The European Union continues to stand at the forefront of climate action and regional cooperation with the launch of the strategic RETFOR project, aimed at strengthening the resilience of one of Europe’s most important forest ecosystems.
Operation of Strategic Importance: Cohesion Policy Drives Cross-Border Climate Resilience in the Spačva–Bosut Basin
- 11 April 2025
With a total project value of €2.8 million, of which 85% (€2.39 million) is funded by the Interreg Croatia-Serbia 2021-2027, RETFOR will contribute to the protection, revitalisation, and sustainable management of the Spačva–Bosut Basin, a unique ecological area spanning the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Serbia.
The project, running from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2027, is implemented by a diverse consortium of public forestry and water management entities, research institutions, and EU development bodies, united under a common mission: to increase the climate resilience and biodiversity of one of Europe’s largest continuous pedunculate oak forests.
“This project is a model of how European cooperation can tackle environmental challenges in a way that benefits both nature and communities. RETFOR demonstrates how EU investment through Interreg fosters sustainability, innovation, and solidarity,” said Konstantinos Soupilas, representative of the EU Delegation to Serbia, at the project’s kick-off event in Novi Sad.
Advancing Key EU Priorities
RETFOR is fully aligned with core EU strategic priorities, particularly those set out in the European Green Deal, EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region. Key impacts include:
- Climate Resilience: Development of cross-border action plans to mitigate climate impacts on sensitive forest areas.
- Biodiversity Protection: Restoration of natural habitats and implementation of sustainable forest and water management practices.
- Green Infrastructure: Modernisation of water retention systems and establishment of a Climate Change Monitoring Centre.
- Cohesion and Cooperation: Deepened institutional collaboration between Croatia and Serbia to address transboundary environmental challenges.
“Forests like those in the Spačva–Bosut Basin produce more than 20% of the world’s oxygen, and they are under threat. RETFOR provides practical, on-the-ground solutions that will safeguard this ecosystem for future generations,” said Ivan Ambroš, Director of the Competence Centre Ltd. for Research and Development.
The project also features vital infrastructure works, such as the raising of the Lipovac water barrier and groundwater monitoring, carried out by Croatian Waters and Vode Vojvodine. These efforts aim to secure water supply and enhance the ecological stability of the region.
A True European Spirit of Cooperation
By fostering synergy between Croatian and Serbian institutions, RETFOR exemplifies the transformative potential of Interreg funding in addressing shared challenges with shared solutions. It builds capacity for integrated environmental governance while reinforcing the EU’s commitment to regional development, peaceful cooperation, and a greener future for all.
“RETFOR is more than a project — it is a legacy of cross-border partnership and a shared European commitment to nature and people,” said Ognjen Dopuđ, Director of the Fund for European Affairs and Development of AP Vojvodina.
For more information on Interreg IPA CBC Croatia–Serbia and EU regional programmes, visit: