Strong neighbours, strong Europe
14 October 26 3 mins read
This collection brings together Interreg IPA projects submitted for the Interact and TESIM stand at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026. Showcasing initiatives across EU external borders, the projects illustrate how cross-border cooperation turns shared challenges into practical solutions, from healthcare and social inclusion to environmental protection, disaster prevention and sustainable development.
Each project tells a story of people and organisations working together across borders to improve lives, strengthen local communities and build lasting partnerships. Together, they demonstrate how cooperation with EU neighbours contributes to a stronger, more connected and resilient Europe.
Interreg IPA Bulgaria – North Macedonia
CBA – STRKKPN. Cross-border attractiveness – smart tourism in Kyustendil – Kriva Palanka – Nevestino district
The project builds on a long history of cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, turning shared natural and cultural assets into a tourism destination for all seasons. Through new tourism infrastructure, adventure and recreational facilities, visitor services and joint promotion, it aims to attract more visitors and create fresh opportunities for local businesses and year-round employment. From the friendships fostered through earlier youth exchanges to the newly opened adventure park in Hisarlaka Forest Park, this cooperation is creating new ways for people on both sides of the border to discover the region together.
LIFT - Low-carbon InFinity Trail
LIFT is creating a new cross-border tourism experience in southern Bulgaria and North Macedonia, connecting natural landscapes, cultural heritage and visitor attractions through low-carbon travel. The project combines new cycling infrastructure, bicycle-friendly rest stops and an electric tourist train, making it easier to explore the region while reducing environmental impact and improving access for people with disabilities. By linking attractions into one shared tourism product, LIFT aims to encourage year-round visits, open up opportunities for local businesses and make sustainable mobility part of the region’s tourism offer.
DigiCBCTourism - RH2TF. A journey without borders - from rich history to technological future
The project is bringing the shared cultural heritage of Bulgaria and North Macedonia into the digital age, making museums and historical sites more accessible and engaging for visitors. Using GIS mapping, virtual tours, augmented reality and 3D models, it will showcase 20 tourist sites, 100 artefacts and 20 cultural and historical objects through a joint digital platform. Alongside preserving local heritage, the initiative will help museums and cultural professionals develop new ways to engage audiences and inspire younger generations to connect with the region’s shared past.
Interreg IPA Bulgaria – Serbia
Support +. Ensuring accessible medical and social services through improved and integrated support in the CBC region
Support+ is making medical and social care easier to access for people in smaller communities and remote areas across the Bulgaria-Serbia cross-border region. The project combines a digital coordination platform with electric bicycles, environmentally friendly vehicles and specialised equipment, helping health and social care professionals reach people more effectively and work together across institutions. A shared service model and practical working protocols will provide a lasting framework for better coordinated support, greater social inclusion and improved quality of life for local residents.
DIGREEN - Green and Digital Solutions for Accessible Social Services in Dupnitsa and Merosina
DIGREEN is modernising social services in Dupnitsa, Bulgaria, and Merošina, Serbia, combining upgraded facilities with digital tools and cleaner transport to better serve local communities. In Dupnitsa, a website with an AI assistant will make it easier for residents to find information and request support, while both municipalities will equip mobile care teams with environmentally friendly vehicles and improve facilities for social workers. A jointly developed service model, supported by shared procedures, training and bilingual guidance, will help the municipalities maintain more accessible and responsive social care beyond the project’s lifetime.
RESPONSE - Preparation of the population for actions in case of disasters and improvement of the capacity of the professional teams for response in case of emergency situations within the cross-border region
RESPONSE is strengthening disaster preparedness in the Bulgaria-Serbia border region, where floods, forest fires, landslides and earthquakes pose risks to local communities. It combines public awareness campaigns and training for residents and volunteers with specialised exercises, joint emergency procedures and investments in rescue equipment, including 26 special-purpose vehicles. By improving coordination between emergency services and preparing people to act when disaster strikes, the project aims to make cross-border communities safer and more resilient to climate-related risks.
