2026. SEP 28.

3.75 million EUR available to cross-border SME projects

The first Call for Light Project Proposals within the B Light 2 strategic project will be launched on 24 September 2026, making EUR 3.75 million available from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Croatia and Hungary for the implementation of cross-border cooperation projects.

European funding may cover up to 80% of the total Light Project value, with the maximum amount of EU funding available per Light project set at EUR 300,000.00.

Each Light Project proposal must involve at least two partners, one Croatian and one Hungarian entrepreneur, while the maximum number of partners is four. Research and development organisations are eligible to participate provided that the project includes at least two SMEs, one from Croatia and one from Hungary.

Eligible applicants are small and medium-sized enterprises registered in the cross-border programme area of Croatia (Međimurje, Varaždin, Koprivnica-Križevci, Bjelovar-Bilogora, Virovitica-Podravina, Požega-Slavonia, Osijek-Baranja and Vukovar-Srijem Counties) and Hungary (Zala, Somogy and Baranya Counties).

The complete documentation related to the 1st Call of the B Light 2 project is available at the following link: https://cbchb.eu/cbc-hu-cro/b-light-2/project-documentation/

The details of the Call were presented at the Opening conference in Pécs, Hungary, on 23 September 2026.

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3.75 million EUR available to cross-border SME projects

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62 projects proposed for contracting under the 2nd Call for Proposals of the Interreg VI-A IPA Hungary–Serbia Programme

The results of the 2nd Call for Proposals of the Interreg VI-A IPA Hungary–Serbia Programme have been officially announced, with 62 projects proposed for contracting and more than EUR 16.87 million in IPA funding allocated to them.
The list of projects proposed for contracting was approved by the Monitoring Committee of the Programme at its 6th meeting, held on 6 August 2026 in Szeged, Hungary. Following the completion of the related procedures, the Programme is now able to officially publish the results.

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ICDM Cycling Destination Management Model Completed

Several major cycling trails cross the Slovenia–Hungary border region, each with its own background and thematic focus. For visitors, however, these routes form part of a connected tourism experience. It is therefore important that information, services, trail conditions and communication are coordinated across the region. The developed model aims to strengthen this approach. Rather than establishing a new organisation, it provides a common operational framework for existing tourism organisations, municipalities, trail managers and service providers.

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The Swiss Contribution Programmes in Hungary Concluded a Successful Year

The National Coordination Unit organizes the Annual Meeting each year with the participation of the Swiss Confederation. During this meeting, the Annual Report is reviewed, discussed, and formally approved. This year’s meeting was held on 9 June 2026, during which the Swiss side reviewed the progress of the programmes and approved the report summarizing the results achieved in 2025.

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Reforms in the framework of Hungarian-Serbian Cross-border cooperation in the Histories of European Cooperation

Interreg VI-A Hungary-Serbia Programme is featured in the latest edition of Stories of European Cooperation. Federica Attianese, joined as an IVY Reporter for six months, contributed to share the progress and outcomes of the projects, aimed at fostering and encouraging the harmonious cross-border development of the region. She wrote an article about a project Telemedicine across the borders (CBC-TELMED). The project aims to improve healthcare quality and addresses the cross-national shortages of medical specialists. The goal is to utilize the already established telemedicine infrastructure at the University of Szeged (HU) and expand its reach to Senta Hospital (SRB) for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) problems.

The article is published by Interact Programme with the support of Association of European Border Regions - AEBR, this issue is dedicated to European reforms and showcases inspiring examples of cross-border cooperation making a real difference across Europe. The article explores how this initiative is transforming access to specialist healthcare along the Hungarian–Serbian border through telemedicine, helping to reduce barriers to healthcare services and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

Read the full issue and the article here: https://www.interact.eu/about-interact/our-service/library/stories-of-cooperation-2026-interreg-projects-reforming-the-territory?

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#3rivers – Treasure of Three Rivers

With the support of the Interreg VI-A Hungary–Slovakia Programme, a cross-border tourism development initiative is being launched in Bodrogköz. The action plan, #3rivers – Treasure of Three Rivers, which includes several projects, aims to develop the area embraced by the Bodrog, Tisza and Latorica rivers into a unified and clearly recognisable tourism destination, while giving new momentum to sustainable tourism in the region.

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The “Fight Against Human Trafficking” Programme was introduced at a successful professional conference

For the Programme supported by the Swiss Contribution, we organized a professional conference on May 20, 2026. During the event, which drew nearly 100 participants, the professional content of each programme component was presented in the morning. In the afternoon, the attending experts were able to discuss the most pressing professional issues in panel discussions.

