IPA-CBC programmes are a part of Interreg, one of the Cohesion Policy objectives. Designed specifically to prepare the beneficiary countries for successful participation in the Cohesion Policy after accession, they are functioning in their unique environment. The new regulatory framework of 2021-2027 period brings Interreg programmes among member states, and programmes involving IPA counties ever closer.

While the cooperation programmes among IPA countries function under a different legal framework they nevertheless operate in largely the same geographical areas as those of the Interreg IPA, with large overlaps in communication challenges they face.

Moreover, the high interest from both Interreg IPA and IPA-IPA programmes in communication network meetings and training sessions demonstrates the demand and need to address specific communication issues in IPA cross border cooperation and discuss them in depth.

To address the specific needs, Interact has prioritised providing tailored services to IPA CBC programmes, with emphasis on communication. As a first step, together with the CBIB+ project, Interact has gatheried the communication officers of these programmes in a network meeting.

The meeting aimed to:
– identify communication challenges specific to IPA CBC programmes
– exchange experience on these challenges
– define the scope of IPA CBC Communication network and its future activities
– gather the needs of communication practitioners of IPA CBC programmes

This online evet was organised on 8 March 2022 by Interact programme in close cooperation with CBIB+3 project.