Interreg IPA Bulgaria - Türkiye
EPACT - Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth
EPACT is connecting three archaeological sites in Bulgaria and Türkiye, Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro and Aşağıpınar, into a shared tourism destination built around history and experimental archaeology. Restoration works, improved visitor facilities, a reconstructed Neolithic village and a new archaeological campus will offer visitors, especially young people, opportunities to explore the past through hands-on experiences. By developing joint tour programmes, digital services and local skills, the project aims to extend tourism beyond the peak season and create new economic opportunities for communities on both sides of the border.
BLUE GROWTH COLLABs - Cross-border Regions Collaborate for BLUE GROWTH
The project strengthened scientific capacity for marine and environmental protection by establishing Blue Growth research centres in the cross-border region. It fostered links between educational institutions, researchers and other stakeholders, supporting applied research and the development of environmental expertise. Through improved coordination and knowledge exchange, the initiative enhanced cooperation in monitoring, managing and protecting shared natural resources across the border.
HEAC Pilot - Driving Cross-Border Circular Pilot in Printed Circuit Board Production and Glass Process
HEAC Pilot is bringing circular economy practices into two manufacturing industries in the Bulgaria-Türkiye cross-border region: printed circuit board production and glass processing. Through new production technologies, one company will reuse and repair old circuit boards instead of treating them as waste, while the other will modernise glass processing to reduce offcuts and improve production efficiency. By demonstrating how materials can be reused, waste reduced and resources used more efficiently, the project supports more sustainable manufacturing and encourages businesses on both sides of the border to adopt greener practices.
FLAMESHIELD - Increasing the capacity for disaster prevention and response in the cross-border region
FLAMESHIELD is strengthening joint wildfire preparedness in the Bulgaria-Türkiye border region, where forest fires threaten communities, natural habitats and local economies. It combines shared emergency response procedures and risk maps for 30 Turkish border villages with specialised equipment and practical training for professional responders and local volunteers, including the establishment of community firefighting teams. A large-scale cross-border exercise will test how these teams work together in a real-life scenario, helping improve coordination and build lasting capacity to prevent and respond to forest fires.
Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro
EmBRACE - Enhancing MSEs sustainaBle gRowth And CompEtitiveness
EmBRACE supports micro and small enterprises in the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro cross-border area through a Small Project Fund, helping them innovate, go digital and adopt greener business practices. By providing financial support for new products, services and business processes, the project enables entrepreneurs to strengthen their competitiveness and build lasting cross-border partnerships. In doing so, EmBRACE helps local businesses grow while creating new opportunities for cooperation and economic development across the region.
SATECON - Smart, innovative and sustainable agriculture
SATECON is bringing advanced technologies and digital solutions to agriculture and environmental management in the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro cross-border region. By connecting research institutions, public authorities and other stakeholders, the project supports the practical application of innovation and data-driven approaches to improve agricultural practices and environmental management. This cooperation helps farmers and institutions make better-informed decisions and build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.
CODES - Cooperation for Development of Cross Border Business Environment Strengthened
CODES is strengthening the innovation ecosystem in the Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro cross-border region by helping entrepreneurs and SMEs turn new ideas into innovative products, services and businesses. Building on previous cooperation, the project introduces joint programmes for innovators, start-ups and co-working communities, including pre-acceleration support, bringing together expertise and resources from across the border. By connecting businesses, research institutions and support organisations, CODES is creating better conditions for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable business growth.
Interreg IPA Croatia – Serbia
RE-TREAD - Improvement of diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation methods in special hospitals of the cross-border area
RE-TREAD is improving healthcare for older people and patients with specific rehabilitation needs in the Croatia-Serbia cross-border region by modernising hospital services and sharing medical expertise. Partner hospitals are piloting innovative rehabilitation methods, including DNS and Schroth, while establishing mobile teams to bring specialised support closer to patients. By combining modern equipment, improved treatment protocols and digital healthcare support, the project aims to improve patients’ quality of life and promote healthier ageing.
