The reflection process on future Cohesion policy is underway across the European Union. Interreg, a key part of Cohesion policy, has unique characteristics such as cross-border partnerships supporting trust-building cooperation projects. Throughout 2024, Interreg programmes are invited to consult their stakeholders, beneficiaries and citizens on the future of Interreg. The aim is to find out what are the major obstacles for cooperation, on what topics cooperation is more needed, or what novelty they would like to see in the future.

We are part of this process and are already at work. To gather opinions, suggestions and reflections, we will conduct a twofold consultation process engaging: 

• Stakeholders: including local communities, Programme actors, beneficiaries (former and current) and potential beneficiaries, leveraging their expertise and past experiences.
• Citizens: living in the Area with specific attention to the young people and youth organizations

After gathering feedbacks from all Interreg programmes, DG REGIO will prepare post-27 proposals for Interreg Regulations & Programmes.

Your involvement is paramount in shaping the future of Interreg beyond 2027. The upcoming EU budget for 2028-2034 is anticipated to face unprecedented challenges, underscoring the critical need for your input to ensure Interreg’s continued prominence and effectiveness.

The Programme developed two surveys:

• The Stakeholders survey
• The Citizens survey

Both surveys are anonymous, hosted on the EU Commission’s EUSurvey tool, and fully GDPR compliant. They are available in Slovenian and German language to facilitate participation.

The surveys will run from July 24 to September 30th, 2024.
Your insights will fuel our efforts to prepare a detailed report for the EU Commission by December 31st, 2024, ensuring your voice shapes the future of Interreg.