Better together: Where project synergies met future ambitions

Date: 10.11.2026
By: Programme

Around 200 participants came together in Vienna to explore new synergies, exchange ideas and help shape the future of Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE. From building on existing project achievements to discussing the priorities of the next programme, our Better Together conference created space for fresh perspectives, lively exchanges and new connections. A day that showed the value of coming together across borders and working towards a shared future!

Programme conference
Better Together
Teaming Up for Future Impact

What happens when around 200 people passionate about cooperation meet in one place? New ideas emerge, connections grow stronger and the future starts taking shape.

On 5 November 2026, we welcomed project partners and cooperation enthusiasts from across central Europe to our programme conference at Europahaus Vienna.

And the energy was fantastic! From lively workshop discussions to informal exchanges over coffee, the day showed once again how much we can achieve when we bring people together.

BREAKING THE ICE
Pub quiz
The Better Together spirit started already the evening before! On 4 November, around 90 participants gathered for an informal pub quiz, mixing into teams with people from different countries and projects. With plenty of tricky questions, laughter and friendly competition, it was a fun way to break the ice, make new connections and get everyone into the spirit of cooperation before the conference even began.
SYNERGIES & REFLECTIONS
Building on results. Shaping the future.

The morning was all about connecting projects and creating new synergies. Participants shared their experiences, explored common challenges and discovered opportunities to build on each other’s achievements.

The discussions highlighted the value of looking beyond individual projects and finding new ways to make their results go further. After all, cooperation does not end when a project finishes.

In the afternoon, we turned our attention to the future of Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE 2028–34.

Following a presentation of key findings from our ongoing territorial analysis and initial ideas for future programme implementation, participants joined interactive workshops to share their views.

What should we focus on in the years ahead? How can we make cooperation even more effective? And what should future projects look like?

The exchanges were open, dynamic and full of valuable perspectives. For us, listening to the people who develop and implement projects is essential. Their practical experience will help inform our work on the next programme and ensure that future cooperation responds to real needs across central Europe.

 

Moving forward together
Better together, beyond the conference

The conversations did not stop when the workshops ended. Informal networking offered even more opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen connections and explore future collaboration.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed to the discussions and made the conference such a success.

Together, we are not only building on the achievements of today. We are helping shape the cooperation of tomorrow.