by InTrieste
The Interreg Italy-Slovenia program has fully allocated its resources for the 2021–2027 cycle, with officials highlighting its role in advancing cross-border cooperation and cultural development. At a presentation in Udine on Monday, Regional Finance Councilor Barbara Zilli announced the opening of the third call for proposals under the Small Projects Fund (SPF) linked to GO! 2025, the European Capital of Culture designation shared by Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy.
The new call, which closes on October 17, makes available just over €1 million in funding. It targets projects focused on youth engagement, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and social well-being. Proposals must have a duration of no more than 12 months and budgets between €30,000 and €100,000.
“The Small Projects Fund provides an opportunity to turn borders into opportunities,” Zilli said, emphasizing the role of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Slovenia, and the Veneto region in supporting the initiative.
Approved in 2022, the fund was designed to complement the GO! 2025 strategy through small-scale cultural, tourism, and community initiatives. The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (GECT GO), composed of Gorizia, Nova Gorica, and Šempeter-Vrtojba, serves as the sole beneficiary and manager of the fund.
To guide potential applicants, GECT GO will hold three information sessions: on September 10 in Gorizia, September 12 in Ajdovščina, and September 24 at Venice’s Teatro Goldoni. Sessions will be conducted in both Italian and Slovenian, depending on location.
Thematic areas for eligible projects include:
- Youth participation: initiatives to involve people under 30 in co-design processes, skill development, and collaboration with cultural and institutional stakeholders.
- Environmental enhancement: projects highlighting rivers, lakes, lagoons, and coastal areas through cultural, artistic, and awareness-raising activities.
- Infrastructure promotion: cross-border initiatives showcasing existing public facilities in the program area.
- Social cohesion through sport: projects fostering well-being and accessibility in physical activities.
The broader Interreg Italy-Slovenia program has a total budget of €88.6 million, with €70.9 million financed by the European Regional Development Fund and €17.7 million by national co-financing. To date, 100 percent of the funds have been allocated, supporting 75 projects with an average budget of €800,000, in addition to three large-scale strategic initiatives: Adrioncycletour, Poseidone, and Kras/Carso II.
Regional officials described Friuli Venezia Giulia as a key player in European territorial cooperation, pointing to the program’s role in strengthening cultural and economic ties while leaving a legacy beyond 2025.
