On Tuesday, 22 September 2026, the traditional Interreg Cooperation Day (IC Day) took place at Zavrč Manor. This year’s event was particularly special, as the pan-European initiative celebrated its 15th anniversary. Under the title “Following the Trail of Gold – A Cross-Border Adventure,” more than 160 participants from Slovenia and Croatia, including 80 children, gathered in Zavrč. Through a variety of adventure-based activities, they explored the rich shared cultural and natural heritage of the Drava River region.
Interreg Cooperation Day is a long-standing European initiative through which cross-border cooperation programmes showcase the tangible results and benefits that European funding brings to local communities. The Interreg Slovenia–Croatia Programme regularly participates in the campaign, and this year’s celebration was organised in close cooperation with the “Zlatarske avanture” project, co-financed under the 2021–2027 programming period.
The Gold of the Drava River as a Driver of Sustainable Tourism
The central theme of this year’s event was the traditional craft of gold panning, which has historically connected communities living on both banks of the Drava River. By bringing together natural and cultural heritage, the Gold Panning Adventures project contributes to the development of modern, sustainable cross-border tourism and strengthens the visibility of rural areas.
To provide an engaging experience for more than 160 participants, the organisers prepared a diverse programme combining recreation, education, and local history:
- Rafting and Gold Panning Demonstration: An exciting rafting trip along the Drava River, combined with an opportunity to experience the traditional practice of gold panning in the riverbed.
- Gold Panning Demonstration: A presentation and demonstration of the traditional craft of gold panning, accompanied by a relaxing walk.
- E-bike Treasure Hunt: An adventurous cycling experience across varied terrain, during which participants solved outdoor puzzles and discovered hidden corners of Zavrč and its surroundings.
- Treasure Hunt and Heritage Experience: Puzzle-solving activities combined with a demonstration of traditional gold panning.
Impressive Results: 106 Projects and €38.47 Million
The official part of the event provided an overview of the achievements of the Interreg Slovenia–Croatia Programme 2021–2027. To date, the programme has approved 106 projects, with €38.47 million in support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The funding is dedicated to addressing common challenges across the cross-border area:
- Nature Protection and Climate Change Adaptation: Measures aimed at preserving biodiversity and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.
- Culture and Sustainable Tourism: Development of new tourism products based on local heritage.
- Strengthening Local Communities: Connecting institutions, schools, associations, and residents on both sides of the border.
High-Level Participation and Outlook for 2028–2034
The importance of the event was further underlined by the presence of high-level representatives from both countries. The participants were welcomed by Phd Monika Kirbiš Rojs, Minister for Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development; Suzana Lep Šimenko, Minister for Slovenians Abroad; and Nataša Mikuš Žigman, Croatia’s Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds.
“Projects such as these are extremely important because they directly contribute to the greater visibility of rural areas. At the Ministry, we have committed ourselves to paying special attention to border regions facing development challenges. These areas are often associated primarily with natural beauty, but in reality they also hold enormous development potential, knowledge, and creativity,” emphasized Minister Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs in her address.
Alongside the event, a bilateral meeting took place between Minister Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs and Minister Nataša Mikuš Žigman. The ministers reviewed the successful cooperation achieved so far and discussed priorities and expectations for the preparation of the next programming period, 2028–2034.
The celebration in Zavrč, marking the 15th anniversary of Interreg Cooperation Day, once again demonstrated that the border between neighbouring countries is not an obstacle, but rather an opportunity to build shared stories, discover common heritage, and create new economic and tourism opportunities.
Together we can achieve more. Together we are stronger.
