The objective of the INTERREG V-A Hungary-Croatia Cooperation Program is to strengthen cross-border cooperation, promote the economic and social development of the regions, and support sustainable development. The report details the results and challenges of the past program period, analyzing the program’s impacts, achievements, and future development directions.

The INTERREG V-A Hungary-Croatia Program has implemented projects in the following key areas:

• Economic development and employment: Encouraging cross-border cooperation to support local businesses and innovation.
• Transport infrastructure: Improving transport connections in the region, contributing to efficient freight transport and mobility.
• Environmental protection and sustainability: Several projects aimed at protecting natural resources and facilitating adaptation to climate change.
• Cultural and social cooperation: Strengthening relationships between local communities through joint cultural and educational projects.

During the program’s implementation, several challenges emerged that affected project efficiency:

• Lengthy permitting processes and bureaucratic obstacles
• Time-consuming coordination between Hungarian and Croatian authorities
• Delays in the program’s implementation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors

At the same time, the program has achieved numerous positive results:

• Strengthened cross-border cooperation between municipalities, institutions, and businesses
• Completion of several successful infrastructure developments
• Active participation of local communities in the projects, gaining valuable experience

The goal for the next program period is to achieve more efficient and faster project implementation and even closer cooperation between the two countries. The next steps include:

• Simplifying administrative processes for faster approvals
• Supporting new, innovative projects that have a long-term impact on regional development
• Ensuring the sustainability of achieved results, with a focus on environmental and economic impacts

The INTERREG V-A Hungary-Croatia Cooperation Program continues to play a key role in the development of the border region. Based on successful projects and experiences, even more effective and productive cooperation is expected in the coming years.

One of the key initiatives analyzed in the report is the CBJointStrategy project by Pannon ETT, which supported the development of the strategy for the 2021–2027 period. The project aimed to evaluate the results of the previous program and define future development priorities.

The project, coordinated by Pannon ETT, focused on the following key elements:

• Analysis of cross-border cooperation between Hungary and Croatia
• Involvement of stakeholders in the joint development strategy
• Development of five strategic project proposals for the next program period

Originally planned for 24 months, the project was extended to 44 months and was completed in April 2023.

The report concluded that the CBJointStrategy project contributed to the development of the cross-border cooperation strategy between Hungary and Croatia and strengthened the role of Pannon ETT. Although the project was successful in defining strategic objectives, the long approval process and institutional negotiations posed challenges. The approval and financing of the proposed strategic projects will be crucial for the development of the border region.

The report can be found here: http://www.huhr-cbc.com/uploads/editors/CBC_2nd_HUHR_2b_Evaluation_CESCI.pdf