Catching the Waves of Cooperation: from projects to a shared vision for the Adriatic
06/10/2026
What does cross-border cooperation look like in practice? A new video from the Interreg Italy–Croatia 2021–2027 Programme answers this question through the stories of two projects and the voices of young people from across the cooperation area.
BRIGANTINE and FishNoWaste offer just two examples of the work being carried out through the Programme.
BRIGANTINE is developing innovative approaches to monitor and protect marine and coastal ecosystems, while FishNoWaste is working to reduce waste generated by fishing activities and promote more sustainable fisheries.
Different challenges, different solutions, but the same principle: cooperation across borders can help Italy and Croatia address shared challenges together.
And these are only two examples. Across the cooperation area, projects are working within the Programme’s five priorities to support a greener and more resilient Adriatic, strengthen innovation and competitiveness, improve sustainable connectivity, enhance cooperation and governance, and make the region more inclusive and connected to its communities.
Together, these projects are turning shared priorities into concrete action – from protecting marine ecosystems and supporting the blue economy to promoting research and innovation, more sustainable transport and stronger cooperation between institutions, businesses and local communities.
The new video also looks ahead, focusing on one of the Programme’s cross-cutting themes: young people.
If cooperation is about shaping the future of the Adriatic, young people need to be part of that conversation. This is why the Programme is creating opportunities to listen to their ideas, understand their expectations and involve them in thinking about the future of Italy-Croatia cooperation.
This was the focus of Youth4Sea – Ideas for the Future of Italy-Croatia Cooperation, held in Ancona on 25 May 2026. The event brought together young people from across the cooperation area with projects, experts and institutions to discover what is already being achieved through Interreg and to discuss what should come next.
Through discussions, exchanges and collaborative activities, participants explored their vision for the future of the Adriatic. Their ideas were brought together in a shared Youth Vision Board, highlighting aspirations for a region that is more sustainable, better connected and richer in opportunities for study, work and life.
The message is clear: the projects supported by Interreg Italy–Croatia are already helping shape change across the Adriatic. Listening to young people means making sure that this change also reflects the aspirations of the generations who will shape the region in the years to come.
From concrete projects to new ideas, cooperation is already creating momentum for a greener, fairer and more connected Adriatic.
