Our future programme
Discover how we are preparing for the funding period 2028-34 and help us shape our future.
Designing a new chapter of transnational cooperation
Transnational cooperation has been delivering practical results across central Europe since 2007 and we are now preparing the next programme to continue our success story in 2028–34. In the coming months, we will consult with stakeholders across the region to identify shared challenges, agree on strategic priorities and define how cooperation should be supported in the next period.
This work is part of a newly foreseen, dedicated Interreg Plan that ensures a sustainable future for transnational territorial cooperation within the EU’s cohesion policy. We will define our cooperation priorities, concrete measures and the delivery approach for 2028–34, and set these out in a programme-specific chapter of the proposed Interreg Plan and in a comprehensive Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE programme document.
To support this preparation process, we are launching a tender for external expertise.
TENDER NOTICE
We are currently looking for experts to carry out the territorial analysis and to support the strategy-building process. The key objective of the analysis is to assess territorial challenges and cooperation potentials, align them with policy objectives, and provide strategic recommendations.
How we approach the programming process
From analysis to submission
We follow a step-wise process that moves from understanding needs, to shaping a strategy and implementation approach, to finalising and submitting the programme for adoption.
Territorial analysis
We start by building a shared picture of what central Europe needs most in the next period. This means looking at the main challenges, opportunities and cooperation gaps across the programme area and checking who and what can really benefit from working together across borders.
Stakeholder input plays an important role at this stage. We collect feedback from across countries and sectors to ensure that our findings reflect realities on the ground. The result is a shared understanding that will guide the priorities and decisions of the next programme.
Strategy and delivery
Based on the analysis, we translate evidence into priorities for 2028–2034. We develop several strategic options and assess what would work best for central Europe. In November 2026, we aim to reach consensus on one strategic direction and the key measures.
At the same time, we shape how the programme will work in practice: what types of activities it will support, what results we want to see, and how progress will be monitored. The draft is refined through consultations and, where relevant, through input from competent environmental authorities.
Programme submission
In the final phase, we draft the programme document and prepare the Interreg Programme Chapter (IPC) as a concise summary of the main strategic choices. The process concludes with participating countries reaching written agreement on the IPC content and co-financing, followed by the formal submission to the European Commission.
An advanced draft is expected to be ready in the second half of 2027, with formal submission planned for the first half of 2028. This timeline is indicative and may evolve as discussions progress.
How to get involved
Your input matters
Shaping the next programme is a shared effort. We combine open participation with targeted dialogue formats to ensure both broad accessibility and balanced representation. This allows us to gather diverse perspectives while ensuring that contributions meaningfully inform strategic choices and the programme’s intervention logic.
Our approach
Stakeholder involvement takes place in two phases: In 2026, we focus on identifying and validating needs, and in 2027, we gather structured feedback on the draft strategy and initial intervention logic.
On this page, we will publish updates, consultation opportunities and public summaries throughout the process. We also use established programme networks to reach authorities, organisations, beneficiaries and citizens across the region.
How the programming process is coordinated
The programming process runs from 2026 to 2028 and will evolve in line with EU regulatory developments.
It is steered by the “Working Group for Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE 2028–34”, which was established by the programme’s monitoring committee. The managing authority and joint secretariat coordinate the process and prepare the draft programme document, supported by external expertise where necessary. National contact points and working group members contribute to outreach and help ensure balanced participation across the programme area.
Planned working group meetings:
→ 26 February 2026
→ 22 May 2026
→ 9 November 2026
→ 1-2 December 2026 (including strategy consensus workshop)
→ February 2027
→ June 2027
Legal background
Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE 2028–34 is being prepared within the European Union’s legislative framework for cohesion policy for 2028–34. The relevant regulations are currently under negotiation at EU level, and the programme will be finalised once the legislative package is adopted. For an overview of the framework and links to the draft legislation, please consult the European Commission’s dedicated page.
Discover Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE today
Our transnational cooperation is already delivering concrete results and the next programme will build on this strong foundation.
Learn more about us and explore our currently funded 125 projects to see what is happening on the ground today.