INNATUS - Initiative for Naïve Art and Sustainable Tourism
INNATUS is strengthening cultural tourism and cross-border cooperation between Ernestinovo in Croatia and Subotica in Serbia, building on their shared heritage of naïve art. A key achievement is the opening of the Creative Children’s Centre IDEM in Ernestinovo in July 2026, offering more than 1,200 square metres for creative workshops, STEM activities, exhibitions and community events. By investing in cultural infrastructure and opportunities for children and young people, the project is helping create new spaces for learning, creativity and community engagement while supporting local development.
SocCare - Improving the accessibility of community based social services in the program area of Vukovar Srijem County and Macva District
SocCare is expanding community-based care in the Croatia-Serbia cross-border region, helping older people, people with disabilities and those living with Alzheimer’s disease access support closer to home. A key milestone was the opening of the Day Centre in Bačka Palanka in June 2026, welcoming its first beneficiaries with social support, inclusive activities and opportunities for greater participation in community life. By strengthening local care services, the project helps people maintain their independence and reduces the need for institutional care.
Interreg IPA Greece – Albania
4ALL - Opening culture to everyone
4ALL helped lay the foundations for accessible tourism in the Greece-Albania cross-border region, making cultural and natural heritage more accessible to seniors, people with disabilities and visitors with reduced mobility. By improving accessibility, training tourism professionals and raising awareness, the project promoted a more inclusive tourism offer and strengthened cooperation among local stakeholders. Its legacy is a cross-border destination better equipped to welcome visitors of all abilities.
WINCOME - Joint Promoting Actions of the Local Entrepreneurship at Greece/Albania Less Favoured Areas (LFA) on the Viticulture and Wine Production Business Sector.
WINCOME strengthened the Greece-Albania cross-border wine sector by helping local producers improve their competitiveness, reach new markets and create business opportunities. By bringing together winemakers, entrepreneurs and public authorities, the project fostered knowledge exchange, joint promotion and stronger cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises. It helped turn cross-border cooperation into a shared opportunity for local wine producers and more sustainable growth in less-favoured areas.
CheeseCulT - Cheese Route as an Innovative Cultural Heritage Driving Force for Rural Tourism Development in the Cross-Border Area
CheeseCulT turned local cheese-making traditions into new opportunities for sustainable rural tourism and economic development in the Greece-Albania cross-border region. By developing a shared Cheese Route and connecting local producers, tourism businesses and public authorities, the project is helping promote authentic regional products, improve market access and create new business opportunities. Through cross-border cooperation, it aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and make local communities more attractive places to live, work and visit.
OLIVE CULTURE - Contribution to the Enhancement of Olive Sector by Promoting Certified Good Cultivation Practices, Applying Precision Agriculture Technologies, Creating Innovative Local Products, and Supporting Relevant SMEs
OLIVE CULTURE helped modernise the olive sector in the Greece-Albania cross-border region by combining traditional farming knowledge with precision agriculture and innovative cultivation methods. By connecting farmers, cooperatives, businesses and research institutions, the project strengthened local value chains, improved market opportunities and promoted greener production. One of its key achievements was the development of a digital olive fruit-fly trap, helping farmers monitor pests, protect harvests and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
COMPLETE - Competitive Livestock Entrepreneurship and Health Protection for Sustainable Rural Economic Development
COMPLETE strengthened traditional livestock farming in the Greece-Albania cross-border region by improving animal health, farm management and food safety through a One Health approach linking animal, human and environmental health. Through tailored training, farm visits and digital tools, including GIS-based disease surveillance, the project helped farmers better monitor health risks and improve productivity. By promoting knowledge sharing and cross-border cooperation, COMPLETE supported more resilient rural businesses and sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
Interreg IPA Greece – North Macedonia
ElderCare - Equal access to health care for the elderly population in the cross-border area: facing the challenge of dementia
ElderCare is improving support for people living with dementia and older people at risk of developing the condition in the Greece-North Macedonia cross-border region. Through a community-based approach, the project aims to improve access to specialised care, strengthen support for caregivers and equip healthcare professionals and volunteers with the knowledge to respond to local needs. By bringing communities and care providers together, ElderCare is helping older people and their families improve their quality of life and access support closer to home.
