# EU cross-border cooperation funding in the Balkans

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-cross-border-cooperation-funding-in-the-balkans
> Updated: 2026-10-22T09:40:14.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The European Union is providing financial support for cross-border cooperation initiatives between neighboring countries. 

In Montenegro and Kosovo, the Montenegrin Ministry of Finance has utilized a €5.4 million allocation from the EU’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III) for the Montenegro-Kosovo Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027. This funding supports 12 projects with a total value exceeding €6.6 million when including co-financing. These initiatives focus on youth employment, sustainable tourism, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Similarly, Greece and Bulgaria have signed agreements for 21 projects under the Interreg VI-A Greece-Bulgaria 2021–2027 program, totaling €33.4 million. These projects target the green transition, environmental protection, education, social inclusion, and cultural heritage across various regions in both nations.

## Claims

- Greece and Bulgaria signed agreements for 21 cross-border projects. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The total budget for the 21 projects is €33.4 million. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The projects are part of the Interreg VI-A Greece-Bulgaria 2021–2027 program. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Six projects for green transition and circular economy have a budget of €9.7 million. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Six projects for environmental protection and biodiversity have a budget of €9.7 million. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Three projects for education and social inclusion have a budget of €4.2 million. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Six projects for cultural heritage and sustainable tourism have a budget of €9.6 million. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A total of 87 organizations are participating, with 39 from Bulgaria and 48 from Greece. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Greece and Bulgaria sign €33.4 million for 21 cross-border projects

Greece and Bulgaria signed €33.4 million in funding for 21 Interreg cross-border projects focusing on the green transition, environment, education, and sustainable tourism.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-and-bulgaria-sign-334-million-for-21-cross-border-projects

### 2026-10-19: EU allocates €5.4 million for Montenegro-Kosovo cross-border projects

Montenegro and Kosovo have secured €5.4 million in EU IPA III funds for 12 cross-border projects focused on youth employment, sustainable tourism, and cultural heritage preservation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-allocates-54-million-for-montenegro-kosovo-cross-border-projects

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Cite as: EU cross-border cooperation funding in the Balkans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-cross-border-cooperation-funding-in-the-balkans