modern approaches to heatwave preparedness and response.

Within the project, ASWM provides its associated partners with the analyses, methodologies and practical tools developed by the international consortium, which will support the planning and implementation of effective measures at local and regional level. The Municipality of Blagoevgrad is the pilot territory where these solutions will be tested and applied in practice.

One of the project's first key results is an analytical report assessing the readiness of the pilot municipalities to address the challenges posed by extreme heat. The report lays the foundation for the development of the project's subsequent tools and practical solutions.

The analysis compares practices in the pilot municipalities against the recommendations of the World Health Organization and examines how well local and national policies are prepared to meet the growing risks associated with high temperatures.

For Bulgaria, the report finds that there is still no dedicated national heat action plan, although the issue is addressed within broader public health and climate adaptation policies. At local level, municipalities such as Blagoevgrad are already taking steps to limit the effects of high temperatures by expanding green infrastructure and improving the urban environment, but a dedicated local heatwave action plan is still lacking.

The analysis also highlights good practices in inter-institutional cooperation. When high temperatures are forecast, information is exchanged between meteorological services, health authorities and municipalities, and guidance is issued as needed for at-risk groups and outdoor workers. The health impact of heat is monitored through a combination of weather data and information on emergency calls, hospital admissions and other health indicators.

At the same time, the report identifies areas where further action is needed. Blagoevgrad currently has no network of climate shelters or designated cool public spaces where people can seek protection during extreme heat. The findings will serve as the basis for developing the first Local Action Plan against heatwaves for the Municipality of Blagoevgrad - the next important step in implementing the HEATSAFE project.

The full report is available here (in English).

This publication was prepared within the framework of the HEATSAFE project, implemented under the Interreg VI-B Euro-Mediterranean (EURO-MED) Programme 2021–2027, co-funded by the European Union.