INTERREG – Cultivating connections and partnerships in border regions.

The Interreg V-A Hungary-Croatia Co-operation Programme 2021-2027 belongs to the network of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes.

ETC programmes contribute to the overall economic, social and territorial cohesion of the European Union by tackling issues which cross the borders between countries and regions. The aims of ETC programmes are – among others – the creation of common identity, integrated physical space, balanced development and improved policies and governance.

The Programme envisaged 4 key priorities:

• • PO 1 – A smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation
    • SO 1.3 Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

B Light 2 – Fostering cross-border business cooperation of SMEs operating on different sides of the Hungary-Croatia border, HAMAG BICRO is the potential lead partner.

• • PO 2 – A greener, low-carbon Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation and risk prevention and management
  • PO 3 – A more connected Europe by enhancing mobility
  • PO 4 – A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Strengthening competitive cooperation of SMEs on two sides of the border should be strengthened. This should be fostered by supporting cross-border trade of industrial products and encouraging cross-border business services which will lead to increased joint appearance on each other’s and third markets. Apart from fostering cross-border trade activities, cooperation-based innovative product, service and technology development of SMEs operating in the border area should also be promoted in which partner SMEs pay complementary role in the joint innovative development with clear division of tasks according to their professional competences. Competitive cooperation of SMEs across the border shall have a positive effect on competitiveness, generation of value added, and improvement of employment situation.

The Programme area includes

• • 3 Hungarian counties: Zala, Somogy and Baranya;
  • 8 Croatian counties: Međimurska, Varaždinska, Koprivničko-križevačka, Bjelovarsko-bilogorska, Virovitičko-podravska, Požeško-slavonska, Osječko-baranjska and Vukovarsko-srijemska.

For more information about the programme visit the official website.