Cross-border cooperation between Slovenia and Croatia has been supported since 2003 under several EU instruments, starting with PHARE/CARDS (2003), trilateral Neighbourhood Programme (2004-2006), Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) CBC (2007-2013), and Cooperation Programme V-A 2014-2020. Administrative and implementing arrangements introduced in each of the programming period gradually improved conditions for cooperation, such as joint calls for proposals, joint projects, lead partner principle and contributed to eliminating some important obstacles.

The Interreg Programme VI-A Slovenia – Croatia 2021-2027 aims at achieving a preserved, resilient, and connected cross-border region where sustainable development is recognised and used as a main tool in reaching economic viability, safety, biodiversity protection, and social well-being of all inhabitants. The Programme envisages mutual learning and joint actions leading to a change in all its priorities, primarily to re-connect across the border, to understand the current joint needs and threats of a rapidly changing reality, and to work together to improve resilience and adaptability of people, organisations, and communities, assisting the programme area in becoming more green and digital, and thus fit for the future.

The Interreg Programme Slovenia – Croatia programme area covers 17 NUTS 3 regions, nine Slovenian NUTS 3 regions and eight Croatian NUTS 3 regions:

– Slovenia: Podravska, Pomurska, Savinjska, Zasavska, Posavska, Jugovzhodna Slovenija, Obalno-kraška, Osrednjeslovenska, and Primorsko-notranjska statistical regions;

– Croatia: Primorsko-goranska, Istarska, Zagrebačka, Krapinsko-zagorska, Varaždinska, Međimurska, and Karlovačka counties and the City of Zagreb.

The programme area covers an area of 31,728 km² (SI: 46.6%, HR: 53.4%). The area comprises a significant share of the Slovenian territory (73%), and almost one third of the territory of Croatia (30%). The approximate length of the land border between Slovenia and Croatia is 657 km.

The overall programme budget comprises 52,3 M€ (with ERDF contribution of 41,8 M€).

The Priority 1, 2 and 3 will be implemented through Open Calls.

The programme may co-finance projects up to a maximum rate of 80% of eligible costs.

The allocation of budget per priorities and specific objectives are as follows: