March 11, 2026Read more...

Completion requests sent following the first submission deadline of the 2nd Call

Within the framework of the formal assessment of applications, the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme has sent requests for completion to the applicants concerned. These requests relate to project proposals submitted by 29 January 2026, covering Small Scale Projects (SSP) and Regular Scale Projects (RSP) without infrastructure. During the formal assessment phase, the Joint Secretariat verifies whether the applications comply with the administrative and eligibility requirements, including the completeness of the application and the submission of the required supporting documents. Where necessary, applicants are invited to provide completion or clarification of missing information through the INTERREG+ system. Deadline for submitting the completion Applicants who received such a request are kindly asked to submit the required information by 25 March 2026 through the INTERREG+ system. Please note that completion requests are sent only to the applicants concerned. Applicants who did not receive a completion request are not required to take any action at this stage. The Joint Secretariat thanks applicants for their cooperation.

March 4, 2026Read more...

Closure of the 2nd Call for Proposals of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme

The 2nd Call for Proposals of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme has officially closed. A total of 314 project applications were submitted, demonstrating strong interest in cross-border cooperation across the Programme area.

Applicants requested €280.7 million in EU contribution, which significantly exceeds the available budget and highlights the continued relevance and attractiveness of the Programme’s thematic priorities.

Distribution by Priority Objective

Applications were submitted across five Priority Objectives, reflecting a varied level of interest among the priorities. This distribution demonstrates the wide scope of proposed cross-border initiatives and the continued engagement of regional and local actors within the Programme area.

Next steps

The Programme will proceed with the assessment of the submitted applications in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures. Applicants will be informed about the evaluation timeline and the next steps in due course.

The Managing Authority and the Joint Secretariat express their appreciation to all applicants for their active participation and dedication to strengthening cross-border cooperation within the Programme area.

February 20, 2026Read more...

New website features now available on project subpages

We are pleased to announce that several new features have been introduced on the Programme website to support clearer communication, improved visibility and the structured presentation of project results.

The new functions available on each project page include:

• Project-level event registration
Lead Partners can now submit project-related events directly through the admin interface. After approval by the Joint Secretariat, these events appear both in the Programme Calendar and on the respective project subpage.

• New content upload options
Project pages now allow the upload of multiple images (gallery), news and progress updates, as well as publications such as press releases or newsletters. These functions support transparent and up-to-date presentation of project activities.

• Capitalisation sidebar
Each project page now includes a dedicated section where key project results can be highlighted in line with the Programme’s capitalisation approach. This structure supports visibility, transparency and the potential reuse of project achievements.

These functions are designed to help ensure that all project-related information is accurate, accessible and regularly updated.

As the administrators of their project pages, Lead Partners are responsible for uploading project events, news, publications and capitalisation content throughout project implementation.

A short user guide is available for download here:
https://next.huskroua-cbc.eu/downloads/visibility/

January 30, 2026Read more...

2nd Call for Proposals – Update on the First Submission Deadline

The first deadline of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine Programme’s 2nd Call for Proposals closed on 29 January 2026, covering Small Scale Projects (SSP) and Regular Scale Projects without infrastructure (RSP).

A total of 168 project applications were submitted, requesting over 97 million EUR in EU contribution — demonstrating very strong interest compared the total Programme allocation of 28.5 million EUR for the entire Call (including the allocation for infrastructure projects to be submitted by 26 February 2026).

Applications were submitted across five Priority Objectives:

PO 1.1 – 35 projects
PO 1.2 – 22 projects
PO 2.1 – 44 projects
PO 2.2 – 40 projects
PO 3.1 – 27 projects

This balanced distribution confirms the high relevance of the Programme’s priorities, with particularly strong engagement in health cooperation, culture & tourism, and environmental protection.

The second deadline — for Regular Scale Projects with infrastructure — remains open until 26 February 2026 (15:00 CET).

The Joint Secretariat thanks all applicants for their active participation and commitment to cross-border cooperation.

January 27, 2026Read more...

