Prosenjakovci/Velemér/Magyarszombatfa, 20 September 2025 – A lively celebration of culture, tradition and networking took place on Saturday along the Slovenian-Hungarian border. The Interreg Cooperation Day 2025, which celebrated the power of European cross-border cooperation for the fourteenth consecutive year, brought together hundreds of visitors from both countries.
The event entitled “Discover the Border Region”, hosted by the Interreg programme Slovenia-Hungary, offered participants a unique opportunity to learn about local projects, try the authentic flavours of the Pannonian Plain and meet people who are strengthening the development of the border area with their own ideas.
A programme full of experiences
The day began in Prosenjakovci, where the Pannonina P&G project was presented. The partners drew the attention of the participants to the importance of promoting the protection of biodiversity in the border area of Slovenia and Hungary. By setting up educational gardens and planting native plants, the project strengthens ecosystems, reduces the impact of invasive species and raises awareness of local communities. Special emphasis is placed on the development of biodiversity-friendly products that combine sustainability, nature and local opportunities.
This was followed by a tour of the historic church in Velemér, where visitors learned about the Messages project. The project strengthens the role of pilgrimage tourism in the border area by exploring pilgrimage sites and designing a new pilgrimage route. It is based on the life stories of the martyrs János Brenner and Dániel Halász, who contribute to the preservation of cultural and historical heritage. The project connects local communities, pilgrims and tourism providers through exhibitions, a digital inventory, activities for young people and promotion.
After a symbolic hike to the idyllic village of Magyarszombatfa, a series of events followed. Aleš Mrkela welcomed the attendees on behalf of the Managing Authority of the Interreg Slovenia-Hungary programme and stressed that, with respect for diversity, we create cross-border programmes that are among the most successful in the European Union. The final part was enriched by a local choir.
The afternoon programme included a theatre performance by the Miškin group and a mosaic of workshops and presentations of successful small-scale projects: Herba Fest, REGIOTASTE and Vse je v naših bučah. Pottery workshops, tastings of local products and evaluation of homemade pumpkin oil aroused particular interest. Children had fun in creative corners.
Cross-border connectivity as a foundation
“Such events remind us that the border can be a bridge and not an obstacle,” the organisers stressed. According to them, it is the Interreg programme that enables people on both sides of the border to connect, share their stories and create new opportunities.
European dimension
Interreg Cooperation Day has been taking place across Europe around 21 September since 2012. The initiative aims to show that European projects are more than bureaucratic numbers – they are living stories that bring concrete benefits to communities. This year, more than 30 countries joined the celebration, including Slovenia and Hungary, which have a long tradition of cooperation within Interreg programmes.
On a sunny autumn day, participants returned full of impressions, new friendships and inspiration. The event showed that the border region is not just a line on a map, but a place of rich heritage, creativity and cooperation.
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