Prosenjakovci/Velemér/Magyarszombatfa, 20 September 2025 – Slovenia-Hungary border region saw a lively celebration of culture, tradition and cooperation this Saturday. The 14th edition of Interreg Cooperation Day, an annual EU-wide campaign celebrating the power of European cooperation across borders, brought together over 100 participants from both countries.
Organised by the Interreg Programme Slovenia-Hungary under the theme Discover the Border Region, the event served as a perfect opportunity for participants to learn about local projects, discover the authentic flavours of the Pannonian Plan and meet with people who promote the development of border region.
A programme packed with activities
The day kicked off in Prosenjakovci, where the participants learned more about the project Pannonian P&G. Project partners underlined the importance of protection of biodiversity in the border region between Slovenia and Hungary. The project involves designing so-called educational gardens and planting autochthonous species to strengthen ecosystems, reduce the impact of invasive alien species and build awareness of local communities. It gives special attention to promoting the development of biodiversity-friendly products that combine sustainability, nature, and local opportunities.
A site visit to a historic Velemér-based church followed where the participants learned more about the project Messages. Its aim is to strengthen the role of pilgrimage tourism in the border area by exploring pilgrimage sites and designing a new pilgrimage route. It builds on the life stories of martyrs János Brenner and Dániel Halász and contributes to the conservation of cultural heritage and historic sites. Through exhibitions, digital census, activities targeting young people, and promotion, the project brings together local communities, pilgrims and providers of tourism services.
After a symbolic walk to the idyllic village of Magyarszombatfa, the representative of programme authorities, Mr Aleš Mrkela, gave a speech, stressing that by respecting and embracing diversity, people on both sides of the border help build a successful cross-border programme.
Afternoon activities included a theatre show performed by the group Miškin and a series of workshops and presentations of successful Interreg projects Herba Fest, REGIOTASTE and Vse je v naših bučah. Participants were especially interested in pottery classes, tasting of local products and homemade pumpkin seed oils. Even the children had their own creative corner where they could play and create.
Cross-border connections as a strong foundation
‘’This kind of events remind us that borders can be bridges, not obstacles’’, underlined organisers of the event. They emphasised that Interreg programme allows people from both sides of the border to get together, share stories and create new opportunities.
European dimension
Ever since its launch in 2012, Interreg Cooperation Day has been celebrated every year on 21 September and the surrounding weeks. The initiative aims to show that European projects are much more than bureaucratic numbers, they are real stories that bring concrete benefits to local communities. This year, over 30 countries have joined the celebrations, including Slovenia and Hungary that boast a long-standing tradition of taking part in Interreg programmes.
That sunny autumn day filled participants with memories to live, new friendships and inspiration. The event proved that border regions are much more than mere lines on a map; they are a place of rich heritage, creativity, and cooperation.
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