Interreg Greece - Albania

27/08/2025

🇬🇷✨ Greece at Interreg in focus at the 89th TIF HELEXPO 2025!

Join us for the event “Greece’s Position in European Territorial Cooperation: Achievements and Prospects”

When?
🗓️ 7 September │ ⏰ 16:00-17:00 │

Where?
📍 Pavilion 15 (Ministry of National Economy & Finance).

👉 Discover achievements & future opportunities of European Territorial Cooperation programmes!

#ΔΕΘ

30/07/2025

🌍 Are you passionate about the future of European cooperation? This is your chance! ✨ The Interreg 2021-2027 Managing Authority along with Πανεπιστήμιο Μακεδονίας University of Macedonia invites all undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Department of International and European Studies to take part in our special student essay competition, celebrating 35 years of Interreg and the impact of cross-border projects. 🏆 Share your unique ideas, insights, or personal experiences on how cohesion policies and cross-border partnerships shape our regions and societies.

✍️ Submit your essay (up to 1,000 words) and compete for exciting prizes, public recognition and a chance to present your work at a commemorative event this October! 🙌 Your voice matters—speak up for the Europe you want to see and help shape tomorrow’s cooperation. Deadline: 30 September 2025.

Join us and make your perspective travel beyond borders! 🚀

https://greece-albania.eu/%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b4%ce%b9%ce%bf%cf%81%ce%b3%ce%ac%ce%bd%cf%89%cf%83%ce%b7-%cf%86%ce%bf%ce%b9%cf%84%ce%b7%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%8d-%ce%b4%ce%b9%ce%b1%ce%b3%cf%89%ce%bd%ce%b9%cf%83%ce%bc%ce%bf/

https://www.uom.gr/18116-syndiorganosh-foithtikoy-diagonismoy-sto-plaisio-eortasmoy-35-xronon-interreg

Αν είσαι φοιτητής ή φοιτήτρια (σε προπτυχιακό είτε μεταπτυχιακό επίπεδο) του Τμήματος Διεθνών και Ευρωπαϊκών Σπουδών του Πανεπιστημίου Μακεδονίας και έχεις άποψη ...

30/07/2025

Congratulations Interreg Greece-Italy for being a REGIOSTAR finalist!

Europe in my region

💧 Re-water - Eco technologies for the wastewater management is the 25 finalists of REGIOSTARS 2025 ‼️

We are so proud to be one of the 10 Interreg Programmes to be represented in the final of this great EU award 🏆

These projects are making a real impact in their regions and are shaping the future of Europe 💪🏻

Curious to see who are the other 24 finalists? Check them out 👇
https://ec.europa.eu/.../22-07-2025-commission-announces...

🗳️ Public voting opens on 2 September — stay tuned!



Europe in my region
Acquedotto Pugliese

30/07/2025

🌟 Save the Date! 🌟
Are you a beneficiary of the Interreg VI-A IPA Greece–Albania 2021-2027 programme 1st Call aproved projects?

Join us for our upcoming Info-Days on Project Implementation!

📆 When & Where:
16 September 2025 | Derviçan, Albania (Cultural Centre of Derviçan)
17 September 2025 | Kastoria, Greece (venue TBA)

Come meet representatives from the Managing Authority and Joint Secretariat and get essential guidance on:

✔️ Project start-up procedures
✔️ Funding & cash flows
✔️ Expenditure verification & eligibility
✔️ MIS guidance
✔️ Communication obligations and more!

Your participation is vital to ensure the smooth implementation of projects under the 1st Call. Make sure to visit our website for updates and registration info.

https://greece-albania.eu/news-events/

Haven’t registered as a “Project Partner” yet? Now is the time!

https://greece-albania.eu/register/

We look forward to seeing you at the Info-Days and working together for the success of our cross-border projects!

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

10/07/2025

CROSSROAD: Connecting Communities, Building Resilience! 🚗🌄

Big news for the border region! The CROSSROAD project is officially on the move, setting a new standard for sustainable, climate-resilient mobility between Greece and Albania. Supported by Interreg Greece - Albania VI-A IPA 2021–2027 Programme, this initiative is all about safer journeys, smarter solutions, and stronger cross-border ties.

🛣️ What’s Happening?
Reconstruction of 9,4 km of vital rural roads across Prespes 🇬🇷, Nestorio 🇬🇷, and Pustec 🇦🇱 —making travel smoother, safer, and accessible year-round, even in the toughest mountain conditions.

