Every year around 21 September, people across Europe and beyond celebrate something that touches all our lives: cooperation across borders. Since 2012, Interreg Cooperation Day has reminded us of a simple truth: Europe works better when we work together. This year felt especially meaningful as it also marked 35 years of Interreg.
Creativity as a Bridge
To honour this milestone, the Interreg ROHU Programme joined forces with one of the projects it finances, Communities through art | ROHU 435, for a vibrant celebration in Szeged. Together, we turned culture into a bridge for dialogue and connection.
One of the highlights was the creation of the Interreg 35 Canvas at the Romanian Cultural Institute in Szeged, guided by artist Adél Kiss and brought to life by talented young artists from Romania and Hungary, together with project partners and the representatives of the programme bodies. This living artwork symbolized how creativity can unite communities across borders.
Opening moments and messages
On 18 September, the Opening Ceremony at Grand Café Szeged brought a joint inauguration of Adél Kiss’s new mural and a street‑art photography exhibition. Ms Ruxandra Țuțuianu, Head of Department at the Interreg ROHU Managing Authority, delivered remarks marking the occasion and setting the tone for three days of culture, dialogue, and shared celebration.
While in Szeged for the celebration, we also met H.E. Mr. Florin Vasiloni, Consul General of Romania in Szeged. A steadfast supporter of the ROHU Programme and the Romanian community, His Excellency underlined the essential role of culture in strengthening cross‑border cooperation and highlighted how young artists can act as ambassadors of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
A Festival of Art, Youth, and Film
Over three days, Szeged became a hub of cultural exchange. The program featured the unveiling of a striking mural by Adél Kiss, a street‑art photography exhibition, and the official opening at Grand Café Szeged, where inspiring speeches set the tone for the celebration. Guests enjoyed film screenings, including the Romanian documentary Why Do They Write on Walls, followed by a roundtable with its director, live concerts, DJ sessions, an immersive VR film showcase, and guided street art tours. The mix of art, music, and dialogue created an unforgettable atmosphere of creativity and cooperation.
Thank you to our hosts and partners
The ROHU Programme expresses its sincere appreciation to the Romanian General Consulate in Szeged for continuous support to the local Romanian community and to cross-border cooperation. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the Romanian Cultural Institute in Szeged for hosting us and joining the celebration, and to the project partners, Anthropolis (Hungary) and citizenit (Romania) for making all these inspiring activities possible.
Looking back - and ahead
Thirty‑five years of Interreg show that cooperation is more than a word, it’s a daily practice that brings people together, sparks creativity, and builds a better future for all. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Szeged to celebrate Interreg Cooperation Day 2025. Here is to many more years of partnership and shared achievements!
