Thematic objectives
Find detailed information about the thematic objectives of Interreg
What are the Interreg themes?
Turning Cohesion Policy into action
Interreg focuses on seven thematic objectives during the 2021-2027 period. These objectives are part of the EU regulation and reflect Interreg's mission to build a more united, inclusive and resilient Europe by promoting cooperation and addressing shared challenges. The seven objectives include five EU policy objectives and two Interreg-specific objectives.
Each thematic objective addresses a key area. Below, you can explore a brief description of each theme and learn how they contribute to both EU policy priorities and Interreg's broader mission.
A Smarter Europe
Interreg drives innovation, competitiveness, digitalisation, and smart specialisation across regions. It supports research, technology, and entrepreneurship to build strong, future-ready economies.
A greener Europe
Interreg invests in projects that promote a low-carbon economy, tackle climate change, and encourage a circular economy. It supports risk prevention, nature protection, sustainable energy, and water management to help build a greener, more sustainable future.
A more connected Europe
Interreg focuses on improving mobility by enhancing transport networks and digital infrastructure. This ensures better connections for people, goods, and information across regions.
A more social Europe
Interreg promotes inclusion, employment, and access to quality health, education, training, and skills. It also supports culture, sustainable tourism, and equality to create a fairer, more inclusive society.
Europe for citizens
Interreg adopts place-based and community-based approaches to support integrated territorial strategies. It prioritises local ownership and sustainable partnerships to address the unique needs of regions and communities.
Better governance
Interreg strengthens institutional capacity and encourages cross-border collaboration. It addresses legal and administrative obstacles, promotes mutual trust, and helps build more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable democratic governance.
A safer Europe
Interreg supports better border management and migration processes. It helps enhance the social and economic integration of migrants and third-country nationals, creating more inclusive communities and fostering secure and efficient border operations.
Latest news and stories
Discover how Interreg brings its thematic objectives to life through real-world projects and success stories. Learn how collaboration across borders is driving positive change and making a tangible impact on communities across Europe.
How regions are removing obstacles to cooperation
Languages, cultural mindsets, lack of trust, legal frameworks, administrative systems are common barriers to effective cooperation between regions and countries. Local and regional actors need to assess those challenges before designing or implementing new services that can improve the quality of life of citizens in a given territory.
26 March 2025
Collaborating for water: Sustainable solutions across European borders
In the hills where Italy and Slovenia meet, wine has long been a cultural connection. But climate change is making it harder to keep vineyards healthy. Water shortages and unpredictable rainfall are putting the region's wine-making tradition at risk.
26 March 2025
Improving maternity care across borders: 'We were proud of what we had learned' – Dr. Alenka Zavrtanik Čelan
Dr. Alenka Zavrtanik Čelan, a specialist in gynaecology and obstetrics with three decades of experience is is the Head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department at General Hospital Šempeter pri Gorici, a regional hospital serving the Goriška region. Located in Slovenia’s westernmost region, the hospital serves the sparsly populated Goriška region, including remote mountain communities.
26 March 2025
Interreg Aurora: Connecting the Arctic to the space economy
In the northernmost region of Europe more and more youngsters are looking up to the skies and dreaming of space. The dark night skies and the space beyond them host a variety of wonders and mysteries, but they are also the source of crucial information, data and technology which can contribute to powering Europe’s economy into the future.
26 March 2025