Ukraine and Poland Strengthen Regional Cooperation Ahead of Interreg NEXT 2028–2034

Representatives of Zakarpattia and the Lublin and Podkarpackie Regions Gather at the “REGION READY FORUM”

As part of the “REGION READY FORUM – ZAKARPATTIA”, a trilateral meeting was held in the Zakarpattia Region between representatives of the regional administration and representatives of the Polish regions of Lublin and Podkarpackie.

The discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation and identifying common development priorities, particularly in the context of the upcoming European programme Interreg NEXT “Poland–Ukraine 2028–2034”.

The participants examined opportunities to prepare joint projects in advance that could benefit from European funding and contribute to the development of infrastructure and public services in Zakarpattia.

Priority Areas for Future European Projects

The partners identified several areas in which joint projects could be developed during the next programming period.

The main areas of cooperation include infrastructure, healthcare, civil protection, environmental protection, energy efficiency, education and tourism.

Preparing projects in these areas could enable regional authorities to benefit from the experience of their European partners and develop initiatives with a cross-border impact.

Regional Project for the Development of Cycling Infrastructure

One of the projects discussed during the meeting concerns the development of cycling infrastructure and the creation of cross-border connections between several countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

In the future, the route could connect regions in Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, creating a cross-border network of cycling paths.

Such a project could contribute both to the development of alternative mobility and to the promotion of tourism, while strengthening links between communities located near national borders.

Renewing Cooperation between Zakarpattia and Podkarpackie

Another important topic discussed was the renewal and signing of a cooperation agreement between the Zakarpattia Region and the Podkarpackie Voivodeship.

By updating the cooperation framework, the two regions aim to establish a clearer basis for developing joint projects and intensifying exchanges of experience in areas of mutual interest.

Regional cooperation may include both projects financed through European programmes and exchanges of experience and joint initiatives between public institutions.

Exchanges of Experience and Study Visits

The participants also discussed the organization of study visits for Ukrainian specialists, enabling them to examine the experience of European partners in strategic planning and regional development.

Such exchanges could contribute to strengthening the capacity of regional administrations and adopting practices used in European Union member states for planning and implementing development projects.

At the same time, the experience gained during these visits could be used in preparing projects to be proposed for European funding.

Preparing Projects for Interreg NEXT 2028–2034

One of the main objectives of the meeting was to coordinate efforts for the Interreg NEXT “Poland–Ukraine 2028–2034” programming period.

The partners agreed to continue identifying joint projects and coordinate their efforts to prepare them in advance. The cooperation aims to develop mature projects with clear objectives and an impact on regional and cross-border development.

Attracting European Funds for the Development of Zakarpattia

At the end of the meeting, the participants agreed to continue their cooperation and coordinate efforts to attract European funding for joint projects.

For Zakarpattia, cooperation with the Polish regions of Lublin and Podkarpackie represents an opportunity to strengthen European partnerships and develop projects in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, energy, the environment, education and tourism.

Early preparation of projects for the new Interreg NEXT 2028–2034 funding cycle could contribute to strengthening cross-border cooperation and further integrating Zakarpattia into European regional development networks.