At the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the event “Interreg: Five Borders, Twenty-Six Regions, One Shared Europe” brought together the five Interreg cross-border programmes managed by the Managing Authority “Interreg 2021-2027”, highlighting how European Territorial Cooperation transforms shared challenges into tangible solutions for citizens and local communities.
The event opened with remarks by Vasiliki Pantelopoulou, Secretary General for Partnership Agreement (ESPA), who highlighted that Interreg embodies the idea of a united Europe, where borders are areas of cooperation rather than division. For Greece, with its extensive land and maritime borders, cross-border cooperation is particularly important in addressing shared challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, environmental protection, access to healthcare, demographic decline, and sustainable local development.
Beyond funding projects, Interreg creates lasting partnerships between regions, institutions, and communities, enabling joint problem-solving and long-term cooperation. The focus is now shifting from funding approvals, which have already reached 95% of available resources, to implementation and tangible results that improve citizens’ quality of life.
She also stressed the importance of preserving Interreg’s core principles in the post-2027 EU Cohesion Policy, including territorial cooperation, joint planning, and the active role of regional and local authorities. In this context, the launch of the Greek Cross-Border Coordination Point was presented as a key initiative to identify and resolve practical cross-border issues through the new “Bridge for EU” framework.
Concluding, Mrs Pantelopoulou emphasised that in a period of growing geopolitical uncertainty, Interreg is more than a funding instrument. It strengthens trust, fosters a culture of cooperation, and contributes to a more cohesive, resilient, and united Europe.
A discussion on the present and future of Cohesion Policy and European Territorial Cooperation followed, with Maria Sioliou from the European Commission’s DG REGIO emphasising that Interreg is not only a funding instrument but also a mechanism for building cooperation, partnerships, and trust across borders. Trust was described as one of the programme’s most valuable achievements and a foundation that should be preserved in the future.
She highlighted Greece’s long-standing and active participation in Interreg since 1990, emphasising its significant experience in European Territorial Cooperation. They welcomed the establishment of the Greek Cross-Border Coordination Point as an important tool for addressing legal and administrative barriers in border regions and congratulated the national authorities involved.
Looking ahead, Mrs Sioliou stressed the importance of both successfully implementing the current 2021-2027 programmes and preparing for the post-2027 period. While the European Commission’s proposal maintains Interreg’s core principles, future programmes will place greater emphasis on results, performance, and demonstrating the added value of territorial cooperation. She concluded by highlighting the need to deliver tangible outcomes through ongoing projects and thanked programme authorities, partners, and beneficiaries for turning European cooperation into real benefits for citizens.
The spotlight then turned to “Interreg Talks: The Voice of Cooperation”, where Regional Governors and project representatives showcased inspiring examples of cooperation across five thematic areas:
🔹 Social Cohesion – ΜΠΟΡΩ (I CAN) | Interreg Greece-Cyprus
🔹 Civil Protection – FLOODGUARD2 | Interreg Greece-Bulgaria
🔹 Health – ElderCare | Interreg Greece-North Macedonia
🔹 Culture & Tourism – CHORA and OnSea | Interreg Greece-Italy
🔹 Circular Economy – CIRCLE and DIGITAL | Interreg Greece-Albania
Moderated by Maria Nezeriti, Head of the Managing Authority Interreg 2021-2027, the discussion demonstrated how cooperation delivers practical solutions and real opportunities for people living in border, rural and peripheral areas, supporting the principle of the “Right to Stay” and helping communities build a viable future where they call home.
The Interreg Greece-Bulgaria Programme was represented at the “Interreg Talks” by Mr Christodoulos Topsidis, Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and Mr Sofoklis Mavroftas, Fire Captain of the Hellenic Fire Corps. The discussion focused on Civil Protection and the strategic project FloodGuard 2, in which the Hellenic Fire Corps participates as a Project Partner. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of cross-border cooperation between Greece and Bulgaria in strengthening preparedness, prevention, and response capacities for natural disasters, with a special focus on flood risk management.
Mr Christodoulos Topsidis emphasised that natural hazards do not respect national borders, particularly in shared river basins and ecosystems such as the Ardas and Evros rivers. He highlighted the added value of the Interreg Greece-Bulgaria Programme, which helps both countries develop a common understanding of risks and establish joint mechanisms for disaster prevention and response. Referring to FloodGuard 2, he noted that the project builds on previous cooperation, investments, and experience, strengthening preparedness through joint training, exercises, communication systems, and the establishment of a joint training centre. Beyond equipment and infrastructure, FloodGuard 2 strengthens interoperability and builds lasting cooperation, trust, and communication between Greek and Bulgarian authorities. According to him, the project’s success will ultimately be measured by both countries’ ability to respond to future emergencies more quickly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner.
Mr Sofoklis Mavroftas explained FloodGuard 2’s operational dimension. He stressed that effective emergency response requires cooperation to be established before a crisis occurs. The project provides joint training for 60 Greek and 60 Bulgarian firefighters, followed by practical exercises in both Bulgaria and Greece. Through these activities, the partners seek to develop a common understanding of flood response procedures, improve communication and coordination, and gain practical experience working together. The project also strengthens fire and civil protection services with modern flood-response equipment, personal protective gear, and communication tools. Mr Mavroftas emphasised that the key legacy of Flood Guard 2 is not the equipment provided, but the creation of lasting cooperation between Greek and Bulgarian firefighters through continuous communication, joint exercises, and a shared approach to emergency response. This long-term partnership will ensure more effective coordination during future cross-border emergencies.
The discussion concluded that equipment, training, communication, and coordinated planning are all essential components of resilience, and that FloodGuard 2 represents an important step towards a more integrated and effective cross-border civil protection system.