Arrabona ETT

How can meaningful results be achieved in Hungarian–Slovak cross-border cooperation?

The “Arrabona” Interreg small project, implemented by Arrabona EGTC in 2024, demonstrated that strong EGTC coordination can successfully link strategic objectives, institutional cooperation, and concrete actions.

By engaging more than 70 organisations and introducing innovative tourism and sustainability initiatives, the project contributed to the long-term development of the Szigetköz-Žitný ostrov cross-border region.

The challenge

The Szigetköz–Žitný ostrov region along the Hungarian–Slovak border forms a geographically, culturally, and economically coherent area. Nevertheless, the level of cross-border cooperation remains limited.

The main challenges identified in the region include:

• fragmented tourism offerings and the lack of a unified regional identity;
• insufficiently institutionalised cooperation between municipalities and professional organisations;
• limited participation of local residents, particularly young people, in cross-border initiatives.

Addressing these challenges requires integrated cooperation at multiple levels.

The initiative

In 2024, Arrabona EGTC implemented the “Arrabona” small project, establishing—and continuing to operate—an integrated three-level cooperation model involving professional stakeholders, public institutions, and local communities. The total project budget amounted to EUR 26,431.25.

Through the project, Arrabona EGTC:

facilitated the establishment of cross-border partnerships;

connected stakeholders at different levels, from local communities to decision-makers;

provided a common framework for strategic, institutional, and operational cooperation;

generated tangible results through concrete joint actions;

is committed to sharing the project’s outcomes with other organisations, as the model can be readily adapted to other regions;

places strong emphasis on European cooperation, cross-border partnerships, and strengthening a shared European identity.

The initiative clearly demonstrates the important role that EGTCs can play in removing cross-border barriers and fostering sustainable territorial cooperation.

The original news article is available at this link.