The new edition of the #EuropaSeSiente Project Competition is now underway. This competition, organised by the Directorate-General for European Funds (Ministry of Finance of Spain), once again aims to raise awareness and increase public understanding of the results and added value of European funds in Spain.

These awards are the best opportunity to highlight projects that transform neighbourhoods, change lives and demonstrate that Europe can be felt in every corner of the country.

For this reason, POCTEP encourages project beneficiaries to share their success stories so that the 2026 edition becomes the largest and most exciting one yet.

• More about previous editions of the competition and the participation of POCTEP projects

What’s new in 2026

The 2026 edition introduces several new features to make the competition more participatory, dynamic and aligned with current strategic challenges:

• New Category #EuropaMovesYou: Strategic Autonomy: This year, the special category focuses on the Union’s sovereignty and resilience, rewarding large-scale projects in digital technologies, biotechnology, clean energy and critical infrastructure.
• Popular Vote Semi-finals: The 48 pre-selected projects will be subject to public voting. The EuropaSeSiente 2026 website will host the vote, where citizens will choose the 3 finalists in each category.
• A “Eurovision”-style Final: The final stage at the Annual Event will combine the assessment of a technical jury (60%) with a live public vote (40%) to select the winners in each category.
• Double Golden Star: For the first time, two top awards will be presented: the Jury Golden Star and the Public Golden Star, further increasing recognition and visibility for the best projects.

Which projects can apply

Only completed projects will be considered, meaning that all planned activities must have been carried out and the operation certified or declared closed by the beneficiary or the Managing Authority, regardless of whether the final balance payment is still pending accounting execution.

POCTEP projects interested in applying are kindly requested to inform the Joint Secretariat of their intention to participate and/or submit an application.

Categories

Projects submitted to the competition must apply under one of the following six categories:

1. #EuropaSeSiente Competitive Category
2. #EuropaSeSiente Green Category
3. #EuropaSeSiente Connected Category
4. #EuropaSeSiente Social Category
5. #EuropaSeSiente Close-to-You Category
6. #EuropaMovesYou: Strategic Autonomy Category

Calendar and key dates

• Until 12 June: Deadline for submitting applications through the official form.
• 29 June: Official announcement of the semi-finalist projects.
• Until 31 July: Deadline for semi-finalists to submit their 3-minute short videos.
• Second half of September: Online semi-finals and public voting.
• November: Grand final during the 2026 Annual Event (venue to be confirmed).

Information and rules

All information and the competition rules are available on the European funds portal:

• Competition rules
• Access the application form

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Why is Europe important for cross-border citizenship? What role has the European Union played in the development of Spain and Portugal over the past 40 years? These are some of the questions that will shape a new edition of “Plazas de Europa”, organized by the European Commission.

The initiative, which will take place on May 19 in Villanueva del Fresno (Badajoz), aims to bring European institutions closer to citizens and highlight the impact of cooperation between both countries, especially through the Interreg Spain–Portugal Programme (POCTEP). Within this framework, five approved projects will be presented as examples of the benefits of cross-border cooperation.

Under the slogan “40 years improving life in La Raya”, the event will start at 6:00 p.m. in the Plaza de España and will bring together institutional representatives and experts to analyze Europe’s role in border regions.

Among the participants are the mayor of Villanueva del Fresno, Ramón Díaz Farías; the spokesperson of the European Commission Representation in Spain, María Canal Fontcuberta; and the Director General of Regional Financing and European Funds of the Regional Government of Extremadura, Rosa María Ramos Cotrina.

POCTEP Projects

One of the central focuses of the event will be cross-border cooperation and its impact on citizens’ daily lives. In this context, initiatives will be presented focusing on forest fire prevention, managing risks derived from climate change, promoting sustainable tourism, and boosting social entrepreneurship in the region.

The following POCTEP projects will be presented:

• EFES Impact – Support ecosystem for innovative and inclusive social entrepreneurship in the cross-border region. Regional Ministry of Economy, Business and Trade of the Government of Extremadura.
• GITEUROACE CON VIDA – POCTEP – Cross-border Initiatives Office of the EUROACE Euroregion – Directorate General for European Affairs and External Action of the Government of Extremadura.
• RAT EOS PC – Early warning networks for remote sensing of risks derived from climate change via Earth observation satellites for civil protection response – POCTEP – Directorate General for Civil Protection and Emergency Response of the Government of Extremadura.
• FIREPOCTEP – University of Extremadura.
• CAMINO VERTICAL – Technology and Digitalization Area of the Provincial Council of Badajoz.

The event will conclude with a social gathering featuring local products, in an initiative that combines institutional outreach and regional promotion.

With this edition, “Plazas de Europa” focuses on four decades of European integration and on the tangible benefits that cooperation between Spain and Portugal has brought to areas such as La Raya.

