As we are slowly entering the final stretch of the 2021-2027 programming period, Interreg transnational programmes are slowly turning their heads towards the future, showcasing their achievements and preparing for the next chapter.
A first step was their contribution to the ambitious stakeholder consultation process launched by the EU Commission in 2023, aiming to gather input on the future shape and content of Interreg. The results of these consultations done by all Interreg programmes are summarised here for Interreg NWE and a summary of take-aways from all consultations can be found in the Commission’s Harvesting Report on post 2027 Interreg, published this May.
Building on this consultation process, the European Commission is planning to publish the first draft regulations relevant to future Cohesion policy this summer. This has been the occasion for transnational Interreg programmes to team up and put the spotlight on the added value of transnational cooperation and its relevance for cohesion through various initiatives.
In last spring, the joint paper “Transnational cooperation: Building solidarity, driving synergies, delivering change” illustrated this added value by presenting 13 transnational projects and a multitude of stakeholder perspectives on the benefits of multilevel governance and territorial approaches.
More recently, thanks to dedicated efforts of Interreg Volunteers (IVY), the 13 projects and Programmes presented in the paper were in the limelight at the exhibition “Through the Youth Lens: Stories of Transnational Cooperation”.
The event was opened by MEP Sandro Gozi on 24th June at the European Parliament in Brussels in the presence of the 13 transnational programmes and project representatives, among which the NWE Smart Carbon Farming project was represented.
In parallel, transnational programmes also launched a joint articles series “The local impact of transnational cooperation” in which transnational programmes are presenting stories of positive change, one country at a time. Each story focuses on a specific topic in one European country, tackling key issues like climate change, digital innovation and rural development. Through engaging articles, powerful visuals and short videos this initiative aims at showing how transnational projects are making a real difference on the ground.
Curious to learn more about the impact of transnational cooperation? Join us at the European Week of Regions and Cities in Brussels from 13-15 October 2025 under the motto “Shaping Tomorrow, Together”. Visit the joint stand transnational programmes organise together to discover some of the most impactful projects implemented across Europe and meet their representatives.