Izola becomes the centre of European macro-regional cooperation for three days

15. 9. 2026

Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development

The 11th Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week has begun in Izola under the slogan Macro-Regional Strategies in Action: What Becomes Possible. This year’s event focuses on the successful examples of cooperation in the fields of environmental protection, climate change, sustainable mobility, and innovation. State Secretary Rok Šimenc also attended the event.

Udeleženci dogodka z državnim sekretarjem Šimencem. — Author Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development

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Nearly 200 representatives from 17 European countries will gather in Izola from 15 to 17 September to discuss the future of European macro-regional cooperation, sustainable development, and joint solutions to the challenges facing the Mediterranean, Adriatic-Ionian, Danube, and Alpine regions.

Over the past eleven years, the event has grown into one of Europe’s most important platforms for dialogue among representatives of European institutions, national governments, regions, municipalities, research organisations, and project partners. This year’s event emphasises the importance of cooperation in creating tangible solutions for people and communities.

At the opening ceremony, State Secretary Rok Šimenc underlined the close connection between Cohesion Policy and macro-regional cooperation, emphasising the role of municipalities and regions as drivers of European integration.

The three-day event, taking place at the Manzioli Palace in Izola, will feature a series of expert discussions, workshops and meetings.