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The University of Salamanca, through the International Centre on Ageing (CENIE), presented on Monday, May 11, at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, the final report of the research The Right to Care and the Care Economy in Spain. The event featured the participation of the Managing Authority and the national authority of POCTEP.

The study is part of the cross-border cooperation project IBERLONGEVA, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 Programme, and it offers a particularly relevant reflection in the current context of increasingly ageing societies: care and the right to be cared for must be understood as a fundamental social right. According to the report, this right cannot depend exclusively on families nor be conditioned by place of residence, economic situation, or the existence of personal support networks.

DOWNLOAD THE STUDY: RIGHT TO CARE

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The research also highlights the importance of this issue in the Spanish–Portuguese cross-border area, where phenomena such as population ageing, depopulation, territorial dispersion, and difficulties in accessing services create common challenges on both sides of the border. In this context, the care economy also emerges as an opportunity for job creation, strengthening proximity services, retaining population, and promoting new dynamics of economic and social development.

The study proposes moving towards a more just, co-responsible, and territorially balanced care model, adapted to the challenges of longevity. It also highlights the role of care as a central element of the welfare state and as a strategic area for the future of the cross-border territory.

The presentation event will include the participation of the Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030, Pablo Bustinduy. The full content of the report will also be presented, as it is currently in its final review phase prior to publication.

The organisation highlighted the value of the results achieved within the POCTEP programme, which is promoting cross-border cooperation projects with a direct impact on quality of life, social innovation, and the development of increasingly ageing societies.

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Once again, the European initiative b-solutions 3.0 by the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR) returns with its call for new cases open until 30 June 2026. The initiative aims to address legal and administrative obstacles that hinder cross-border cooperation across Europe.

The programme, promoted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and managed by the Association of European Border Regions (AEBR), seeks to improve the governance of cooperation between border territories, in line with the Interreg Specific Objective (ISO) 1: “A better cooperation governance”.

The call is aimed at public bodies and cross-border cooperation structures located along borders between European Union countries, as well as between EU states, EFTA countries, and IPA countries.

Selected applications will receive support from experts specialised in the thematic area of the identified obstacle and familiar with the relevant border context. These professionals will analyse the existing legal or administrative barriers, conduct interviews, and prepare a report outlining possible solutions. The experts will be contracted and remunerated directly by AEBR.

The application form can be completed in any official European Union language and is based on only four criteria, with applications assessed on a rolling basis.

In addition, the organisation provides interested stakeholders with a communication toolkit including editable graphic materials to support dissemination of the call.

More information and access to the application form are available on the official website of b-solutions 3.0.

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The border parish of Alegrete (Portalegre) has become a point of eurorregional attention by hosting the presentation of the CROSSRURAL_HUB_EUROACE project, an initiative aimed at retaining, boosting, and connecting talent in rural areas of the EUROACE.

In this way, the goal is to promote more attractive living conditions in rural areas within the cross-border cooperation eurorregion formed by the Central region of Portugal, the Portuguese Alentejo, and Extremadura, conceiving the border as a space for connection and opportunity to share knowledge, technology, and best practices.

With a budget exceeding €3.2 million, co-financed by the European Union through the Spain–Portugal Interreg Programme (POCTEP) 2021–2027, the project aims to address the demographic challenge through cross-border cooperation until December 2028. Coordinated by the Directorate-General for Rural Development of the Regional Government of Extremadura, and with the participation of twelve other public and private entities, the project pays special attention to young people and women, recognizing their role in revitalizing rural areas.

Cooperation and co-creation

The launch of CROSSRURAL_HUB_EUROACE was marked by an event held in Alegrete (Portugal), attended by institutional representatives, social stakeholders, and technical profiles from the thirteen beneficiary entities on both sides of the border, joined by representatives of the Parish Council, local actors, and members of the CCDR.

Rui Manuel Perestrelo, councillor of the Municipality of Portalegre, welcomed the project partners, thanked the choice of venue for the launch, and presented some of the region’s challenges. Mª de los Ángeles Muriel González, Director-General for Rural Development of the Regional Government of Extremadura and coordinating entity of the project, highlighted the opportunity it represents to strengthen cross-border cooperation and energize the eurorregional rural territory, emphasizing the strength of the partnership and valuing the intangible assets of rural areas, with Alegrete serving as the perfect setting to launch the project and to cross borders in the challenge of retaining young talent in our territories. António José Pombo, President of the Parish Council of Alegrete, underlined the local commitment to development that values rural identity and improves the population’s quality of life.

Meanwhile, Claudia Cavaco Henriques, representing CCDR Alentejo, pointed out the strategic importance of promoting projects that connect innovation, sustainability, and territorial cohesion on both sides of the border.

