Interreg in Zavrč: From shared heritage to new cross-border opportunities
Minister Kirbiš Rojs | Author Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development
Interreg Programme Slovenia–Croatia promotes cross-border cooperation between Slovenia and Croatia through numerous projects. One of the projects is Goldsmith Adventures which aims to develop active tourism around the gold-panning heritage of the border area. It recognises this tradition as a shared cultural asset of both countries and transforms it into a modern tourist product that connects people, places and experiences across the border and along the Drava River.
“These projects are important as they contribute to raising the visibility of rural areas. Our Ministry is committed to paying particular attention to disadvantaged border areas. While these areas are often recognised for their natural assets and beauties, they also hold significant development potential, as well as a wealth of knowledge and creativity,” said Minister Kirbiš Rojs.
The project has a total value of €1.2 million, with €968,612.67 in funding provided to the project partners Local Action Group Mura-Drava, municipalities of Donja Dubrava, Zavrč, Duplek, Tourist Board of Međimurje County and Development Agency Slovenske gorice from the European Regional Development Fund. Minister Kirbiš Rojs said on this occasion: “The value of EU funding is ultimately measured by its impact on the ground. It delivers its full value when it is perceived as relevant and beneficial by stakeholders and citizens, and when its impact is felt in everyday life, for example through the establishment of a new tourism route or partnership, when local heritage becomes a source of pride and a driver of future development or when children from two countries come together, form new friendships, learn from one another other and realise that they have more in common than what divides them. Such cooperation is therefore an investment in future.”
Minister Suzana Lep Šimenko also underlined the importance of involving young people in investments. “Government Office for Slovenians abroad places particular emphasis on bringing people together. We believe that cooperation, development, and the preservation of language, culture and shared heritage are built on strong mutual relations,” she said.
Croatian Minister Nataša Mikuš Žigman said: “Borders should not divide us. Instead, they should provide an opportunity for people from different communities to come together, implement projects and promote development. We live in turbulent times marked by numerous challenges. Cross-border projects and programmes provide an opportunity to address some of these challenges successfully. However, cooperation among people, local communities and institutions is key to the success of these projects.”
Mayor of the host municipality of Zavrč Slavko Pravdič thanked everyone who supported and took part in the project Goldsmith Adventures as well as those who made it possible for Zavrč to host the Interreg Cooperation Day. “Today, we celebrate cooperation, integration and friendship,” he said.
Ministers Kirbiš Rojs and Mikuš Žigman met on the sidelines of the event to exchange experiences of cooperation under different generations of Interreg Programme Slovenia-Croatia and share views and expectations regarding the 2028-2034 programming period.