For the second consecutive year, the Interreg V-A Romania–Hungary Programme reached the finals of the prestigious RegioStars competition, organised by the European Commission — a mark of excellence awarded to projects funded by European funds that demonstrate real impact, innovation, replication potential, and contribution to territorial cohesion in the European Union. This year, the competition received a record number of 266 applications, out of which the jury selected 25 outstanding finalists across five categories.
The project Co-Cultured (ROHU 280): "Cross-border cooperation between the communities of Salonta and Gyula" was selected among the finalists in the category "A Europe closer to citizens – Sustainable development of all types of territories", an important recognition of its innovative character and remarkable impact in promoting the common cultural heritage of the Romanian-Hungarian border area.
Cross-border cooperation with solid results
"From common roots to a co-cultured future" – this is the motto of the project that has succeeded in building authentic bridges between communities and strengthening social cohesion by revitalising cultural ties between two neighbouring cities – Salonta (RO) and Gyula (HU) – separated by a border but united by cultural heritage.
Implemented between November 1st, 2018, and October 31st, 2019, under Priority Axis 6 – Promoting cross-border cooperation between institutions and citizens, with an ERDF budget of EUR 68,000, the Co-Cultured project aimed to promote cultural diversity and common traditions through intercultural dialogue, institutional cooperation (between the Municipality of Salonta – lead partner – and the City of Gyula – project partner) and the active involvement of citizens.
Culture – bridging communities
In an area where cross-border interactions have been limited, the project offered an innovative approach: a structured programme of cooperation through culture and art. Activities included:
These initiatives have created authentic spaces for meeting, dialogue and co-creation between the inhabitants of both cities.
Results above expectations
The project significantly exceeded its initial targets, registering 3,784 unique participants, compared to an estimated 2,050 – a clear indicator of the high interest in cross-border cultural cooperation.
The project events revitalized public spaces, encouraged community participation, and increased the visibility of local culture, especially in areas where access to cultural events was limited.
A sustainable model for the region's co-cultural future
Co-Cultured is the first project of its kind in the region, demonstrating how cultural heritage can be an active catalyst for social cohesion, revitalizing local identity, and building lasting relationships across borders.
The municipalities of Salonta and Gyula continued their activities after the end of the project, financing the organization of festivals, film screenings, and the promotion of the film Toldi, including online, from their resources— proof of their commitment and real engagement in the cultural development of the region.
Final stage: public vote and international jury
The RegioStars 2025 Finals will take place in October, during the European Week of Regions and Cities, in Brussels. In addition to the evaluation by the expert jury, the finalist projects can also be supported by public online voting, available from September 2nd to October 15th, 2025.
You are encouraged to support the Co-Cultured project at this crucial stage, to bring European recognition of successful cultural cooperation closer!
Additional information
🔗 Details about the project in the fact sheet and on the Facebook page.
🔗 Information about the RegioStars 2025 competition and public voting: Inforegio – REGIOSTARS Awards
