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 Interreg Euro-MED projects turn results into lasting impact
What makes some projects continue to deliver value beyond their lifetime? For many Interreg Euro-MED projects, the answer lies in capitalisation - the process of reusing, adapting and transferring results to new contexts or into public policies.
20 March 2026
How Interreg helps citizens gain skills, jobs and mobility in times of change
Across Europe, regions are facing rapid technological, economic and demographic changes. How can Europe remain competitive while ensuring that people are not left behind? What does the social Europe debate mean for Interreg cooperation?
18 March 2026
Implementing cooperation actions: insights from programme practice
Investment for Jobs and Growth Goal programmes are exploring how cooperation actions can help them address shared challenges more effectively. Exchanges facilitated by the Interact programme bring together managing authorities, policymakers and practitioners to share practical experience and discuss how cooperation can complement mainstream regional funding.
09 March 2026
Employment and social inclusion in the Danube Region
In towns and cities along the Danube, communities are facing changes that can be seen across Europe: changing labour markets, young people looking for opportunities, and efforts to make social inclusion work in practice.
05 March 2026