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Interreg Cooperation Day marks 15 years
Logo of Interreg Cooperation Day with the word "Cooperation" in multicolored text, featuring abstract shapes and the European Union emblem.
Home Interreg Cooperation Day Marked in Cavtat: Students Introduced to Projects Protecting the Sea, Water and Coast

Interreg Cooperation Day Marked in Cavtat: Students Introduced to Projects Protecting the Sea, Water and Coast

Interreg Cooperation Day was marked in Cavtat on Wednesday, 16 September, in an event organised by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds.

The event gave students and local residents an opportunity to learn about the results of six projects implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Programme, focusing on the protection of the sea, drinking water and the coastline, as well as adaptation to climate change.

The event was attended by Kristina Bilić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, and Perica Pušić, Head of the Department for Rural Development, Economy and EU Funds.

“We are particularly pleased to see so many children here today. We hope they will learn why EU projects are valuable and important. What makes us especially happy is the fact that €19.6 million worth of projects have been contracted in Dubrovnik-Neretva County under just one cross-border Interreg programme,” State Secretary Bilić said.

The importance of the Interreg programme for the local community was also highlighted by Perica Pušić.

“For many years, the Municipality of Konavle has been a successful beneficiary of EU funds aimed at environmental protection. The funding available through the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Programme has been a great support in this regard. I would particularly highlight the Waterlink project, which is important for the protection of water resources and adaptation to climate change,” Pušić said.

This year's Interreg Cooperation Day is being held under the slogan “Stronger Together”. Around one hundred students from the “Cavtat” and “Gruda” primary schools, along with local residents, gathered on the Cavtat waterfront. Through an interactive presentation of six Interreg projects, participants had the opportunity to learn how European funding and cross-border cooperation contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the quality of life in local communities.

A group of people sit at outdoor tables under umbrellas near water, attending an event. Text reads, “One event. Six cross-border projects. Discover Interreg Day 2026.” Logo in the corner marks the 15th anniversary.

Particular emphasis was placed on the protection of the sea, drinking water and the coastline, responsible environmental management, raising awareness of the sustainable use of natural resources, and addressing the challenges that climate change poses to local communities.

Scientists involved in the implementation of the Blueconnect, Climbeach, Marrobo, Mowaclim, Smartwater and Waterlink projects presented the results of their research, as well as equipment purchased with the support of European funding. The students learned, for example, how drones are used to collect data important for the protection of lakes, how an underwater robot helps detect marine pollution, and how drinking water sources are protected.

A drone is displayed on a blue table outdoors, surrounded by brochures. Text reads, “Drones, underwater robots and creative learning.” A partial anniversary logo appears on the lower right.

The event concluded with a creative workshop, where the children used drawings to show what they had learned about the projects and the ways in which they contribute to environmental protection.

Children and adults sit around a table outdoors, coloring and drawing with markers and colored pencils. The words “Interreg Cooperation Day” are overlaid on the image in white text.

Croatia participates in several Interreg programmes promoting cross-border cooperation between EU Member States and partner countries that are not yet EU members. One of them is the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro Programme, which has €118 million available for the 2021–2027 programming period.

So far, four strategic projects and 58 regular projects have been contracted under the programme. Numerous projects are being implemented in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, further demonstrating the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing shared challenges and creating a more sustainable future.