Thirty-five years ago, a vision was born – of communities that, despite borders, find solutions together and respond to shared challenges. That vision became a reality through Interreg – the European Union initiative for financing cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation. Over decades of work, Interreg has built partnerships, fostered trust, and transformed people’s lives across Europe.
Today, through four strands of action, Interreg brings together national, regional and local actors, including those that are not EU members, such as Serbia, which has been part of the initiative for a full 20 years. By encouraging innovation and cooperation, Interreg strengthens the ties between communities within Europe and in its most remote regions.
For many communities, especially those that were once divided, such as areas along the former Iron Curtain, Interreg has become a symbol of reconciliation, peace, and the healing of historical wounds.
Over three and a half decades, through tens of thousands of projects, Interreg has invested in improving the quality of life in border areas, developing major transnational regions and encouraging the exchange of knowledge on regional policy among EU Member States and candidate countries.
Cooperation knows no borders – especially in times of crisis. When disaster strikes, communities come together to protect lives and property. Through Interreg, neighbours jointly respond to emergencies, but also work together to preserve cross-border natural heritage and combat climate change.
Healthcare is another key area of cooperation – Interreg projects have enabled more accessible cross-border health services, offering patients faster care. They also promote social inclusion, education, and social innovation.
Interreg plays an important role in the EU enlargement process, helping candidate countries prepare for membership. Cooperation provides support where it is needed most, including assisting Ukraine on its European path.
Interreg’s impact extends beyond Europe’s borders. It enables even the most remote regions to collaborate with neighbouring countries and territories. And sometimes, cooperation is simple and symbolic – like riding a bike together.
From the very beginning, Interreg has been unique, solidarity-based and built on trust. In the year of its 35th anniversary, it continues to build bridges across Europe through cooperation that knows no borders.
Source: DG REGIO