Cross-Macroregional Event on Smart Rural Development

The Programme is pleased to share information about an external event that may be of interest to stakeholders working in rural development, cooperation and evidence-based policymaking. The event is jointly organised by representatives of the 4 EU macro-regional strategies and the SMART Era project and will take place on 24 March 2026 in Sofia, Bulgaria, under the motto “Bridging Vision and Action: Smart Rural Development That Leaves No Region Behind.” The event will explore how evidence-based approaches and smart solutions can strengthen rural areas across Europe.

What to Expect

Participants will engage in a rich programme, including:

an insightful panel discussion on the future of (smart) rural development,
inspiring good practices of evidence-based decision-making,
interactive World Café sessions,
practical insights from the SMART ERA project,
and several networking opportunities.

The event aims to address what is needed to support successful smart rural development and how visionary ideas can be turned into concrete action.

Who Should Attend

The event is particularly relevant for:

municipalities and local authorities,
civil society organisations,
universities and research bodies,
national authorities,
European institutions,
macro-regional governance representatives.

Practical Information

Language: English
Participation: free of charge
Registration: required (link will be published on the event website)
Agenda: to be published in due course
Event updates:
https://capacitycooperation.danube-region.eu/events/bridging-vision-and-action-smart-rural-development-that-leaves-no-region-behind/

Stakeholders are encouraged to visit the link above for updates and to share the information with interested colleagues and organisations.

We are pleased to highlight this opportunity and hope it contributes to further dialogue and cooperation on smart rural development.

December 19, 2025Read more...

Promoting Multilingualism in Public Life – Language APL

The Language APL – Cross-border Language Accessibility in Public Life project (HUSKROUA/23/S/3.1/011) promotes multilingualism as a key element of inclusive public life in the Hungarian–Ukrainian–Romanian border region. By strengthening cooperation among the partner organisations, the project supports social inclusion, equal access to services and cross-border economic cooperation through improved language accessibility. Multilingualism as a response to regional challenges Language APL addresses both long-standing minority language issues and recent demographic changes in the region, particularly the increased presence of Ukrainian citizens in neighbouring EU countries. In this context, multilingual communication is not only a cultural value, but also a practical necessity for effective public services, community cohesion and economic interaction. The project focuses on protecting minority language rights in line with European values, while also supporting public institutions and businesses in adopting multilingual communication practices in both online and physical spaces. Concrete steps towards language accessibility A key milestone of the project was reached on 26 November 2025, with the conclusion of the interdisciplinary closing conference of the project in Berehove. As a tangible outcome of the conference, trilingual nameplates were officially handed over to the Berehove Administrative Service Centre (CNAP) and to 21 schools of the Berehove territorial community. These trilingual signs represent a concrete and visible step towards language accessibility in everyday public services, ensuring that institutions are more inclusive and easier to navigate for citizens belonging to different language communities.

Identifying good practices and supporting institutions Beyond physical visibility, the project identified five best-practice multilingual locations in each partner country, showcasing inclusive communication models that can be replicated elsewhere. Minority communities were informed about their language rights through targeted information materials and legal support, while selected institutions and businesses received assistance in translating signage and informational content into multiple languages. Recognition of excellence and shared learning On 11 December 2025, the Identitas Foundation organised the project’s closing press conference and excellence award ceremony in Satu Mare. During the event, awards were presented to businesses that demonstrated outstanding commitment to multilingual communication in both online and offline environments. In addition, multilingual website translations were handed over in digital form to five institutions and events, including sports, education and cultural organisations, further strengthening multilingual accessibility in public life. Why it matters By combining research, awareness-raising and concrete on-the-ground interventions, Language APL demonstrates how multilingualism can be embedded into everyday public life. The project contributes to a more inclusive, accessible and socially cohesive cross-border region, while laying the groundwork for sustainable cooperation based on linguistic diversity. More information about the project: https://next.huskroua-cbc.eu/project-map/tisza-european-grouping-of-territorial-cooperation-limited-liability/

December 18, 2025Read more...

Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation for Safer and More Efficient Borders – Secure Borders

The Secure and Effective Borders in the Carpathian Region project (HUSKROUA/23/S/3.2/018) is enhancing Ukraine–Hungary cross-border cooperation by improving border management, security and operational efficiency. Implemented by Ukrainian and Hungarian partners, the project supports the alignment of border and customs procedures with EU standards while fostering long-term institutional cooperation. Improving coordination and infrastructure planning Launched in February 2025, the project addresses key challenges related to border control, including lengthy procedures, infrastructure gaps and the need for closer coordination between authorities. Activities focus on feasibility studies for modernising border crossing infrastructure, harmonising customs and border services, and to facliltate the coordinated developing of the preliminary documentation of enhanced infrastructure for crossing the Ukrainian-Hungarian state border at the Kosyno–Barabash checkpoint. Through comparative legal analysis, expert meetings and professional exchanges, the project contributes to reducing waiting times, improving control procedures and strengthening security along the border. Joint roundtable and study visit: sharing expertise in practice An important milestone was reached on 3–4 December 2025, when a joint Ukrainian–Hungarian roundtable meeting was organised within the framework of the project. Experts, diplomats and officials from both countries gathered to discuss practical solutions for safer and more efficient border management.

On the first day, participants took part in a study visit to the East–West Gate (EWG) intermodal terminal, located at the Hungarian–Ukrainian border where standard and broad-gauge railway lines meet. As one of the largest and most modern intermodal terminals in Europe, EWG showcased advanced freight management technologies, including digital monitoring systems and automated cranes. The visit provided first-hand insight into innovative logistics solutions that can support faster and more secure cross-border operations. Dialogue on future border solutions During the roundtable discussions held in Nyíregyháza, participants addressed key topics such as joint border control and inspection models, training of customs and border personnel, access roads leading to border crossings, modernisation of existing checkpoints, and the opening of new border crossings. Local authorities, regional experts and institutional representatives had the opportunity to exchange perspectives and identify concrete steps for future cooperation. Why it matters: Secure Borders strengthens trust, efficiency and security at the Ukrainian–Hungarian border by combining practical cooperation, modern solutions and shared expertise — contributing to safer mobility and stronger cross-border connections. More information about the project is available on the Programme website: https://next.huskroua-cbc.eu/project-map/international-association-of-regional-development-insitutions-iardi/

December 18, 2025Read more...

Adapting to Climate Change through Cross-Border Water Management – AdaptWater

The AdaptWater project (HUSKROUA/23/RI/1.1/005) is strengthening climate resilience in the Hungarian–Ukrainian border region by improving water management and flood risk prevention in the transboundary Batar–Palad–Tur river catchment. Jointly implemented by water authorities from both countries, the project responds to growing challenges linked to climate change, including water scarcity and increasingly frequent floods. Improving water safety and resilience Launched in January 2025, the project focuses on restoring and modernising key elements of the water management system affecting more than 20,000 residents in the border area. A major infrastructure milestone has already been reached: the Staryi Batar river channel has been fully cleaned along the planned 5.5 km section, removing accumulated silt and vegetation. This intervention improves water flow, increases retention capacity during dry periods and enables safer floodwater passage across a cross-border area of nearly 28,700 hectares. Local stakeholder consultations confirmed the positive impact of these works, highlighting their importance for both flood prevention and long-term water availability. Strengthening cooperation and technical capacity Alongside physical interventions, the project enhances institutional cooperation through the modernisation of the joint Ukrainian–Hungarian automated information and measurement system (AIMS Tisa), supporting better monitoring, data sharing and decision-making. Partner organisations have also upgraded their technical equipment, purchasing modern machinery and digital tools that will support efficient maintenance and future water management works. Learning from European best practices As part of capacity building, Ukrainian and Hungarian water experts participated in a study tour to Austria, where they explored EU approaches to integrated water management. The visit showcased nature-based solutions, floodplain restoration, sediment management and multifunctional hydraulic structures that combine risk prevention with environmental and social benefits.

