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.

DOWNLOAD PRESS DOSSIER

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.

The post Streaming: presentation of NEW HEALTH, patient-focused care first appeared on POCTEP.

O programa Interreg Volunteer Youth (IVY) está a recrutar um(a) jovem voluntário(a) para desempenhar funções de IVY Reporter no âmbito do programa de cooperação transfronteiriça Espanha-Portugal (POCTEP), com colocação em Évora. A CCDR Alentejo, enquanto unidade de coordenação do POCTEP iniciou um processo para acolher um voluntário ao abrigo do Programa INTERREG Volunteer Youth, à semelhança do que já havia feito em 2024.

A iniciativa, promovida pela União Europeia e pela Associação de Regiões Fronteiriças Europeias, oferece a jovens entre os 18 e os 30 anos a oportunidade de adquirir experiência internacional, contribuindo para a comunicação e promoção de projetos europeus.

O voluntário selecionado será responsável por atividades como criação de conteúdos, entrevistas e divulgação de projetos financiados pelo Interreg, ajudando a reforçar a cooperação entre regiões fronteiriças.

Além da experiência profissional, o programa inclui apoio financeiro diário e cobertura de despesas essenciais, permitindo aos participantes viver e trabalhar num contexto europeu dinâmico.

Esta oportunidade representa uma porta de entrada para jovens interessados em comunicação, assuntos europeus e cooperação internacional.

Está aberto o processo de seleção de candidatos através do link https://aebr.teamtailor.com/jobs/3375052-ivy-reporter-for-interreg-poctep

The post Quer ser IVY volunteer no POCTEP em Évora? Envie a sua candidatura first appeared on POCTEP.

The Diputación de Cáceres has launched new activities as part of the Euroace UNESCO Territories project, a POCTEP cross-border cooperation initiative co-financed 75% by the European Union, aimed at boosting the tourism and environmental profile of the province’s UNESCO-recognized sites.

The program, approved under Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal, is led by the provincial institution and partnered with the Directorate General for Youth and Sports of the Junta of Extremadura. Its main goal is to promote a sustainable tourism development model around Monfragüe, Tajo Internacional, and the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark, together with the Portuguese Naturtejo territory.

9 Routes from March to September

The Cicl@teUNESCO program includes nine MTB cycling routes and three hiking trails across the three main UNESCO territories in the province of Cáceres.

Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve

• Casas de Millán – Villa del Arco: April 26
• Casas de Miravete Circular: May 10
• Serradilla – Interpretation Center “The Human Footprint”: September 26

Tajo Internacional Biosphere Reserve

• Carbajo – Herrera de Alcántara: April 11
• Garrovillas de Alconétar – Alcántara: May 3
• Dehesas de Membrío – Salorino – Herreruela: May 31

Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark

• Bohonal – Castañar de Ibor: March 28
• Navezuelas Circular: May 23
• Cañamero Circular: September 12

The post Cicl@teUNESCO: 9 unique cycling routes and 3 photo trails through UNESCO sites first appeared on POCTEP.

The session explored how Interreg programmes and projects used ISO1 to tackle cross-border obstacles and build lasting solutions. New ISO1 opportunities were also presented.

During the session, Belén Muñoz, from the POCTEP Managing Authority highlighted that overcoming cross-border obstacles and strengthening administrative cooperation are key elements of the programme’s strategy, drawing on more than three decades of experience working along the border. It also stressed that these issues had already been addressed in previous programming periods under different terminology, such as Thematic Objective 4 “Public Administration” in POCTEP 2014–2020. It also presented examples of projects such as RED MAY and NUMA, both focused on institutional cooperation in the field of health, as well as projects that have supported the activities of Eurocities such as EuroGuadiana, Tui–Valença, Chaves–Verín, and Cerveira–Tomiño.

Meanwhile, Javier Figueiredo, in representation of the Directorate-General for External Action of the Regional Government of Extremadura, lead beneficiary entity of the GIT EUROACE CON VIDA project, summarised some of the project’s main achievements. Figueiredo explained how issues such as cross-border taxation, the permeability of relations, the promotion of cultural cooperation, while also emphasising the need to identify new challenges related to cross-border obstacles. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of cross-border social dialogue, which led to the creation of the series of events “Diálogos de Frontera” within the framework of the project. (WATCH vídeos here)

Other event`s key highlights included:

• An introduction to the InterregGov project, a new initiative from DG REGIO, covering an upcoming call for applications to develop ISO1 activities, and the programmes that should apply.
• Practical examples from two Interreg programmes that successfully used ISO1 to address legal and administrative border barriers.
• Updates from DG REGIO on the future of ISO1 in the post-2027 programming period.

