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.
A summer camp bridges communities in Saulkrasti
Following the launch of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Ukrainian refugees arrived in Latvia. The municipality had an urgent need to help this new population feel included in local life.
28 October 2026
How Romanian and Hungarian researchers are helping doctors tackle antimicrobial resistance
Researchers in Romania and Hungary are combining genomic diagnostics and clinical expertise to help tackle antimicrobial resistance. Supported by Interreg, their cooperation is creating new research capacity, sharing expertise across the border and helping doctors access better information about infections faster.
26 October 2026
What can Europe achieve when it cooperates for the climate?
Today is World Energy Saving Day, so let's start with a simple question: what happens when countries sit down together to save energy? Three Interreg projects can answer it.
21 October 2026
Faces of Interreg: Nathalie Verschelde on managing a unit at the European Commission
Nathalie Verschelde, Head of Unit for REGIO D.2, shares that she would liked to be recognised for her persistent crusade in favour of border regions, with Interreg as one of the most important tools.
02 October 2026