Although the general condition of most European rivers has improved over recent years, accidental spills of chemicals in rivers remain a severe threat to the environment. This risk is characteristic of all regions involved in the RIVER SHIELD project, as the areas are crossed by rivers which flow through more than one country, such as the Danube, Oder, Strimon and Nestos. To overcome the problem of accidental industrial pollution a close co-operation of all involved authorities, services and organisations from all countries concerned is necessary. River Shield targets the protection of rivers from pollution caused by industrial accidents through development and implementation of risk management, prevention and response good practices. The project partners are public authorities and environmental protection organisations from Greece, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Bulgaria. River Shield increases the capacity of the involved environmental protection and emergency response services to minimise the impact of potential industrial accidents. Regional Networks will be formed to strengthen know-how exchange and transnational co-operation. Emergency response guides will be compiled and disseminated. Spatial planning and land-use measures and policies will be developed and proposed. As a supportive mechanism, the River Shield Unit for the future utilisation of the project outcomes will be institutionalised. Dissemination actions will be carried out at regional, national and European level. Expected Results: Although the general condition of most European rivers has improved over recent years, accidental spills of chemicals in rivers remain a severe threat to the environment. This risk is characteristic of all regions involved in the RIVER SHIELD project, as the areas are crossed by rivers which flow through more than one country, such as the Danube, Oder, Strimon and Nestos. To overcome the problem of accidental industrial pollution a close co-operation of all involved authorities, services and organisations from all countries concerned is necessary. River Shield targets the protection of rivers from pollution caused by industrial accidents through development and implementation of risk management, prevention and response good practices. The project partners are public authorities and environmental protection organisations from Greece, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Bulgaria. River Shield increases the capacity of the involved environmental protection and emergency response services to minimise the impact of potential industrial accidents. Regional Networks will be formed to strengthen know-how exchange and transnational co-operation. Emergency response guides will be compiled and disseminated. Spatial planning and land-use measures and policies will be developed and proposed. As a supportive mechanism, the River Shield Unit for the future utilisation of the project outcomes will be institutionalised. Dissemination actions will be carried out at regional, national and European level.