The session was aimed at Interreg programme representatives and anyone interested in ISO1 practices currently implemented to tackle cross-border obstacles.

Webinar Recording – ISO1 in Practice: Tackling Cross-Border Obstacles

Webinar Final Presentation 

The post VÍDEO: webinar ‘Breaking border barriers: ISO1 practices & opportunities’ first appeared on POCTEP.

In POCTEP 2014–2020, a total of 272 projects distributed across 6 calls and 11 technical assistance operations were approved, achieving an execution rate above 90%.

The total expenditure executed by POCTEP 2014–2020 reached €444.5 million, of which just over €335 million correspond to ERDF (FEDER) funding. These figures represent a final execution rate of 91.7%. The Programme chose to apply the flexibility provided by Regulation (EU) 2024/795 (known as STEP). In practice, this resulted in “extra” funding of around €28 million. After the application of STEP, ERDF implementation reached €363.5 million, increasing the execution rate to 99.4%.

DOWNLOADS POCTEP 14–20 Closure:

• Summary of the POCTEP 2014–2020 final report: Spanish version | Portuguese version
• List of beneficiaries of the 6 calls approved under the Interreg V-A Spain–Portugal Programme (POCTEP) (Updated 30/11/2023)
• Fact sheet of projects approved under POCTEP 2014–2020
• Final list of ERDF aid granted after STEP allocation (see Managing Authority communication)

The post The POCTEP 2014–2020 officially closes with 272 approved projects and an execution rate above 90% first appeared on POCTEP.

The Portuguese city of Sines will host on **March 10, 2026** the I Hispano-Luso Green Hydrogen Forum, a gathering of experts, companies, institutions, and energy sector stakeholders to analyze the opportunities offered by this energy vector in the ecological transition of the Iberian Peninsula.

The forum is part of the activities of the Futuretech_H2 project, a European initiative aimed at promoting technological development and the green hydrogen industry in Spain and Portugal. This project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 program, which fosters territorial cooperation between the two countries.

The event can be followed live here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fglTKcw-Xho

A meeting to strengthen the green hydrogen ecosystem

The forum aims to create a space for cross-border dialogue and cooperation among companies, technology centers, universities, and public administrations, with the goal of boosting the development of the green hydrogen economy in the Iberian region.

During the day, key topics will be addressed, such as: the role of green hydrogen in industrial decarbonization, opportunities for technological innovation and knowledge transfer, development of energy and logistics infrastructure, and opportunities for training and employment linked to this emerging industry.

Green hydrogen is positioned as one of the pillars of the energy transition, especially in industrial and transport sectors that are difficult to electrify. Therefore, initiatives like this forum aim to bring the real applications of this technology closer to businesses and society, while promoting new economic and professional opportunities.

Iberian cooperation for clean energy

The forum is part of the Futuretech_H2 cross-border roadshow, a series of events traveling through different cities in Spain and Portugal to showcase the industrial and technological potential of green hydrogen and promote collaboration between the two countries.

The choice of Sines, one of Portugal’s main energy and industrial hubs, reinforces the strategic role of southwestern Europe in developing new value chains linked to clean energy.

With this first forum, the organizers aim to consolidate a stable space for Hispano-Luso cooperation that contributes to positioning the Iberian Peninsula as one of Europe’s future hubs for green hydrogen production and development.

The post Live: I Hispano-Luso Green Hydrogen Forum – Sines (Portugal), March 10, 2026 first appeared on POCTEP.

Seville, March 6, 2026

The Tres Culturas Foundation launches the third phase of the INTREPIDA project aimed at women entrepreneurs from Spain and Portugal

The Tres Culturas Foundation of the Mediterranean continues working to strengthen cross-border cooperation between neighboring countries such as Spain and Portugal, in line with the objectives of equality, sustainability, inclusion, digitalization and territorial cohesion of the European Union, as well as the agreements derived from the XXXV Spain–Portugal Summit. This collaboration is reflected in the launch of the third phase of the project ‘INTREPIDA pro. Internationalization of Women Entrepreneurs from Spain and Portugal towards Integration, Development and Partnerships’.

