To inform Cohesion Policy reform debates and the future arrangements post 2027, the European Commission initiated a large-scale consultation process on European Territorial Cooperation during the Interreg Annual Event in 2023. This process went on to involve numerous consultation events, surveys and interviews. For the first time, the consultations were not only limited to programmes and major policy stakeholders but also involved citizens of the Interreg programme areas. Almost all Interreg programmes consulted their citizens, although the consultations were voluntary. Particular effort was made to involve young people. This included around 100 young people from across Europe who met in November 2024 in Brussels to voice their perspectives on the future of territorial cooperation beyond 2027. The culmination of their collaborative efforts is encapsulated in the ‘Declaration by Young People on the Future of Territorial Cooperation.’ Overall, the consultations resulted in almost 100 ‘harvesting reports’ that draw together inputs from over 10,000 individuals and organisations.
Access the report here.