
Welcome to Art of Cooperation
ArtCo is more than just a series of conferences—it is a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform dedicated to fostering cooperation across Europe. Organized by the Széchenyi Programme Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Hungary, ArtCo 2024 was held during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This special edition, held on 13–15 November 2024, was organized in close partnership with the European Committee of the Regions, the Central European Service for Cross-Border Initiatives, the Association of European Border Regions, and the Hungarian Development Promotion Office.
The event brought together policymakers, Interreg practitioners, and experts to explore the future of Interreg. ArtCo serves as a unique platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and address the challenges shaping the post-2027 programming period, reaffirming cooperation as the foundation of solidarity and cohesion across borders.
If you are interested in what happened at the 2024 ArtCo conference, explore the agenda points to find detailed summaries of each workshop and session. Additionally, do not miss the photo and video gallery for highlights from the event.
Agenda 2024
The Art of Cooperation conference took place from 13 to 15 November 2024 as a three-day official partner event of the Hungarian EU Presidency.
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The Art of Cooperation conference began on 13 November 2024 with the István Pálfi Award Ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to cross-border cooperation, alongside the EGTC Award Ceremony of the Committee of the Regions. The second day featured opening keynote speeches and panel discussions, followed by three parallel afternoon events: Interreg workshops, CESCI sessions on addressing legal obstacles, and MFOI’s program, which explored topics such as regional development, directly managed EU funds, cohesion, and competitiveness, aligned with Hungary’s EU Presidency priorities. The day concluded with the launch of the European Cross-Border Platform, the kick-off of the b-solutions 3.0 project, and the presentation of the Interreg 35 Declaration. On the final day, participants had the opportunity to join a study visit to the border area of Esztergom (HU) and Štúrovo (SK).
Declaration on the future of Interreg
Széchenyi Programme Office together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and several Interreg Programmes have launched the INTERREG 35 Declaration, highlighting the importance and future existence of Interreg in promoting European values through cross-border, transnational, and interregional cooperation.
The Declaration will be presented at the ArtCo Conference on 14 November 2024, in Budapest. You are kindly asked to provide your written position by endorsing the declaration online, contributing to shaping the future of Interreg beyond 2027.
History
ArtCo’s objectives were first realized at the conference organised by the Széchenyi Programme Office on 17-18 October 2023 in Budapest, with the participation of more than 600 invited participants from 13 countries. The event focused on the most pressing challenges facing Interreg programmes in Central and Eastern Europe. The first day of the conference was attended by over 220 delegates, and the second day by over 400 invited delegates.
Workshop summaries 2023
Contact
If you have any questions to the organisers, please contact the ArtCo Team by filling in the form.