A delegation from EGTC GO participated in the international meeting on Interreg Small Project Funds (SPF) held in Prague on 22 and 23 October. Organised by Interact, the event brought together programmes that already manage Small Project Funds or are considering their implementation. Representatives of Interreg programmes, managing authorities, control bodies and territorial cooperation experts met to discuss the current and future role of SPFs in strengthening cross-border cooperation.

Over the two-day event, participants addressed key topics related to the future development of these instruments, which support small-scale initiatives with a high added value for local communities. They exchanged practical experiences on fund management, administrative simplification procedures, the use of Simplified Cost Options (SCOs), and approaches designed to ensure both efficiency and sound control of public expenditure.

Particular attention was paid to the contribution that small projects can make to strengthening territorial cooperation at the local level by involving new beneficiaries and fostering networks capable of generating tangible impacts in border regions. Several sessions were organised in an interactive format, encouraging direct exchanges among participants, peer learning and discussions on shared solutions to common challenges faced by programmes.

Another key topic was the future of SPFs beyond 2027, with discussions focusing on the opportunities and requirements that may arise from the forthcoming European regulatory framework. The second day was dedicated to Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), exploring how elements of this approach could help shape the future evolution of Small Project Funds and support even stronger involvement of local communities.

The event also featured the presentation of Interact’s publication on Interreg small projects across Europe, showcasing successful examples and achievements delivered through Small Project Funds. Among the featured experiences is SPF GO! 2025, described as a key instrument for engaging local communities in the GO! 2025 European Capital of Culture process. The publication highlights two projects funded through the EGTC GO-managed fund: WALK2SPIRIT, which created a cross-border route linking the Basilica of Aquileia and the Sanctuary of Sveta Gora, and Ars Sine Finibus, which brought together Italian and Slovenian artists and students to create an open-air cross-border art park across the Collio and Brda areas.

The publication is available below.