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.
Agreement allows ambulances to cross France–Spain border for all emergency calls in the Pyrenees region
Ambulances from the French region of Occitanie and Northern Catalonia (Girona and Lleida) will be able to cross the border between France and Spain to respond to any type of medical emergency.
01 December 2025
Cooperation that transforms territories: real stories from Interreg projects
European cooperation can sound abstract - funds, programmes, strategies - but behind these terms are real stories: small municipalities testing ideas, companies improving production, researchers connecting labs across borders, and coastal communities protecting their seas. The projects presented here show how Interreg and other cooperation programmes turn ideas into results. Different places, different challenges, one message: regions achieve more together.
27 November 2025
‘Cohesion Policy is at the heart of European Cooperation, and Interreg is its backbone’: Karsten Uno Petersen on Interreg post-2027
We spoke with Karsten Uno Petersen, Regional Council Member, Southern Denmark Regional Council. He was the rapporteur of the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on ‘The future of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) post 2027’, published in November 2024.
25 November 2025
'You shouldn’t be able to access EU funds if you’re not willing to promote them': MEP Stine Bosse
When Stine Bosse finally said yes to politics in 2024, it was after years of saying no. Twice she refused ministerial roles. After a successful career in business, leading major insurance companies and civil society organisations, she finally made the step, but the vocation had always been there: ‘Insurance connects tightly to society. I couldn’t be the CEO of a shoe factory,’ she says.
24 November 2025