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), and Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) CBC (2007-2013). 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. With the accession of Croatia to EU on 1 July 2013, the new cooperation period 2014-2020 opens new opportunities and challenges.

The cross-border cooperation aims to tackle common challenges identified jointly in the border region and to exploit the untapped growth potential in the border areas, while enhancing the cooperation process for the purpose of the overall harmonious development of the Union.