The co-creation workshop had the essential objective of strengthening cohesion among project partners. It brought together more than 35 participants and focused on exploring how to change perceptions of rural environments to attract and retain young talent in EUROACE.

SOCIAL INCLUSION, TALENT RETENTION AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

Throughout its implementation, dissemination and training activities, support actions, and network-building initiatives will be developed to facilitate the adaptation of local stakeholders to new technologies, enabling the identification of needs, the design of personalized pathways, and the promotion of social and employment inclusion.

In addition, “CROSSRURAL_HUB_EUROACE” will promote pilot programmes linked to social, digital, and technological innovation, as well as a set of services and infrastructures aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the territory.

The project is led by the Directorate-General for Rural Development of the Regional Government of Extremadura and involves the Directorate-General for External Action, the Extremadura Rural Development Network (REDEX), the FUNDECYT Foundation – Science and Technology Park of Extremadura, the Maimona Foundation, the Provincial Council of Badajoz, and the Provincial Council of Cáceres. The consortium also includes the Social Innovation Incubator of Baixo Alentejo, the Municipality of Fundão, the Competence Centre for the Social Economy, the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, the Intermunicipal Community of Baixo Alentejo (CIMBAL), and the Municipality of Beja.

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A Agência para o Desenvolvimento e Coesão has launched the 2nd edition of the Portugal European Funds Awards, an initiative designed to recognise and showcase projects funded by the European Union that generate a positive impact on the country’s economic, social and territorial development. These awards distinguish good practices in the use of European funds, rewarding innovative and sustainable initiatives with concrete results in improving citizens’ quality of life.

As the main novelty, this edition includes a new category dedicated to European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), aimed at distinguishing initiatives that promote partnerships between regions, knowledge sharing and the development of joint solutions with direct territorial impact. The relevance of POCTEP projects (Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Interreg Spain–Portugal) is highlighted due to their contribution to strengthening cooperation between both countries. The call therefore represents a strategic opportunity to showcase the results achieved by these initiatives and their impact on border regions.

ADC calls on beneficiaries of the POCTEP programme to actively participate in this call and submit their applications. Likewise, interested parties are requested to inform the Joint Secretariat of their intention to submit an application.

How to submit the application:

The call regulations and the application form are available at the following link: Prémios dos Fundos Europeus | Turn your project into a European star!!

Which projects are eligible?

Eligible projects are those that have been started and completed between 1 January 2021 and the opening date of applications for the 2nd edition of the award. Projects are considered completed when all planned activities have been carried out and they are physically and financially finalised, have received the final payment, and have been formally declared completed in accordance with applicable legislation.

Who can submit the application?

Applications must be submitted by the Portuguese beneficiary (not necessarily the project lead).

Deadline:

The deadline for submitting applications is 17 July 2026.

Next steps

Finalists will be required to deliver a pitch to present their project during the awards ceremony, scheduled, in principle, for the last quarter of 2026, during the Portugal Funds Showcase. This presentation must be delivered by a Portuguese beneficiary of the finalist project.

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RURALPYME DIGITAL defined a support model for digital transformation adapted to small rural businesses. The work combined diagnosis, planning, and implementation of improvements, resulting in a practical and transferable methodology. Tools and collaboration spaces were also developed to strengthen joint work between organisations.

The meeting brought together public and private entities, technical staff, and companies to present the developed model, share results, and explain its continuation in a new phase already approved under the POCTEP programme. During the session, the model was explained, along with its application and its alignment with digitalisation and rural development policies, as well as its cross-border implementation.

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Future lines of work

The project was led by the Andanatura Foundation and involved the participation of the Provincial Council of Huelva, PRODETUR (Provincial Council of Seville), IEDT (Provincial Council of Cádiz), ADRAL, ACRAL, and Tertúlia Algarvia, in a collaboration between entities on both sides of the border. Cooperation between organisations in Andalusia, the Algarve, and Alentejo made it possible to share approaches and work with common criteria.

The session was primarily aimed at public administrations, development agencies, and other entities linked to digitalisation and rural development.

Future lines of work were also presented, ensuring continuity of the project. With this session, which concluded with an exchange space between participating organisations and companies, one phase was closed and a new stage within cross-border cooperation was opened.

Updated on 29/04/26 – published on 13/03/2026

PLAYLIST: more about RURALPYME AAA project

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The auditorium of the Jesús Delgado Valhondo Library in Mérida will host, on 7 May, the “ActivaMente: Healthy Ageing” conference, an event that will take place from 09:30 to 13:30 and is open to all members of the public interested in improving quality of life in later life.

Organised within the framework of the SER65+ project, these conferences aim to address active ageing from different perspectives, combining practical experience with research and innovation. Throughout the morning, several talks will be presented focusing on key areas such as senior living, healthcare, the revitalisation of senior centres, and the role of technology in the well-being of older people.

