On 12th March 2026, the final conference of the Central Mountains project was held in Rzeszów, Poland, bringing together project partners, representatives of local and regional authorities, national institutions, researchers, educators, and experts involved in mountain development and the implementation of the Carpathian Convention.
Organised by Rzeszów County as Lead Partner, with the support of the Carpathian Euroregion, the event marked an important milestone in the implementation of Central Mountains, a project co-financed by the Interreg Central Europe Programme. The conference provided an opportunity to present the project’s achievements, reflect on lessons learned, and discuss how the developed solutions can continue to support mountain communities beyond the project’s lifetime.
Throughout the project, partners from several Central European countries worked together to strengthen governance capacities in mountain areas, improve cooperation between institutions, and develop practical tools supporting sustainable development in regions facing specific geographical, demographic, and environmental challenges. The project demonstrated that mountain territories, despite their diversity, share many common opportunities and challenges that can be addressed more effectively through transnational cooperation.
The conference programme focused on the role of public policies in supporting mountain regions, innovative approaches to local and regional development, and the creation of functional cross-border areas capable of unlocking the social and economic potential of mountain communities. Participants also discussed how the experiences gained through Central Mountains can contribute to future policy frameworks and cooperation mechanisms at both national and European levels.
A key message emerging from the discussions was the importance of cooperation between Europe’s mountain regions. The exchange of experiences from the Alps, Sudetes, and Carpathians highlighted the added value of transnational partnerships and demonstrated how solutions developed in one region can inspire action in another. This collaborative approach reflects the core objective of the Interreg Central Europe Programme: addressing shared territorial challenges through joint action and cooperation across borders.
While the project is approaching its formal conclusion, the conference also looked firmly towards the future. During the event, several cooperation agreements and letters of intent were signed, creating a solid foundation for continued collaboration among project partners and stakeholders and paving the way for future cross-border initiatives.
The final conference confirmed that one of the most valuable outcomes of Central Mountains is the strong network of institutions, experts, and local stakeholders established throughout the project. These partnerships will continue to support knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and joint actions aimed at improving the quality of life and development opportunities in mountain regions.
As the project comes to an end, its legacy continues through strengthened partnerships, new cooperation initiatives, and a shared commitment to building resilient, connected, and sustainable mountain regions across Central Europe.
The Central Mountains partnership would like to thank all project partners, stakeholders, experts, and participants who contributed to the project and its successful implementation. Their commitment and cooperation have laid the groundwork for future actions benefiting mountain communities throughout Central Europe.