Pannon EGTC

The Information day of the strategic project “CBJointStrategy – Supporting the development of the HU-HR border region by a common strategy jointly formulated by the various actors of the cross-border area”, which is implemented within the Interreg V-A – Hungary-Croatia Cross-border Co-operation Programme 2014-2020, was held on Friday, 31st of March 2023 in the city of Barcs. The aim of the project, implemented by the Pannon European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation, is to form a joint Hungarian-Croatian development program for the next budget period of the European Union (2021-2027), whose priorities were developed jointly by the HBH Kft., Logframe Kft. and by the Pannon EGTC within the framework of the contract. The project, which has been running since 2019, is going to end in April of this year. Subsequently, the participants at the event could receive a comprehensive insight into the implemented work carried out within the framework of the project, they could receive information about the completed program and about the call opportunities.

The participants were greeted by dr. László Őri, President of the Pannon EGTC and of the Baranya County. In his speech, he highlighted the role of the Pannon EGTC, because the region could plan its own program, thus a new bottom up program draft was formalized and the local needs and interests could be directly reflected.

The work implemented within the framework of the strategic project was introduced by dr. Péter Merza, Director of the Pannon EGTC. The CBJointStrategy project was launched with a long and thorough situational analysis phase, followed by strategy creation phase in 2021. As a result of the work, a program was created with the capacity to integrate many actors, to secure an appropriate goal system, to focus on useful activities and to encompass 5 strategic project ideas. The professional process was concluded by the completion of the documentation; therefore, it will be hopefully possible to accept the program and to issue the calls for proposals as soon as possible. Until then, the Pannon EGTC is ready to provide professional assistance in reviewing the existing project plans, hence well-developed project ideas can be submitted at the time of the call. It is hoped that beside the experienced actors, who previously already submitted applications, many new local actors will be encouraged to participate in the program.

The completed draft program was presented by the regional development expert, Márton György, who is the Managing Director of the Logframe Kft. The development goals include the issues, like increasing the competitiveness of the region (involving SMEs), creating a greener and low-carbon region (promoting energy efficiency and adapting to climate change), creating an inclusive border region (increasing the role of culture and sustainable tourism, providing inclusive and quality services), as well as enhancing cooperation (increasing the efficiency of public administration and building of mutual trust). Furthermore, he outlined the five potential strategic project ideas which focus on the involvement of businesses, energy developments, mosquito control, knowledge sharing of environmental protection and tourism development.

The last speaker of the event was Dr. Márton Szűcs, Head of the Secretariat, and he represented the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg V-A – Hungary-Croatia Cross-border Co-operation Programme. He briefly outlined the progress schedule of the new program and the current challenges. He underlined that the socialized version of the new program is available on the official website of the Interreg HU-HR CBC and that suggestions regarding the content of the five strategic projects, which are under development, are welcomed. After the presentations, the information day ended with the collection of project ideas.