Upgraded infrastructure: new drainage, signage, guardrails, and pedestrian pathways for everyone—including those with reduced mobility.

Climate resilience in action: each municipality will carry out a climate vulnerability audit, mapping risks like floods and landslides and future-proofing their road networks.

Digital innovation: launching a multilingual, GDPR-compliant carpooling app for web and mobile—making shared, low-emission travel easy for locals and visitors alike! 📱🚙

Community at the heart: Info-days, awareness campaigns, and hands-on events to keep residents, commuters, and businesses engaged every step of the way.

🌍 Why It Matters
CROSSROAD is not just about roads—it’s about opportunity. By breaking isolation, supporting local economies, and protecting the environment, the project is paving the way for vibrant, connected communities on both sides of the border.

Faster, safer travel for over 10,000 residents and thousands of visitors each year.

Stronger local economies with better access to markets, services, and tourism.

Real climate action with sustainable, low-carbon mobility and infrastructure built to last.

🤝 Meet the Partners:

Municipality of Prespes - Δήμος Πρεσπών (Lead Beneficiary, Greece) 🇬🇷

Municipality of Nestorio - Δήμος Νεστορίου (Greece) 🇬🇷

Општина Пустец-Bashkia Pustec-Pustec Municipality (Albania) 🇦🇱

💡 Let’s Go Further—Together!
With innovative tools, green practices, and a spirit of cross-border cooperation, CROSSROAD is lighting the way to a brighter, more resilient future for all. Stay tuned for updates, events, and the launch of our carpooling app!

10/07/2025

WATERTRAP: Cleaner Waters, Greener Future for Prespa! 💧🌿

Big news for the Prespa region! The WATERTRAP project is making waves as the first cross-border initiative to bring smart, eco-friendly wastewater treatment to one of the Balkans’ most precious lakes. Implemented under Interreg Greece - Albania VI-A IPA Programme, WATERTRAP is all about protecting nature, public health and local livelihoods—together!

🌍 What’s WATERTRAP all about?

Zero untreated sewage: new sewer networks and state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Kottas, Vrondero (Greece 🇬🇷), and Tren (Albania 🇦🇱) will stop raw discharges and safeguard the shared Prespa Lake.

Powered by the sun: the Greek WWTPs will run on solar energy, cutting CO₂ emissions and municipal bills while keeping operations sustainable. ☀️🏭

Smart monitoring: IoT sensors and remote telemetry mean real-time data, fast troubleshooting and lower maintenance costs. 📡🔍

Nature & Local Community at the heart: the project flips WWTPs into living classrooms—hosting ecotours, school programs and citizen science labs to inspire the next generation of water stewards. 🚌👩‍🔬🌱

Joint Action Plan: one cross-border roadmap for wastewater investment and management, aligning Greece and Albania for lasting impact. 🤝📑

🚀 What Will Change?
Cleaner lakes and rivers, healthier habitats for wildlife and safer water for local communities.

Full wastewater treatment coverage in Tren 🇦🇱 and a leap from 63% to 80% in Prespes 🇬🇷.

New jobs and eco-tourism opportunities, turning environmental protection into a driver for local growth.

A model for carbon-neutral, low-cost sanitation that other rural areas can follow!

🤗 Who are the WATERTRAP partners?

Δήμος Πρεσπών - Municipality of Prespes (Greece)

UKKO Sh.A. - Korça Regional Company Water Supply and Sanitation JSC (Albania)

💡 Why It Matters

Prespa is a unique, cross-border treasure—home to rare species, rich traditions, and vibrant communities. By joining forces, Greece and Albania are showing that clean water, climate action, and community well-being go hand in hand.

Let’s keep our lakes blue, our skies clear, and our communities thriving—together! 💧🌿🤝

10/07/2025

SDSLeaD: Smart Solutions for Water, Across Borders! 💧🌍

Water is life — and the SDSLeaD (Smart Decision Support and Leakage Detection) project is here to make sure not a drop is wasted! This brand-new initiative, powered by the Interreg Greece - Albania VI-A IPA Programme, is bringing cutting-edge technology and teamwork to the fight against water loss in our cross-border region.

🚀 What’s SDSLeaD All About?

