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Under the EU-funded J-CROSS project, GAUSS Institute developed two technical studies for the Pelagonia Region: a landslide mapping study analysing flood-triggered geohazards, and a dam-breaking risk assessment for the Strezevo Dam — the region’s most critical hydraulic structure. Delivered in November–December 2019 for the Center for Development of Pelagonia Planning Region, the studies combined field research, hydraulic modelling, and institutional analysis to support disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness. Both outputs were prepared in line with EU External Actions visibility requirements, contributing to cross-border resilience-building between North Macedonia and Greece.

The GAUSS Institute successfully led the EU-funded cross-border project “Integrated Sustainable Environmental Management with Decision Support System Implementation” (2011–2012, 43,040 EUR), implemented in partnership with the NEHEMIA Foundation (Albania) and University “Fan Stilian Noli” (Korca). As lead partner, GAUSS managed overall project coordination, developed an innovative web-based Decision Support System (DSS) for Sustainable Natural Resources Management, and produced bilingual educational materials, awareness campaigns, and a cross-border Natural Resources Inventory. The project pioneered the use of ICT-driven participatory decision-making in natural resources governance across the Macedonia–Albania border region.

The consortium: ETC–Bitola and GAUSS Institute, implemented the research, training, and consultancy components of IOM’s Economic and Social Stabilization (ESS) Programme for Vulnerable Social Groups Residing in Border Communities. The Institute conducted an original study on the local economy and business potential of the Municipality of Bitola, delivered two rounds of business skills training to 19 beneficiaries, and provided 24 hours of individual consultancy to 12 participants before and after they launched their businesses. The project combined evidence-based research with hands-on capacity building to support entrepreneurship among socially vulnerable groups, with a strong focus on women’s economic empowerment in the Bitola border region.