Integration, mutual inspiration, new partnerships, and project promotion were the key objectives of this year’s event. Once again, it showed that the true value of cross-border cooperation lies in people and the relationships they build.
This year the event took place on 5 September 2026 in Augustów. It brought together beneficiaries from both countries to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and discuss future cooperation opportunities.
Participants were welcomed by Bogdan Dyjuk, Member of the Board of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, and Cezary Cieślukowski, Chair of the Regional Assembly, who highlighted the results that can be achieved through joint efforts across the border.
“Cross-border cooperation is not only about projects, but above all about people, relationships, and joint activities that benefit local communities,” said Konrad Kazaniecki, Mayor of Gołdap.
The programme combined networking with a range of activities, including workshops, a prize quiz, an outdoor team game, and a cruise on the Jaćwież ship. During the cruise, participants saw the modernised beaches on Lake Necko, developed through the project “Partnership of Health Resorts as the Basis for the Development of the Borderland”, implemented by Gołdap, Augustów, Druskininkai, and Birštonas.
The event also provided an opportunity to discuss the future of cross-border cooperation and how the future Interreg programme could better address the needs of the border region.
The meeting was organised by the Podlaskie Regional Contact Point, in cooperation with the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Regional Contact Point and the Joint Secretariat.