Detecting leaks before they become disasters: with real-time IoT sensors, smart meters, and advanced data analytics, SDSLeaD helps water utilities in Kozani (Greece) and Korce (Albania) spot and fix leaks fast—saving precious resources and protecting the environment.

Smarter water management: our Decision Support System (DSS) brings together SCADA systems, hydraulic modeling and predictive tools to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance. Less water lost, lower costs and fewer greenhouse gas emissions!

Building skills and sharing knowledge: From hands-on workshops and training sessions to a digital toolkit and policy recommendations, the project empowers local teams and spreads innovation across borders.

Community impact: Better water service, fewer disruptions, and a healthier environment for everyone—especially in areas facing drought, pollution, and climate change.

🌟 Meet the Partners
Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Kozani - Δημοτική Επιχείρηση Ύδρευσης και Αποχέτευσης Κοζάνης ΔΕΥΑΚ 🇬🇷

General Secretariat of Natural Environment and Water - Υπουργείο Περιβάλλοντος και Ενέργειας 🇬🇷

Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania (SHUKALB) - Shoqata Ujësjellës Kanalizime e Shqipërisë 🇦🇱

Korca Regional Company Water Supply and Sanitation JSC (UKKO Korce) - UKKO Sh.A. 🇦🇱

💡 Why It Matters

Water knows no borders! By joining forces, SDSLeaD is setting a new standard for sustainable water management and climate resilience in both Greece and Albania. Together, we’re protecting our shared rivers, supporting public health, and building a greener future for all.

Let’s make every drop count—smarter, together! 💧🤝🌱

09/07/2025

Today we worked with our super collaborative partners on two distinct projects that will further transform our eligible area!

🤝 With:

- Δήμος Δρόπολης Bashkia Dropull - Municipality of Dropull
- Δήμος Κεντρικών Τζουμέρκων - Municipality of Central Tzoumerka
- Δήμος Γ. Καραϊσκάκη - Municipality of Georgios Karaiskakis

we discussed the fine-tuning of the projects:

EXTROVERT ROADS 2.0: Paving the Way for Connected, Resilient Communities! 🚗🌄

A new journey for sustainable mobility has begun! EXTROVERT ROADS 2.0 is rolling out across Greece and Albania, building on the solid foundation of the successfully completed EXTROVERT ROADS project. This cross-border initiative is all about breaking isolation, boosting local economies and delivering safer, greener, and smarter road networks where they are needed most.

🌍 What’s New in EXTROVERT ROADS 2.0?

- Upgrading 8,5 km of municipal roads in some of the most remote and disadvantaged regions; thus ensuring residents, businesses and visitors enjoy safer and faster journeys.

- Innovative self-illuminating road markings: using photoluminescent technology, these markings improve safety with zero energy consumption - even in the darkest mountain stretches!

- XT-ROADS digital tool: a brand-new, open-access platform for assessing the environmental footprint of road projects, helping municipalities plan greener, more cost-effective infrastructure for the years to come.

- Joint training and knowledge exchange: local technical teams are being upskilled to use the latest digital tools and sustainable practices, ensuring the benefits last long after the project ends.

🔗 Building on Success: Capitalisation with EXTROVERT ROADS

EXTROVERT ROADS 2.0 directly capitalises on the achievements of the original EXTROVERT ROADS project, which modernised over 5,5 km of rural roads and proved how cross-border cooperation can transform isolated areas into vibrant corridors of opportunity. The new project expands this vision, introducing next-generation solutions and digital innovation to multiply the impact for local communities.

🚦 Why It Matters

- Reduces travel times and boosts road safety for thousands of residents and visitors.
- Supports local entrepreneurship and tourism by making rural areas more accessible.
- Promotes climate-friendly infrastructure and digital transformation in public works.
- Strengthens cross-border ties, showing what is possible when communities work together for a common future.

A heartfelt thank you to all partners and supporters for driving forward this vision of connected, sustainable, and resilient border regions!