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Tourism for all - B-FREE Destination

The B-FREE Destination, Interreg Austria-Hungary project aims to promote barrier-free tourism in the border region, including language barriers, by creating methodologies for the development of shared barrier-free tourism supply and demand, carrying out pilot activities, and raising awareness.

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Final Funding Awarded, Contracting and Activities Kicking off

The Monitoring Committee of the Interreg VI-A Hungary-Croatia Programme has awarded just over 800 000,00 EUR to the third strategic project in Priority 3, aiming at improving the connectivity of the region. The project is tasked with preparing the documentation for the construction of a bridge over the Mura river and is a continuation of a previous strategic project with the same aim. The partnership led by the Hungarian Ministry of Construction and Transport will work on the preparation of the necessary documentation, including building documentation on the Hungarian side and the environmental assessment and the preliminary design on the Croatian side. The project is expected to end in 2029.

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Light Pollution as a Shared Cross-Border Challenge

On Thursday, 7 May 2026, a professional study visit titled Climate and Cultural Aspects of Spatial Planning in the Municipality of Szombathely and the Őrség National Park took place in Hungary. The excursion was organised within the framework of the project Support for the Implementation of Spatial and Urban Policy and the URBACT programme, commissioned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning and implemented by IPoP – Institute for Spatial Policies and the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia. The event was also held within the activities of the Climate Office, which provides support to municipalities and regions in adapting to climate change.

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EUROPE DAY marked trough ideas, dialogue and teamwork at the University of Oradea

What does Europe mean to young people today?

Opportunities? Connection? The freedom to study, travel, cooperate and share ideas beyond borders?
These were some of the questions that brought students together on May 12th at the University of Oradea for an interactive workshop organised on the occasion of Europe Day by the Managing Authority of the Interreg Romania–Hungary Programme, together with the Joint Secretariat and the University of Oradea.

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Jobs and local development: European experts toured the Slovak–Hungarian border region start-ing from Košice

On 21–22 April 2026, an international professional study visit started from Košice to showcase four projects implemented under the Interreg Slovakia–Hungary Pro-gramme during the 2014–2020 programming period. The programme was organised by Interact and brought together representatives of Managing Authorities and Na-tional Authorities from different Interreg programmes, staff members of Joint Secre-tariats, as well as an expert from the European Commission. The two-day visit includ-ed several locations on both sides of the border.

The event focused on practical results: job creation, local economic development and improving quality of life in border regions.

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Art, Nature and “Non-Places”: Parks4All Festival Brings Cross-Border Creativity to Szeged

Within the Interreg VI-A Hungary Serbia Programme an artistic residency was organized, where the invited artists explored the theme “non-place” and reflected on relationships between people, spaces and environments trough contemporary artistic practices.

On April 30th, within the Opening Ceremony of the Parks4All Festival (Szeged, April 30th to May 2nd) the selected works are exhibited in Dugonics tér, Szeged.
The event was organized by Catholic Youth Foundation within the framework of Parks4All project, which aims to strengthen cross-border cultural cooperation, community engagement, and the promotion of shared regional values, by uniting diverse talents from Hungary and Serbia through innovative and inclusive educational, networking, and cultural events in public green spaces.

The festival followed the ecological and sustainable principles with an inclusive approach, tending to attract young people, but also families and elderly people. In the program beside the exhibition of contemporary artworks along green areas, the attendees could join movie screenings, various concerts, gastronomy try-outs and family activities.
Curious to discover reflections from the artists?:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/interreg-6a-ipa-hungary-serbia_parks4all-interreg-husrb-activity-7457339869028216832-QiRr

The partnership inviting the public for project’s next event will be organized 5-7 June 2026 Goranski park in Bečej, Serbia for a Gastro fest and Art piknik.

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The Opening Event for the Hospice and Palliative Care Programme during Phase II of the Swiss Contribution took place

On 4 March 2026, the Opening Event for the “Hospice and Palliative Care Programme”, implemented during Phase II of the Swiss Contribution, took place at Ministry of Interior.
The aim of the programme is to develop the domestic hospice and palliative care system, to improve the standard of care and ensure equal access to care.

The hospice and palliative care programme is being implemented with 3.3 billion forints in Swiss funding and 580 million forints in national co-financing.

Details: https://svajcialap.hu/en/news/the-opening-event-for-the-hospice-and-palliative-care-programme-took-place

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ArcheoRoute: Where Archaeological Heritage Meets Sustainable Tourism

The ArcheoRoute project is a partnership between museum and tourism organizations that responds to new trends and needs. Using an innovative approach that spans generations, it develops the region’s shared historical and archaeological offerings and integrates them into the area’s walking and cycling tourism. The 36-month project is currently at the halfway point of its implementation, during which tourism attractions and services have been developed.

