19.11.2025 I Varna (BULGARIA)
Varna – the Sea Capital of Bulgaria – welcomed the “Bridging the Seas” Interreg Euro-MED Conference
As a transnational programme, Interreg Euro-MED involves 14 countries of the Northern shore of the Mediterranean and adjacent territories. Its extensive geographical and strategic scope – from the Atlantic coast to the shores of the Black Sea – includes EU Member States as well as candidate countries. It also articulates with many other Interreg programmes, including CBCs, and covers partly the territory of 3 macro-regional strategies (EUSALP, EUSAIR & EUSDR), the sea basin strategy (West-MED) as well as territories of the Common Agenda of the Black Sea.
This diversity is a major asset, enabling the Programme to address a broad spectrum of shared challenges and to make concrete contributions to EU priorities. By positioning the Mediterranean and its hinterland as a crossroads of diverse territories and actors, Interreg Euro-MED extends traditional boundaries of cooperation and tackles critical issues on the path toward a smarter and greener Europe and Mediterranean.
The Interreg Euro-MED event in Varna brought together stakeholders from across the Mediterranean to exchange knowledge, reflect on achievements, and plan strategically for the future of the Interreg Euro-MED Programme.
Opening highlights:
- Desislava Georgieva (Bulgarian Ministry of Regional Development & Public Works) emphasized how the Programme turns sustainable development visions into real territorial impact.
- Guillaume Huet, Programme Managing Authority, underlined the strength of diversity and cooperation within the Programme.
The Executive President of Alentejo Science and Technology Park (PACT), Soumodip Sarkar, represented the eWAsTER Euro-MED project and took part at “Bridging the seas” third round table. As the lead entity of the eWAsTER project — and the only Portuguese organisation coordinating a consortium within this Programme — PACT reinforced its commitment to transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation.
Key Takeaways – “Bridging the Seas”
Embed cooperation in local mindsets:
- Foster a culture of partnership by showcasing successful Interreg results.
- Attract not only public institutions but also businesses to benefit from cooperation.
Never stop experimenting:
- Welcoming new partners—even when it’s a risk—is essential to innovation.
- Test new tools, ideas, and pilot actions to meet local and territorial needs.
Shaping the future of Interreg Programmes:
- Interreg has proven its value in innovation, supporting accession countries, and addressing shared challenges.
- Building stronger synergies between territorial cooperation and mainstream EU funding will be key for the next programming period.
Together, we continue building bridges across the Mediterranean—strengthening cooperation, innovation, and sustainable territorial development.