Let’s keep moving forward—one road, one community, one innovation at a time! 🚗🌄🛣️🌱



GAPs Project: Lighting the Way to Pristine Skies! 🌌✨

Light pollution is a hidden threat - one that most of us overlook, but it is quietly impacting our environment, wildlife, and even our health. That’s why the GAPs (Green Actions for Pristine Skies) project is breaking new ground as the first cross-border initiative in Greece and Albania to tackle this challenge head-on! 🌍🤝

With support from the Interreg Greece - Albania VI-A IPA 2021-2027 Programme, GAPs is transforming public lighting from a source of pollution into a model for ecological sustainability and innovation. The project is rolling out new “dark infrastructures” in three partner municipalities, covering over 1.200 hectares and benefiting more than 10.000 residents. These upgraded lighting systems use ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles and fully shielded luminaires, cutting electricity use by 65% and virtually eliminating light spill - so our towns stay safe, but our skies stay dark and full of stars. 🌠🔦🌱

But GAPs is about more than just new streetlights:

- Self-illuminating, zero-energy paths and road markings using photoluminescent technology - no electricity required, just safe, glowing walkways that do not disturb nature. 🚶‍♂️🌃

- Pristine Skies City Network: connecting communities to protect biodiversity and promote astrotourism. Imagine stargazing in a true “Dark Sky Oasis”! 🌌🔭

- GAPs Green Paper & Smart EcoLighting Web-Designer: strategic guidelines and an open-access digital tool for municipalities and planners to design responsible, nature-friendly lighting for years to come. 💡📘🖥️

- Hands-on events, school programs, and citizen science activities: everyone from students to local businesses can get involved in protecting the night. 🏫👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🌙

Together, we’re not just saving energy — we are protecting habitats, boosting local tourism and helping our communities rediscover the beauty of the night. Let us keep our skies pristine and our nights full of stars! 🌙💡🌱✨

08/07/2025

MINOR-MED: Bringing Healthcare to Every Remote Community! 🏔️🚑

Healthcare should not be a matter of geography—and with the launch of MINOR-MED (Minority Inclusive Medical Outreach for Remote Mountainous Areas in Greece and Albania), we are making sure it isn’t! This innovative cross-border project is on a mission to deliver quality medical care and digital health solutions to some of the most remote and underserved regions along the Greece–Albania border.

🌟 What Makes MINOR-MED Special?

Mobile Medical Units: Equipped with telemedicine and advanced diagnostic tools, our teams are reaching isolated villages, offering on-the-spot consultations and emergency care. 🚐🩺

Telemedicine for All: Real-time digital platforms connect local clinics with urban specialists, ensuring rapid diagnoses and expert advice—no matter the distance. 💻📡

AI-Driven Support: Smart triage and decision-support systems help healthcare workers respond faster and more effectively in emergencies. 🤖⚡

Capacity Building: Joint training programs empower doctors, nurses, and responders on both sides of the border to use the latest medical technologies and protocols. 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

Inclusive Outreach: Special focus on minority and vulnerable groups—ensuring everyone, regardless of background, receives the care they deserve. 🧑‍🦳👵🧑‍🦯

🤝 Who’s Involved?
NSRF Executive Agency – Ministry of Health Υπουργείο Υγείας 🏛️

Municipality of Finiq Δήμος Φοινικαίων-Bashkia Finiq 🏞️

General Hospital of Filiates 🏥

Athena Research Center 🧠

NGO Diagnosis Med 🌍

🚀 Why It Matters
Bridging the healthcare gap for over 5,000 residents in hard-to-reach areas, reducing travel times and costs for urgent care.

Fostering cross-border solidarity and knowledge exchange, setting a new standard for rural healthcare in the eligible area.

Greener, smarter healthcare: By reducing unnecessary travel and using energy-efficient tech, MINOR-MED supports both public health and the environment.

A heartfelt thank you to all partners and professionals for making inclusive, resilient, and innovative healthcare a reality in our border regions!

Let’s keep building healthier, more connected mountain communities—together! 🏔️🚑💙🤖🌍

08/07/2025

Epirus Med Eye: Pioneering Public Health Across Borders! 👁️🌍

A big step forward for cross-border healthcare! The Epirus Med Eye project has officially kicked off with its first meeting between project beneficiaries and the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat (MA/JS) under the Interreg Greece - Albania 2021–2027 programme.

🚑 Why This Matters

Interreg Greece – Albania programme is making public health a top priority—bringing advanced medical technology and digital innovation directly to the people who need it most. By focusing on remote and less privileged areas, Epirus Med Eye project is breaking down barriers to quality healthcare and ensuring that no one is left behind.

🌄 What’s New?