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"Light at the Border" – a traveling exhibition in the Slovenian-Hungarian border region

On February 27, 2026, the first ceremonial opening of the traveling exhibition, organized as part of the “Messages” project co-financed by the Slovenia-Hungary Interreg Program, took place in Szentgotthárd. The exhibition, titled “Light at the Border – In the Footsteps of Martyrs János Brenner and Dániel Halász,” was created in the spirit of cross-border cooperation and shared historical memory. The exhibition presents the martyrs Blessed János Brenner and Servant of God Dániel Halász through five thematic sections, featuring numerous interactive activities.

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Interreg RO–HU P2P projects are closing – results, communities, future

A significant number of People-to-People (P2P) projects implemented under the Interreg Romania–Hungary Programme have now entered their final phase, with several initiatives already successfully completed. The results achieved in recent periods clearly demonstrate the strong impact that small-scale, community-focused projects can have in border regions.

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Decision on award of funding within the Priority 3 of the Programme "Connected border region"

The Monitoring Committee of the Programme held its 6th meeting on 11 March 2026 and made a decision on award of funding within the Priority 3 of the Programme "Connected border region".

Two supported partnerships have been awarded almost 7 million EUR for two large scale strategic projects (so-called OSIs - Operations of Strategic Importance), that will work to achieve better physical connections within the border area, focusing on establishing new border-crossing points.

The projects were part of the programme strategy from the very beginning and their outline defined within the Programming document. The detailed applications were submitted at the very end of last year and having undergone detailed expert evaluation have been given a green light to start with implementation. Both projects will soon start the contracting procedure and plan to begin with activities in April and May 2026.

A third project within the Priority was submitted several weeks ago and is currently under evaluation.
With these latest submissions the Programme will have committed all of the available funding.

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Closure of the 2nd Call for Proposals of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme

The 2nd Call for Proposals of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme has officially closed. A total of 314 project applications were submitted, demonstrating strong interest in cross-border cooperation across the Programme area.

Applicants requested €280.7 million in EU contribution, which significantly exceeds the available budget and highlights the continued relevance and attractiveness of the Programme’s thematic priorities.

Distribution by Priority Objective

Applications were submitted across five Priority Objectives, reflecting a varied level of interest among the priorities. This distribution demonstrates the wide scope of proposed cross-border initiatives and the continued engagement of regional and local actors within the Programme area.

Next steps

The Programme will proceed with the assessment of the submitted applications in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures. Applicants will be informed about the evaluation timeline and the next steps in due course.

The Managing Authority and the Joint Secretariat express their appreciation to all applicants for their active participation and dedication to strengthening cross-border cooperation within the Programme area.

For more information please visit the Programme website: https://next.huskroua-cbc.eu/closure-of-the-2nd-call-for-proposals-of-the-interreg-vi-a-next-hungary-slovakia-romania-ukraine-programme/

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Aerial Firefighting in Practice

The #ergodic project contributes to reducing the risk of forest fires in the Hungarian–Slovak region by improving ground support capacities for aerial firefighting operations.

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A new colleague strengthens the work of the Joint Secretariat of Interreg VI-A IPA Hungary- Serbia

From the beginning of February 2026 the VI-A IPA Hungary-Serbia JS have a new team member, as Federica Attianese joined as an IVY Reporter for six months, contributing to share the progress and outcomes of the projects, aimed at fostering and encouraging the harmonious cross-border development of the region.

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BaNEx - Nature belongs to everyone!

Nature is for everyone! The BaNEx project was initiated on the basis of this fundamental idea, with the objective of providing nature tourism experiences for people with special needs.

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Swiss support improves drinking water quality in Hejőbába, Hejőpapi and Nemesbikk

A new development project launched by Borsodvíz Önkormányzati Közüzemi Szolgáltató Zrt. will provide safer drinking water supplies for nearly 4,000 residents in the municipalities of Hejőbába, Hejőpapi and Nemesbikk, with nearly HUF 640 million in funding from the Swiss Contribution.

A total of CHF 15.9 million in funding is available under the "Improving Water Quality in Hungary" program, with all of the funds allocated to the "Drinking Water" program going to less developed regions. Nine municipalities will receive support through six initiatives, primarily aimed at reducing iron and manganese content.

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TinyGreen – less is greener! Cross-border awareness-raising program to promote climate-conscious lifestyles.

At the end of January, the Írottkő Nature Park Association, the lead partner of the TinyGreen project, which is funded by the Interreg Austria-Hungary Programme, received an invitation to the European Week for Waste Reduction awards ceremony.

The TinyGreen project aims to actively help the population of the border region, micro-communities, tourists visiting the area, and local service providers to switch to a climate-conscious (green) lifestyle through experience-sharing, guidance, and awareness-raising events.

