Implementing cooperation actions: insights from programme practice
One such exchange in Arnhem, the Netherlands, enabled representatives from several Member States and European institutions to reflect on how cooperation actions are designed and delivered in practice. The experiences shared continue to inform programmes that are developing or refining their approach.
Practitioner testimonies
The workshop included short video interviews with programme representatives who are already implementing cooperation actions. Their testimonies focus on practical choices, lessons learned and factors that support successful collaboration.
Through these exchanges, several consistent messages emerge.
-
Cooperation works best when it is linked to clear territorial needs.
-
Complementarity between funding sources strengthens both experimentation and implementation.
-
Building trust with partners takes time and requires active engagement from the start.
-
Simple, well aligned calls are easier for beneficiaries to understand and join.
-
Results should be usable at home, even when activities take place with partners abroad.
These experiences provide useful orientation for programmes looking to translate the cooperation framework into concrete action.
Experiences from the regions
Alentejo, Portugal
Sandra Jorge presented the Bauhaus EUROACE Villages for the Future project. The initiative combines Interreg POCTEP support with regional programme resources. This allows cross border experimentation while ensuring that results are implemented locally.
Tiago Teotónio Pereira - Executive Director, Steering Committee of the Regional Programme Alentejo 2030
He explained how the programme aligned its priorities with the Bauhaus EUROACE initiative. This alignment helped maintain continuity of the New European Bauhaus principles through coordinated thematic and territorial priorities.
Croatia
Marko Opančar and Filip Miličević, from the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds and the ESF+ Managing Authority, shared their experience of attracting international partners and organising cooperation supported by national and regional programmes.
They highlighted the importance of:
-
clearly explaining the benefits of cooperation to potential partners;
-
setting realistic objectives and responsibilities;
-
ensuring institutional support throughout implementation.
Their experience shows that cooperation actions can be introduced gradually, building confidence over time.
East Netherlands
Murad Bicici, representing East Netherlands, covering Gelderland and Overijssel, emphasised the value of interregional cooperation through initiatives such as Think East Netherlands and VInnovate.
He underlined the role of long term relationship building, structured partner engagement and shared ownership of results. These elements help ensure that cooperation delivers practical outcomes for regional development rather than remaining an exchange of ideas alone.
What are cooperation actions?
Cooperation actions allow programmes funded by Cohesion Policy to work with partners in other countries or regions on shared challenges. They are financed through a programme’s own budget and implemented with external partners where this adds clear value for the programme area. They help address issues that cross borders, build on Interreg experience, develop and test solutions jointly and apply results locally, while keeping responsibility and benefits within the programme.
Cooperation actions are enabled by the European Regional Development Fund framework for the 2021 to 2027 period. They allow programmes to support activities with partners outside their territory when this contributes to regional development goals.
Key takeaways for programmes
The exchanges confirm that cooperation actions are most effective when they are embedded in programme strategy rather than treated as stand alone activities. Alignment with regional priorities, clear communication with beneficiaries and sustained partnerships all contribute to successful implementation.
Programmes also benefit from learning from one another. Sharing approaches, challenges and solutions helps authorities adapt their methods and make better use of available funding.