Telemedicine & Digital Tools: Cutting-edge technology will connect rural clinics in Dropull and Epirus with top specialists, so residents can get expert care without long journeys. 💻📡

Mobile Medical Teams: Equipped to reach even the most isolated villages, these teams will deliver check-ups, screenings and consultations on the spot. 🚐🩺

Modernised Health Centers: Upgrades and new equipment mean faster, more accurate diagnoses and better treatment for everyone, everywhere. 🏥🔬

Training for Local Staff: Empowering health professionals with the latest skills and tools to serve their communities. 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

🤝 Project Partners

NSRF Executive Agency – Ministry of Health Υπουργείο Υγείας 🇬🇷

General Hospital of Ioannina "G. Chatzikosta" Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Ιωαννίνων "Γ. Χατζηκώστα" 08/2016-01/2020 🇬🇷

Municipality of Dropull Δήμος Δρόπολης Bashkia Dropull 🇦🇱

NGO Diagnosis Med 🇦🇱

🤝 Cross-Border Impact

By uniting Greek and Albanian partners, Epirus Med Eye is building a resilient, inclusive healthcare network that puts people first—regardless of geography or income. This is what European cooperation looks like in action: innovation, accessibility, and solidarity across borders!

🙏 Thank You to All Partners
A heartfelt thanks to every organization and professional involved for making health and dignity accessible to all!

Let’s open our eyes to a healthier, more connected future—together! 👁️🌍🚑💙

07/07/2025

MediLink: Bridging Borders for Better Health! 🌍🏥

Public health knows no boundaries—and neither does the MediLink project! Today, we’re excited to spotlight this transformative cross-border initiative, uniting Greece and Albania to deliver high-quality, accessible healthcare for all.

🚑 What Makes MediLink Stand Out?

State-of-the-art medical equipment: A new digital angiography system in Ioannina and a 64-slice CT scanner in Gjirokaster will revolutionize diagnostics and emergency care on both sides of the border.

Telemedicine in action: Remote consultations and digital health solutions mean faster, more accurate diagnoses—no matter where you live! 📱💻

Joint training & knowledge exchange: Medical professionals from both countries are teaming up to share expertise, elevate standards, and respond to emergencies together. 🤝👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

Seamless patient care: A cross-border study and action plan will streamline patient flows, reduce unnecessary transfers, and ensure everyone gets the care they need, when they need it.

Lasting impact: By building a durable network of hospitals and embedding innovation into daily practice, MediLink is setting a new standard for resilient, inclusive healthcare in the region.

🌟 Why It Matters
MediLink directly tackles healthcare disparities, empowers local communities, and strengthens emergency response—making sure that borders never stand in the way of good health.

A heartfelt thank you to the University Hospital of Ioannina Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Ιωαννίνων and Regional Hospital "Omer Nishani" Gjirokaster Spitali Rajonal Gjirokaster ,, our partners for championing a healthier, more connected future for everyone!

🇬🇷🇪🇺🇦🇱

Let’s build healthier borders, together! 🏥🌍💙

07/07/2025

🌍✨
What an inspiring start! The RISTOR project partners from Greece and Albania gathered for their very first get-together at the MA/JS premises in Thessaloniki. This lively meeting marks the beginning of an ambitious cross-border journey to transform abandoned rural buildings into vibrant Centres for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism.

🇪🇺 RISTOR is all about revitalising rural communities in the regions of East Zagori (Greece🇬🇷) and Dardha (Albania🇦🇱).

The project will:

- Restore and repurpose two municipal buildings into accessible innovation hubs.

- Offer training, business incubation, and networking for local entrepreneurs, youth, women, and creatives.

- Foster sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and climate resilience.

- Build a digital community for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.

- Promote cross-border cooperation, inclusive growth, and new tourism experiences for all.

- With over 100 professionals trained, 30+ new tourism offerings developed, and 2,500+ visitors expected annually, RISTOR is set to make a real impact!

Meet the Partners 🤝

Δήμος Ζαγορίου - Municipality of Zagori 🇬🇷 (Lead partner)

Bashkia Korce - Municipality of Korca 🇦🇱

P2P Lab - Research Organization for the Commons and Peer to Peer Practices 🇬🇷

Observatory for Children and Youth Rights 🇦🇱

Impact Hub Athens - Impact Hub Labs NGO 🇬🇷

Together, these partners bring expertise in local governance, community engagement, inclusive tourism, research and innovation.

🌱 Stay tuned as we share stories, milestones, and opportunities from this exciting collaboration!