Interreg Cooperation Day 2024 – A Celebration of Cross-Border Success

On 28^th of September 2024, on the picturesque Velbuzhd Square in Kyustendil, the Interreg Cooperation Day 2024 was held, organized within the framework of the traditional "Plodorodie" Festival, under the auspices of the Municipality of Kyustendil. The event was dedicated to celebrating the successes of cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia within the framework of the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme. 

This event, which attracted a wide range of participants, including representatives from local communities, institutions, non-governmental organizations, as well as citizens, was an opportunity for all present to follow the achievements of the program and engage in conversations about the future of cross-border cooperation. The day started with a ceremonial opening and welcome for the attendees. The program was enriched with numerous activities that reflected the success and significance of the cooperation. During the event, participants could watch presentations, discussions and videos that highlighted the benefits of the implemented projects within our program. Short videos were shown highlighting the beauty of the cross-border region and the potential for future collaborations. They visually emphasized the importance of joint work for the development of the common space. As part of the event, a survey was conducted to collect opinions and suggestions from the participants for the new program framework of the Interreg program after 2027. This survey aimed to identify community priorities and potential areas for future collaboration. 

The event was followed by many positive comments from the participants, who emphasized the importance of such gatherings for the exchange of ideas and experiences. Velbuzhd Square in Kyustendil was a place of new friendships, strengthening of cooperation and inspiration for future joint projects. Fun games and interactive activities, which were part of the program, made the attendees even more satisfied and motivated.