An inspiring event marked the 35th anniversary of Interreg, organised on 20 October 2025, in Thessaloniki, by the Hellenic Ministry of Economy and Finance – General Secretariat of Partnership Agreement – Managing Authority Interreg 2021-2027, bringing together high-level guests, institutional representatives, project beneficiaries and stakeholders committed to cross-border cooperation and regional development.

The event was officially opened by the Alternate Minister of Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, followed by insightful addresses on the achievements and future of Interreg by the Secretary-General of Partnership Agreement (ESPA), Vasiliki Pantelopoulou; the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Kostas Gioulekas; the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis; and the European Commission representative (DG REGIO), Maria Galevska. Also in attendance was the Minister of Local Self-Government of North Macedonia, Zlatko Perinski.

Two engaging panel discussions, featuring distinguished speakers — among them Regional Governors from the Regions of Crete, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, Epirus, North Aegean and Western Macedonia, participating areas in the Interreg programmes Greece-Albania, Greece-Bulgaria, Greece-Cyprus, Greece-Italy and Greece-North Macedonia — highlighted the vital role of Interreg projects as key drivers of local development and cross-border cooperation.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Managing Authority Interreg 2021-2027 based in Thessaloniki, represented by Ms. Maria Nezeriti, Head of the MA; a journey defined by impactful partnerships and shared goals.

Moreover, three outstanding students were honored, in the context of the event, for their achievements in the INTERREG competition “Cohesion Policy and Cross-Border Cooperation Through the Eyes of Students”, co-organized by the Managing Authority Interreg 2021-2027 and the University of Macedonia‘s Department of International and European Studies. They shared their vision of “the Europe they want”. Orestis Sevastopoulos received first prize.

The celebration concluded with vibrant music and entertainment activities in Aristotle Square, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees.

🔗 Interreg continues to be a vital instrument for innovation, cooperation, and sustainable growth across borders.

Watch the event highlights video (ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ / Athens Macedonian News Agency) HERE