Interreg GO! Conference: Celebrating 35 Years of Cooperation and Looking to the Future

Ahead of discussions of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), InterregGO! gathered 550 participants, including representatives from the Member States, the EU Council Presidency, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions, and local stakeholders, to reflect on the achievements of Interreg and its future trajectory.

35 Years of Strengthening European Cooperation

Since its inception in 1990, Interreg has evolved from a small Community Initiative into a fully-fledged Cohesion Policy instrument, with over €40 billion invested in more than 30,000 projects involving over 135,000 partners. Over the years, Interreg has built bridges—both literal and metaphorical—between regions, communities, and institutions. It has supported joint innovation networks, tourism initiatives, emergency response services, and economic modernization. 

Highlighting Interreg’s contribution, Mr. Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reforms, remarked:

"Interreg has 35 years. When we look back, we see how much we have achieved. We need Interreg and cooperation more than ever in a modernised Cohesion Policy—to keep our European house strong and solid, and to project unity and stability across our external borders. Interreg projects are also the foundation for structuring effective and stable cooperation, which is a crucial step for countries in the path of joining the European Union”.

Interreg contributing to the European Capital of Culture 2025

The host, Massimiliano Fedriga, Governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia, thanked the European Commission for Gorizia’s choice as a place for the annual event ‘InterregGO! takes place in twin city of Gorizia and Nova Gorica, which together hold the title of Cultural Capital of Europe 2025, a twin city which not long ago symbolised Cold War divisions that were overcome with a great contribution of Cohesion Policy Interreg programmes”.

A Symbol of EU Solidarity

Beyond its economic and infrastructural contributions, over the years Interreg has played a vital role in fostering European values. Mr Jan Szyszko, State Secretary in charge of Cohesion Policy in the Ministry of Regional Development of Republic of Poland, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, added:

“Interreg makes a significant contribution to EU cohesion, competitiveness and resilience. It has a crucial role for European integration, building common values such as solidarity and fostering stronger regional ties.”

Interreg’s External Dimension and Global Reach

Interreg’s impact extends beyond EU borders, fostering cooperation with neighbouring countries and supporting the enlargement process. Through its partnerships with non-EU states, Interreg helps candidate and potential candidate countries gain valuable experience in managing EU funds, aligning with EU policies, and strengthening institutional capacity.

Ms. Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, emphasized: "Interreg programmes are open to our partners in seven EU candidate countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. It ties in with what we are trying to achieve with the gradual integration into the EU Single Market we are offering to our future Member States."

Interreg also play a strategic role in the EU’s outermost regions, facilitating collaboration with partners in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. This external dimension reinforces European values, boosts regional development, and enhances resilience against common challenges such as climate change, disaster risk management, and economic disparities. Strengthening these ties remains a priority as the EU seeks to build a more integrated and cooperative future.

Interreg’s Continued Impact

From disaster risk management to business support, Interreg remains a key driver of cooperation and competitiveness. The programme has supported over 15,000 businesses, contributed to improved public services in border regions, and played a pivotal role in addressing cross-border challenges, including healthcare and transport integration.

Aleksander Jevšek, Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development of Slovenia, praised the significance of cross-border collaboration: "The Interreg GO! event is yet another proof that cooperation is worth striving for. Without years of collaboration between Nova Gorica and Gorizia, the successful bid for the European Capital of Culture 2025 would not have been possible. More cooperation means more Europe. It also means more opportunities for people, more knowledge, more trust—and more solution-oriented approaches that we create together."

The Future of Interreg in the Multiannual Financial Framework

While Interreg enjoys strong recognition, securing adequate funding is essential, as it currently represents only about 3% of the overall Cohesion Policy budget. Discussions at the conference underscored the need to modernize and strengthen Interreg, focusing on performance, results, and broader thematic flexibility in the next programming period.

Reflecting on the legacy and future of Interreg Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament, reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to Interreg: "Interreg is a cornerstone of the European project. We must strengthen it in the future next budegt. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, I can only highlight its lasting success and reaffirm that cross-border cooperation remains a core objective of the European Union."

The event concluded with strong support from various European leaders and a commitment to ensuring the success and growth of Interreg programmes beyond 2027.

Also Mr Juraj Droba, Vice Chair of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget (COTER) of the European Committee of the Regions, committed to advocate for strong next generation of Interreg programmes: “Interreg is the most tangible and visible expression of European integration, which our citizens perceive in their daily lives, and which makes them feel European. It strengthens the Single Market, foster cohesion, and address cross-border obstacles while promoting on-the-ground collaboration.. The Committee of the Regions, including through its European Cross-Border Platform, is fully committed to ensuring the continued success and growth of Interreg programmes in the future.”

Sandro Gozi, Member of the European Parliament added: “European territorial cooperation plays and will continue to play an essential role in achieving competitiveness, sovereignty, and the digital and green transitions. It is crucial that Interreg funds continue to uphold the principles of partnership, multilevel governance, and the meaningful involvement of local authorities.”

As Interreg celebrates its 35th-anniversary, the message from the Interreg GO! conference is clear: while challenges remain, cross-border cooperation is more crucial than ever. The event highlighted the importance of adapting European priorities to local circumstances while strengthening performance and results. With a renewed commitment to partnership, innovation, and European unity, Interreg will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of regional and territorial development.