Raising awareness for long-term impact Beyond infrastructure and expertise, AdaptWater also invests in climate awareness and education, particularly targeting young people. Outreach activities help build understanding of climate change impacts and the role of sustainable, nature-based water management solutions. Why it matters: AdaptWater demonstrates how cross-border cooperation, modern infrastructure and shared knowledge can reduce climate risks while ensuring sustainable water use for communities on both sides of the border. More about the project on the Programme website: https://next.huskroua-cbc.eu/project-map/tisza-river-basin-water-resources-directorate/

December 18, 2025Read more...

Environment for the Future through Science and Nature Education – EFFUSE-win

The EFFUSE-win project (HUSKROUA/23/RS/1.2/027) is strengthening environmental awareness and scientific skills among young people in the Slovak–Ukrainian border region by bringing education directly into nature. Implemented by Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice together with partners from Ukraine, the project connects schools, universities and experts to inspire the next generation of environmental scientists. Learning science in real natural settings Launched in April 2025, the project focuses on hands-on education in the Latorica River Basin and surrounding natural areas. Since its start, 16 activities have already been implemented, including school workshops, field trips and expert-led excursions, reaching more than 640 participants. Through interactive sessions at elementary and secondary schools, pupils explored biodiversity topics such as reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and microorganisms. Learning was based on direct observation, live demonstrations and simple scientific methods, helping participants better understand ecosystems and the importance of nature protection. From classrooms to cross-border laboratories In addition to school-based activities, the project supports the development of scientific thinking and laboratory skills at university level. Activities at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice provided students with practical experience, while cross-border expert field trips with Ukrainian partners strengthened cooperation in environmental education and conservation. Public outreach events, including European Researchers’ Night, further expanded the project’s visibility and engagement with the wider community.

Growing interest and lasting impact Feedback from schools, teachers and participants has been overwhelmingly positive. The project team reports increasing interest from schools across the border region, with new requests for activities arriving regularly — a clear sign of the project’s relevance and impact. By combining outdoor education, scientific practice and cross-border cooperation, EFFUSE-win is helping young people develop knowledge, curiosity and responsibility towards their natural environment — laying foundations for long-term environmental protection. Why it matters: EFFUSE-win shows how learning in nature can spark scientific curiosity, strengthen environmental responsibility and build lasting cross-border cooperation. More about the project on the Programme website: https://next.huskroua-cbc.eu/project-map/pavol-jozef-safarik-university-in-kosice/

December 18, 2025Read more...

Integrated disaster preparedness across borders – BE PREPARED

The BE PREPARED project (HUSKROUA/23/S/1.1/003) is strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience in Satu Mare County (RO) and the Ivano-Frankivsk Region (UA). Implemented by the Romanian Red Cross – Satu Mare Branch in partnership with the Ukrainian Red Cross, the project addresses both natural hazards — such as floods, droughts and extreme weather — and man-made disasters, including forest fires and industrial accidents. By establishing six cross-border disaster response detachments and delivering large-scale first aid and prevention training, the project is building practical, community-based capacity to respond effectively to emergencies. Training young people for real-life disaster response One of the recent milestones of the project was a joint trauma make-up and disaster simulation camp, organised between 18–23 August 2025 in Satu Mare. The six-day camp brought together 30 young participants (15 Romanian and 15 Ukrainian), aged 15–20, in an intensive learning and exchange environment. Participants took part in:

hands-on trauma make-up workshops simulating injuries such as burns, fractures and bleeding,
first aid and accident simulation exercises,
teamwork-based activities and joint scenarios,
intercultural learning through mixed Romanian–Ukrainian groups.

The training combined theory, practice and creativity, preparing young volunteers to realistically support emergency simulations and disaster response exercises.

Building resilience through cooperation The camp is part of a wider project effort that includes:

training 480 adults in first aid,
reaching 10,000 children with disaster prevention education,
and organising a joint cross-border disaster response exercise once all detachments are operational.

Through practical training, youth engagement and cross-border cooperation, BE PREPARED contributes to safer, more resilient communities on both sides of the border. More about the project: https://next.huskroua-cbc.eu/project-map/national-red-cross-society-satu-mare-branch/ Tracking progress – sharing impact Training today’s youth to become tomorrow’s disaster responders — building cross-border resilience where it matters most.

Author - Árokszállási Beáta

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