G4G - Green for Good
G4G is helping communities in the Greece-North Macedonia cross-border region move towards a greener, low-carbon future. By promoting renewable energy, green mobility, sustainable urban spaces and environmental education, the project supports local authorities, schools and citizens in adopting more sustainable practices and strengthening climate resilience. From students and environmental activists to local communities and visitors, the project brings people together to turn environmental awareness into practical action.
RU READY - Reduce, reUse and RecyclE Actions for cross borDer interplaY
RU READY is helping communities in the Greece-North Macedonia border region reduce waste and embrace a circular economy through practical solutions that make reuse and recycling part of everyday life. In Velvendos, Greece, smart bins and digital rewards will encourage households to recycle more, while Bitola, North Macedonia, will establish its first national-level Reuse Centre, giving unwanted items a second life through donation, repair and repurposing. By turning waste into a resource, the project aims to change daily habits and deliver environmental benefits for thousands of residents.
Interreg IPA Romania – Serbia
SAFE - Safer climate within the Romanian Serbian border area
SAFE is strengthening security along the Romania-Serbia border by bringing law enforcement authorities together to tackle cross-border crime and illegal migration more effectively. Through joint training, improved information sharing and investments in specialised equipment and infrastructure, it is enhancing the capacity of authorities to manage both land and river borders. With hundreds of officers trained and new surveillance and operational facilities established, the project supports a more coordinated response to cross-border security challenges and safer communities.
Interreg IPA Adrion
ABBA – Adriatic-Ionian SustainaBle Blue Economy Alliance for upscaling SMEs
ABBA is bringing blue innovation across the Adriatic-Ionian region. By connecting six Blue Excellence Hubs and creating a regional alliance, it helps deep-tech innovators turn ideas into sustainable solutions for ports, marine energy, transport, aquaculture and other blue economy sectors. 30 innovators to be supported and 12 new proofs of concept developed through cross-border cooperation.
BFC – BioFarms Cluster
BFC supports the development of new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products from agricultural residues such as plum, chamomile, grapevine and medicinal plants. By connecting farmers, researchers and industry across seven countries, the project promotes circular agriculture, innovation and new business opportunities. It has developed four innovation pathways and supported 35 SMEs.
GREENSMES – Enhancing SMEs’ modernization and green innovation and transition towards successful sustainability by transnational collaborative practices and tools
GREENSMES helps SMEs turn the green transition into practical changes in how they produce, operate and grow. Across the Adriatic-Ionian region, 90 SMEs have received support to test and adopt greener and more innovative solutions, with 45 modernisation and green innovation projects piloted in sectors from energy and manufacturing to ICT and smart mobility. The project is building lasting capacity among businesses and support organisations to make green innovation part of everyday business practice.
Interreg EuroMED
WATERVILL – Innovative solutions for enhancing village water supply and addressing water scarcity in resilient rural and mountainous areas
WATERVILL demonstrates how EU regions and Western Balkan partners can jointly address one of the Mediterranean's most pressing challenges: water scarcity. By combining innovation, local governance and nature-based solutions, the project helps rural communities adapt to climate change and secure access to water.
StrategyMedFor – Strategy for Sustainable Management of Mediterranean Forests
StrategyMedFor shows how cross-border cooperation can strengthen the resilience of Mediterranean forests, which are increasingly threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss and wildfires. The project develops common tools and strategies that can be used by authorities across the region.
REVIVE – Developing Community-Based Innovative Business Models for the Revival of Internal Areas in the Mediterranean
REVIVE addresses a common challenge affecting both EU and candidate countries: the decline of rural and inland territories. Through innovation, entrepreneurship and community-led development, the project helps create new economic opportunities and more resilient local economies.
MED-GIAHS – Mediterranean GIAHS Sites Network to Promote Sustainable Agricultural Tourism
MED-GIAHS shows how cultural and agricultural heritage can become a driver of sustainable development. By linking heritage preservation with tourism and local economic development, the project creates new opportunities for rural communities while protecting unique Mediterranean landscapes.
Read Time: 3 mins
