The European Union’s Interreg programmes play a crucial role in supporting territorial cohesion and cooperation at the regional and local level, building solidarity and trust and fostering EU identity across borders.
As part of the EU Cohesion Policy, over 100 Interreg programmes drive the sustainable development and progress of the EU’s border regions. 37.5% of EU citizens living in regions with EU internal or external borders benefit, since 1990, from more than 50 cross-border cooperation programmes and policy work going beyond the Interreg funding, aiming at resolving obstacles created by national borders.
By encouraging local authorities, stakeholders, and citizens to share resources, knowledge and skills with neighbouring countries and regions, these programmes improve cohesion, overcome administrative barriers, celebrate shared culture and heritage, and turn mutual challenges in a variety of fields into opportunities.
More information about the Cohesion Policy can be found in the recently published publication BRIDGING GAPS: EU Cohesion Policy Creating a Better Life for Europeans.