Izola Concludes the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week 2026 with a Clear Message: Cooperation is Key to Europe’s Future
After three days of intensive discussions, meetings and exchanges of good practices, the 11th Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week has successfully concluded in Izola. Once again, the event confirmed its role as one of Europe’s leading platforms for dialogue on the future of territorial cooperation, common European investments and solutions to challenges that extend beyond national borders.
Throughout the week, participants explored a wide range of topics shaping the future of European cooperation. Discussions focused on the future of EU Cohesion Policy and macro-regional cooperation as drivers of common investment, the integration of macro-regional priorities into the future Multiannual Financial Framework, and support for projects that deliver clear European added value. Special attention was also given to cultural cooperation, sustainable tourism, innovation, transport connectivity, environmental solutions and the green transition across the Adriatic-Ionian and wider European regions.
Despite the diversity of topics, a common message emerged from all discussions: today’s challenges do not stop at administrative, regional or national borders. Whether addressing competitiveness, innovation, climate adaptation, transport, tourism, environmental protection or social cohesion, the most effective and sustainable solutions can only be achieved through cooperation among countries, regions and stakeholders.
Participants also underlined that macro-regional cooperation is no longer only about dialogue. Increasingly, it is about implementation. It is about building partnerships, preparing investments, mobilising funding, sharing knowledge and turning strategic priorities into concrete actions. Macro-regional strategies have become an important tool for transforming shared European objectives into tangible results for regions, communities and citizens.
Participants developed joint partnerships and concrete project ideas and deepened their understanding of the links between Interreg programmes and the main EU programmes, including the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP). The results provide an important basis for further cooperation and preparation for the 2028–2034 programming period.
The discussions held in Izola demonstrated that Europe needs platforms where representatives of countries, regions, European institutions, businesses, academia and civil society can come together to develop common solutions.
Macro-regional strategies provide exactly such a platform and will become even more important in the coming years as a vehicle for delivering projects with clear European added value.
At the closing session, organisers highlighted the importance of further strengthening the links between European policy objectives, investment instruments and local needs. The success of future European programmes will depend not only on the level of available funding, but also on the ability of countries, regions and institutions to work together effectively in pursuit of common goals.
Three key messages emerged from this year’s event:
- Macro-regional strategies turn European priorities into tangible benefits for regions, communities and citizens.
- The future of Europe depends on smart investments that strengthen territorial cohesion, competitiveness and resilience.
- Cooperation across borders is essential for building a more sustainable, innovative and connected Europe.
These messages are not only the conclusions of this year’s Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week. They also represent a shared commitment for the years ahead. The event once again demonstrated that cooperation among countries, regions and stakeholders can help deliver practical European solutions to common challenges.
The Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week 2026 therefore concludes with a clear message: Europe’s future will be successful only if it is built on cooperation, common investments and partnerships that go beyond borders.