INTREPIDA pro facilitates activities not only of interest to women entrepreneurs from Spain and Portugal, but also offers unique meetings with businesswomen, the well-known INTREPIDA gatherings, which are events open to all citizens who wish to learn more about the different business proposals.

Over nearly three years, four international forums dedicated to women entrepreneurs from different sectors in both countries will be held in Andalusia (in the city of Seville and in the province of Cádiz) and in Portugal (in the cities of Évora and Loulé). The project will continue working on and expanding the digital guide of women entrepreneurs in the Alentejo-Algarve-Andalusia Euroregion, thus contributing to greater dissemination and visibility for women entrepreneurs in both countries, bringing them closer to potential future clients. The new feature in this phase of the project is training in AI for business management and everyday life.

There are many testimonials from businesswomen and citizens who have encouraged us to continue with the project. Such as the Algarve entrepreneur Silvia Rodrigues from the company SIGUES: “Eu ficaria muito feliz se o INTREPIDA voltasse, pois gosto muito do programa, sempre gostei de participar e do INTREPIDA surgiram para mim e para o meu trabalho excelentes oportunidades que nunca mais vou esquecer” (I would be very happy if the INTREPIDA project returned, as I really like the program. I have always enjoyed participating and INTREPIDA has created excellent opportunities for me and my work that I will never forget).

This new phase of the project, which began in 2017 and focuses on female entrepreneurship in the regions of Andalusia, Algarve and Alentejo, includes two new partners: the Bahía de Cádiz Foundation for Economic Development and the Algarve Regional Business Association (NERA), joining a partnership that since its beginnings has included the Condado de Huelva Development Association and the Évora Regional Business Hub (NERE), coordinated by the Tres Culturas Foundation.

This institution, which has recently been recognized by UNESCO as a Category 2 Centre, joins the various initiatives commemorating International Women’s Day, with the aim of making the enormous contribution of women to the economy and society of any country more visible. The INTREPIDA pro project significantly contributes to several of the identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

The INTREPIDA pro project is part of the sixth call for projects of the Interreg Spain–Portugal Programme (POCTEP) 2021–2027, the largest cross-border cooperation programme of the EU, which celebrates 35 years of existence. This programme finances 75% of a total budget amounting to €684,219.

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The European Commission has opened the application period for the RegioStars Awards 2026, the prestigious competition that recognises cohesion policy-funded projects with the greatest impact and innovation in Europe.

Applications may be submitted until 22 May 2026 through the official platform, together with an endorsement letter from the managing authority. As in previous years, a maximum of five applications per programme may be submitted, therefore the endorsement letter from the authority is indispensable.

Eligible projects are completed projects that have generated local impact and sustainable results, meeting the requirements set out in the call for applications. A project is considered completed when it has carried out all planned activities, has received its final financial contribution, and has been declared closed by the project beneficiary or the managing authority.

5 categories

Projects will compete in five categories: A competitive and smart Europe, A green Europe, A connected Europe, A social and inclusive Europe, and A Europe closer to citizens.

As in previous years, the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist for the Public Choice Award. The names of all winners will be announced during the REGIOSTARS ceremony, which will also take place during the European Week of Regions and Cities.

The winners of the five categories and the winner of the Public Choice Award will receive follow-up activities managed in cooperation with DG REGIO to promote the awarded projects in the region.

At POCTEP, we encourage beneficiary organisations to submit their initiatives and take advantage of this opportunity to give visibility and European recognition to their work. To participate, please contact the POCTEP Joint Secretariat at projetos@poctep.eu

• MORE INFORMATION AT: Inforegio – REGIOSTARS Awards
• DOWNLOADS IN SPANISH: GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
• DOWNLOADS IN PORTUGUESE: GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
• WATCH WEBINAR ON 2026’S CALL

Publicado 12/02/2026

The post The REGIOSTARS are back! Submit your project for the 2026 edition first appeared on POCTEP.