Interreg Cooperation Day: Nature and Friendship Bloom in Iași

On September 20, 2025, the “Anastasie Fătu” Botanical Garden in Iași came alive with laughter, color, and creativity during the Interreg Cooperation Day celebration, hosted by the Interreg NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Programme. The event brought together dozens of children and teachers from both countries for a day devoted to learning, teamwork, and cross-border friendship.

A celebration of unity beyond borders

Interreg Cooperation Day is marked each year in over 40 countries, highlighting the power of collaboration across Europe and its neighboring regions. The 2025 theme, “Nature Unites Us,” emphasized how environmental awareness and cultural exchange can strengthen bonds between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

Learning through play

Throughout the day, participants joined hands-on workshops that turned cooperation into a joyful experience:

• In “Art and Nature,” children painted wooden slices and displayed them on a shared magnetic board—a colorful symbol of unity.

• The “Power of Friendship” theatre games encouraged trust, empathy, and teamwork.

• A lively treasure hunt led young explorers through the garden as they solved clues to uncover the words “Cooperation” and “Friendship.”

• At “The Cooperation Tree” craft session, teams created handmade decorations with heartfelt messages of solidarity.

The children’s creations were later showcased in the Friendship Corner—an inspiring exhibition blending art, nature, and imagination.

Building bridges for the future

More than just a festive day, the Iași event reminded participants that borders are only lines on a map. Through play and creativity, children discovered that understanding, respect, and collaboration are the roots of a shared future.

Interreg Cooperation Day 2025 once again proved that when communities unite, both nature and friendship can flourish beyond boundaries.