As part of the EURegionsWeek – CloseToYou Edition, the participatory workshop “Stronger Together: Turning Cross-Border Synergies into Future Growth” took place, promoted by the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Programme with the involvement of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Programme ERDF Programme.
The event brought together over 30 participants, mainly representatives of 15 projects funded by the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Programme and other Interreg Programmes, with the goal of fostering dialogue and building new synergies between territories in view of the future European programming period 2028–2034.
The workshop was structured around two thematic groups – sustainable tourism and culture/creative industries – and featured the active participation of experts, project partners, and members of mainstream and Interreg programmes and projects from various European areas (Interreg Greece–Cyprus, Interreg Next Italy–Tunisia, Interreg Italy–Croatia, Interreg Italy–France Maritime, Interreg Central Europe). After an introductory session dedicated to participant presentations, facilitators led interactive labs focused on identifying points of contact between project experiences and developing shared ideas for future collaborations.
During the workshop, numerous cooperation proposals emerged, united by the common goal of strengthening the territorial impact of initiatives through integrated and sustainable approaches. Participants discussed strategies to improve tourism accessibility, enhance cultural heritage, reduce tourism seasonality, and promote social inclusion. Particular attention was given to the use of digital tools, interactive storytelling, and the replicability of successful models in other cross-border contexts.
The discussions highlighted the importance of exchange opportunities like this one, capable of generating inspiration, strengthening mutual understanding, and stimulating the creation of new ideas. All participants expressed their intention to continue the dialogue and explore the proposals that emerged over the coming year.
A follow-up meeting is planned for Spring 2026 in Grado (Italy), during the Annual Event of the Interreg Italy–Slovenia Programme, with the aim of consolidating the collaborations launched and developing new joint actions.
