Where we are now
We are at the start of preparing the new programme. Estonia and Latvia have set up the Joint Programming Committee (JPC) to lead the work and agreed how it will be organised. On 25 September the JPC agreed on six thematic fields for further development and validation, and approved the stakeholder engagement plan.
Now we are discussing the programme area, analysing the needs and challenges of the border regions and starting to consult people and organisations on which obstacles and opportunities cross-border cooperation should address.
Last updated: October 2026
Explore
How the programme is prepared
The main steps, who is involved and where we are now.
Have your say
Surveys, consultations and events where you can share your ideas.
Stay informed and get involved
Is your organisation interested in cross-border cooperation after 2027? Join our contact list and we will:
Invite you to consultations and events
Ask for your ideas and feedback while we prepare the programme
Tell you when the European Commission approves the programme
Let you know when the programme opens for applicants
What happens at EU level
Nothing is final yet. The EU rules and budget for 2028-2034 are still being negotiated by the European Commission, EU member states in the Council and the European Parliament. The programme itself will be built taking into consideration the needs of the border regions and on what people and organisations in Estonia and Latvia tell us. The needs and expectations will be aligned with the EU and Interreg framework, and available resources.
Here are the main steps so far and what comes next.
16 July 2025
Done
Commission presents its proposal
The European Commission published its proposal for the EU budget for 2028-2034 and the rules for regional development funding, including Interreg. It proposed about €10 billion for Interreg across Europe.
Source: Proposal (EUR-Lex) | Interreg.eu
18 December 2025
Done
EU leaders set the goal
EU leaders agreed to aim for an agreement on the budget before the end of 2026, so that EU funding can continue without a break from January 2028.
Source: Council timeline
29 June 2026
Done
Member states agree their position on the rules
EU member states agreed their position on the regional development rules, including Interreg. The funding amounts are still being negotiated.
Source: Council press release
15 October 2026
Next
European Council meeting
The Irish presidency of the Council is asked to advance the budget negotiations by the European Council meeting on 15 October.
Source: Council timeline
End of 2026
Target
Agreement on the EU budget
EU leaders aim to agree on the overall budget for 2028-2034.
Source: Council timeline
2027
Target
Adoption of the rules
An agreement on the budget by the end of 2026 would allow the regulations to be adopted in 2027.
Source: Council timeline
1 January 2028
Target
New EU budget period starts
If the budget and rules are agreed at EU level in time, our new programme is expected to be approved during 2028. The first call for proposals will be launched shortly after the programme is approved.
Source: Council timeline
Last updated: 08.10.2026
