Jastrebarsko, 13 September 2025 – The Interreg Slovenia–Croatia programme marked the Interreg Cooperation Day (IC Day) for the fourteenth consecutive year. Supported by the European Commission and the Interact initiative, more than one hundred programmes across Europe organize this event. The aim was to bring the results of European cross-border projects closer to citizens and demonstrate how the EU, through its cohesion policy, strengthens cooperation, connectivity, and solidarity.

The event, titled “Small Projects, Big Changes – Together for a Connected Future”, took place on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at 10:00 AM at Erdödy Castle in Jastrebarsko, Croatia. It was held as part of the Operations of Strategic Importance (OSI), highlighting its special role in promoting the visibility of European cohesion policy and showcasing the added value of cross-border cooperation.

Small-scale projects from the 2021–2027 period were presented, offering a wide range of activities for all generations:

  • Glasba povezuje (Music Connects) brought musical vibes with a brass band performance, while Sosed kaj znaš (Neighbour, What Can You Do?) featured dance and handcraft workshops.
  • KUPA REUNITE! introduced visitors to the world of fly fishing and fly tying, while COLAPIS took them into nature – with birdwatching, an exhibition, and boat rides on the pond.
  • Š(K)OLA 5.0 prepared a robotics workshop for children, while ENERG-UN raised awareness about digital waste through a hands-on workshop.
  • Obalne priče (Coastal Stories) presented a healthy eating manual, while SCHOOL4CD raised awareness about celiac disease and engage visitors in a culinary challenge called the “Bake Challenge”.
  • ForestFest offered an experience of forest pedagogy and relaxing “forest bathing”.
  • Zlatna leta (Golden Years) connected generations through guided exercise and a knitting workshop, while Baština to smo mi (Heritage Is Us) showcased traditional handkerchief embroidery.

These projects demonstrated that even with modest funding, significant changes can be achieved – from strengthening ties between communities and generations, preserving cultural heritage, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable development, to creating opportunities for young people.

 

About the Interreg Slovenia–Croatia Programme
The Interreg Slovenia–Croatia programme, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, supports projects that connect people, communities, and institutions on both sides of the border. In the 2021–2027 period, more than 50 million euros have been allocated to projects, contributing to the goals of the EU’s cohesion policy: a greener, more connected, and more inclusive Europe, closer to its citizens.

The event in Jastrebarsko demonstrated that EU funds are not just financial support, but a tool for shared progress – for a cleaner environment, more opportunities for youth, greater social cohesion, and stronger bonds between people.

The event was part of the Operations of Strategic Importance (OSI) and is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

#CohesionPolicy #Interreg #InterregSloveniaCroatia

Official programme: www.si-hr.eu