• VIEW EVENT PROGRAMME

In addition to the conferences, the event will include a coffee space designed to promote the sharing of experiences and networking between participants and speakers.

The programme will feature leading professionals in the sector. Manuel Cid, neuropsychologist, will present the session “Senior living as an element of health and well-being. The Home Living offer”. Meanwhile, Juan Luis Llanos, director of the Miajadas Senior Centre, will address “Active ageing in the network of SEPAD senior centres”. From an international perspective, Bruno Morgado, Director of Primary Healthcare at ULS Guarda (Portugal), will share the presentation “Research in Primary Healthcare: the Portuguese reality in a low-density ULS”. The cycle will conclude with Miguel Ángel Valero, full professor at the Technical University of Madrid, with the talk “Healthy ageing with appropriate technology”.

The organisation invites the public to take part in this initiative and has made a registration form available under the title “ActivaMente: SER65+ Healthy Ageing”, to facilitate attendance at the event:

Registration form

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FIREPOCTEP+, a strategic operation of the POCTEP 2021–2027 programme, is bringing its results to the European Parliament. Juan Picos Martín, Professor of Forest Engineering at the University of Vigo, the project’s lead beneficiary, will take part as a speaker in the workshop “Nature-Based Solutions against Wildfires” on 12 May 2026.

The event, whose agenda can be downloaded here, aims to highlight the role of these solutions in the prevention and management of forest fires, showcase successful projects developed across Europe, identify policy frameworks and funding mechanisms for their implementation at local level, and generate concrete recommendations to strengthen community resilience and safety.

The project’s participation will help raise the visibility of the work carried out under FIREPOCTEP+ along the Spain–Portugal border, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 programme, and share relevant experiences in the field of wildfire prevention.

“Productive firebreaks”

FIREPOCTEP+ combines land management with wildfire prevention through interventions in strategic areas, such as productive firebreaks and the promotion of agroforestry systems like chestnut groves. These measures integrate the economic use of the land with the reduction of fuel loads, strengthening landscape resilience against wildfires.

As a practical example, the project has recently promoted landscape management initiatives in Piornal, such as chestnut groves for both production and fire prevention, as well as the development of a productive firebreak. These actions combine wildfire prevention with local economic activity.

These interventions transform forest areas into managed landscapes through uses such as grazing or cropping, while also restoring traditional land uses and generating rural economic activity. All of this helps reduce fuel loads and strengthens wildfire prevention through a sustainable approach.

NEWS:

• Chestnut groves for production and fire prevention
• FIREPOCTEP+ promotes a productive firebreak in Piornal to strengthen wildfire prevention

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On 14 April 2026, the presentation event for the POCTEP project NEW HEALTH will take place at the Cidade da Cultura de Galicia. This POCTEP strategic importance operation aims to transform healthcare through innovation, technology, and institutional collaboration, and is led by the Santiago Health Research Institute Foundation – FIDIS.

The event, which will be held in Auditorium 2 of the CINC Building, will bring together public officials, clinical leaders, researchers, and stakeholders from the health ecosystem to present the project’s objectives, workstreams, and main activities.

“Person-centred” care

NEW HEALTH was created with the aim of promoting a more efficient, innovative, and person-centred healthcare model, strengthening cooperation between Galicia and Northern Portugal in key areas such as personalised medicine, digital health, and clinical data integration.

Within this context, the project promotes the creation of a cross-border health innovation platform connecting hospitals, research centres, and universities, enabling the development of advanced solutions that improve care quality and access to healthcare services.

Its main areas of activity include the application of emerging technologies — such as artificial intelligence —, research in oncology and cardiovascular diseases, as well as the promotion of collaborative governance models.

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A cross-border alliance for health innovation

The project is led by the Galician Public Foundation for Health Research of Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS) and involves a consortium of organisations recognised in the healthcare, academic, and research fields across Spain and Portugal.

This collaboration reinforces the role of the Galicia–Northern Portugal Euroregion as a strategic space for healthcare innovation, fostering knowledge transfer, technological development, and the improvement of health services.

Presentation event: innovation, technology and cooperation

The NEW HEALTH launch event will serve as an institutional, scientific, and strategic meeting point addressing the main challenges of today’s healthcare system, with a particular focus on innovation, artificial intelligence, and cross-border cooperation.

The project will then be presented under the title “Innovation and transformation of the healthcare system through New Health”, outlining its objectives, scope, and relevance in the European context.

This will be followed by a session focused on technology, data, and personalised medicine, addressing the role of artificial intelligence, medical imaging, and advanced data use in the transition towards more personalised healthcare, as well as advances in translational oncology.

The event will conclude with institutional interventions, featuring representatives from the Xunta de Galicia, the European Commission, and the Ministry of Finance, highlighting the European cooperation framework underpinning the project.

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