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Start-up Seminar, Sopron

On 27 January 2026, the INTERREG VI-A AT-HU programme held a seminar for beneficiaries of the 5th decision round’s approved projects at the Innovation Centre in Sopron. The Joint Secretariat presented the rules and framework conditions for project contracting and start-up activities to about 50 participants.

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Flexible Orienteering Introduces Inclusion in Sport in the Cross-Border Region

The CBC in FlexO project, supported within the Interreg VI-A Hungary-Croatia Programme, kicked off on the final weekend in January with their opening event and a series of workshops aimed at making the orienteering sport accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of their physical or mental health challenges. The three organisations involved in the project - „Tájfutásért–Pécs” Alapítvány, Orijentacijski klub Varaždin and Zselici Tájfutó és Szabadidősport Egyesület - will spend the next year educating and training both the organisers of orienteering events as well as the potential participants in order to make the activities available to any and all interested. At their first event in January there was already an opportunity to support a person of reduced mobility in taking part in the activities by introducing the Flexible Orienteering concept into their usual events.

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From Mill to Mill: Preserving the technical heritage of Slovenia and Hungary

The From Mill to Mill project, co-financed by the Interreg Programme Slovenia-Hungary, focuses on preserving and revitalizing the technical and cultural heritage of historic mills in Slovenia and Hungary, highlighting their long-standing use of sustainable energy. Project partners developed new programming and marketing content to breathe life into abandoned mills and strengthen their role in rural Europe.

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Cross-border cooperation along the Romanian-Hungarian border

In the 2021-2027 Programming period of the INTERREG VI-A Romania-Hungary Programme, the 6.3. Interreg Specific Objective aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation by building mutual trust between communities, with a particular focus on people-to-people partnerships. Eligible activities encourage civil society initiatives that, by enhancing cross-border cooperation, lay the foundation for future, more structured and community-led interventions.
32 projects are currently being implemented under Objective 6.3 under Priority 3 (Cooperation) of the Programme, with a total ERDF contribution of EUR 5.19 million. The projects serve to strengthen social cohesion in the border region and to deepen cooperation between institutional and civil society actors.

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Interreg ATHU CrossEcoSys – Cross-border cycling route to experience the lake Fertő

Building on the NEduNet project, implemented in the period 2014-2020, which focused on raising awareness of the unified natural environment, the CrossEcoSys project, funded by the Interreg Austria-Hungary Programme for the period 2021-2027, aims to make this natural environment accessible to visitors in a sustainable way without borders. By closing the gap and creating a continuous NP1 national park cycle path, visitors can explore the different habitats of the cross-border national park, ranging from meadows and pastures to soda lakes, reed and sand habitats, and finally to the Hanság.

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Strong Parents, Strong Children! – BOUNCE BACK Parent Workshops

The Interreg AT–HU project BOUNCE BACK promotes resilience and life skills in Hungarian and Austrian schools. In the cross-border region, parents were invited to take part in workshops designed to help them better support their children in various areas: from choosing the right career path and strengthening reading and critical-thinking skills to building resilience for everyday life.

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Celebrating 35 Years of Interreg through a Creative Bake-Off Challenge

On 16 December 2025, one of our projects, FeedingFuture, took part in the Bake-Off Challenge organised to mark 35 years of Interreg, within the framework of the Interreg Hungary–Serbia Programme. The participation was part of the project’s “Communication and Branding” training course and contributed to the broader European celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day.

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Cross-border solutions for pollen allergy and sustainable urban development launched in the PollenCare project

The PollenCare project, co-funded by the Interreg AT–HU programme, recently kicked off in Austria with strong interest from Austrian and Hungarian stakeholders. The project aims to deliver scientifically based, cross-border solutions to reduce the burden of pollen allergy in local communities. The opening event, held on 3 December 2025, brought together representatives from professional organisations, municipalities and authorities to discuss how environmental health aspects can be better integrated into urban green planning.

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Two flood protection developments successfully completed along the River Ipel'

Two project elements have been successfully completed within the framework of the “Flood Protection along the River Ipel', #floodguard” (HUSK/2302/1.2/058) project. The developments aim to ensure the safe drainage of sudden rainfall and to reduce the risk of inland flooding through the cooperation of Ludányhalászi, Endrefalva and Obec Čeláre.

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Promoting Multilingualism in Public Life – the Language APL project

The Language APL – Cross-border Language Accessibility in Public Life project (HUSKROUA/23/S/3.1/011) promotes multilingualism as a key component of inclusive public life in the Hungarian–Ukrainian–Romanian border region. Implemented through cooperation among the partner organisations, the project supports social inclusion, equal access to public services and cross-border economic cooperation by reducing language barriers.

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