As part of the celebration of Interreg Cooperation Day, the “Stronger Together” festival was successfully held on 16 September at Lake Oblačinsko in the Municipality of Merošina. The festival of art, entertainment and adventure, organised within the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–Serbia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027, attracted considerable interest and brought together a large number of citizens, children and senior officials from across the region.
The exhibition stands showcased numerous successful cross-border projects from the region, including projects implemented by the Regional Development Agency South (RDA South), the Centre for the Development of the Jablanica and Pčinja Districts, tourism organisations and local self-government units. Particular attention was drawn to the Emergency Situations Sector of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, which provided a fire engine and equipment as part of the RESPONSE strategic project. Through games and a competition in winding up firefighting hoses, the children had an opportunity to take on the role of firefighters and win appropriate prizes.
Following official addresses by representatives of the Municipality of Merošina and regional partners, the festival came to a spectacular conclusion on the lakeshore, where around 200 children had the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon ride.
It should be recalled that Interreg Cooperation Day has been celebrated for 15 years in countries participating in territorial cooperation programmes. The motto of this year’s celebration is “Stronger Together”, reflecting the fact that 2026 marks an anniversary year, commemorating 15 years since the launch of the campaign to promote cooperation among countries and shape the future of territorial cooperation programmes in Europe beyond 2026.
