Interreg post-27: the results of a vast consultation published

The results show that while living in border territories offers clear advantages, such as economic opportunities, cultural exchanges and shared services, significant obstacles remain, including legal, linguistic and infrastructural challenges. Language and administrative barriers can further complicate citizens’ limited participation in political decision-making and the lack of adequate public services. In several programme areas, the challenges associated with distance from major national centres and centres of activity are even greater due to mountainous or maritime borders, and are further exacerbated by lack of mobility.

It is interesting to note that, compared to external borders, citizens and stakeholders along some of the EU’s most integrated land borders perceive the border as somewhat less of an opportunity. That said, Interreg is considered “essential” for addressing current challenges (climate change, mobility, public services, etc.), and its continuation and extension beyond 2027 is strongly supported by all.

https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/reports/2025/Post2027_Interreg_Harvesting_report.pdf