Interreg30 - EstLat

Interreg 30 - we celebrated together!

Through the year 2020 we celebrated 30 years of Interreg and cooperation in all its shapes. Interreg represents European Territorial Cooperation across borders at the regional and national levels for the benefits of the citizens. Launched in 1990, it has proven that borders are not barriers and have brought Europeans closer together by helping to tackle common challenges and creating new opportunities for cooperation across borders. The Estonia-Latvia programme supported 67 cross-border projects in the period 2007-2013 and 52 projects during the current programming period. We are proud to have highlighted the achievements of the programme and our projects in public events in Estonia and Latvia, and in social media as we adjusted to the unexpected circumstances depriving us much of personal contacts.

The statement to the press made by the Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira.

The focus of the celebrations was on three main topics:

1. We all have a neighbour

We all have neighbours – and they matter! In good and in bad times, we cooperate, we work together, we decide together. We face challenges together, we create new opportunities for a better future in a common space. No matter what, we stay together!

2. Youth

Interreg and cooperation policy has found many solutions for young people. How? Working together, building partnerships, and sharing knowledge to improve the educational level, qualifications, skills, international competencies, and job opportunities for all and to make “an economy that works for people”.

3. Green and climate-neutral Europe Greener Europe

Borders do not always limit rivers, mountains, forests, or lakes. Borders do not prevent flora and fauna from crossing them. Air, water, land pollution and the use of common resources do not recognize national boundaries. To preserve this treasure for generations to come, Interreg has fostered cooperation in environmental matters.