Interreg is widely considered as the main driver of cooperation in the EU, bringing a solid contribution to building the European identity. Interreg was a promoter of historical reconciliations and there are claims that the EU cohesion policy would not have been as successful as it is, without the contribution of the Interreg programmes.

Nevertheless, there are a number of centrally managed programmes which are supporting European cooperation in various thematic fields, as innovation (HORIZON), environment (LIFE), education and training (ERASMUS+), or culture (Creative Europe). Cooperation in most of these topics is also eligible for funding under Interreg Programmes.

We propose a discussion about the specific difference which individualizes the European territorial cooperation programmes, in comparison with other programmes and initiatives which promote international cooperation. What is the identity of Interreg and why is Interreg important and needed in the EU context?