On 17 and 18 June, the Interreg Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 Programme event brought together representatives of the European Commission, the Programme’s national authorities and the Regional Coordination Units (RCUs) in Huelva. During the event, participants exchanged information on the implementation of the Programme and visited several cooperation projects co-funded by the European Union through POCTEP.
The first day began with a visit to the FORTOURS III project, which focuses on enhancing the value of border fortifications as a resource for tourism and heritage development. The visit included a tour of Niebla Castle, where restoration works are being carried out as part of the project. Participants then visited La Rábida Monastery and took part in a working session devoted to monitoring the implementation of the Interreg POCTEP 2021–2027 Programme and discussing the forthcoming calls for proposals.
The second day focused on projects related to innovation and the energy transition. At the University of Huelva, participants were introduced to the OLIVAR_IA project, an initiative applying intelligent cooperative robotics to precision olive farming. The group then visited the El Arenosillo Experimental Centre (Mazagón), where they learned about the AGERAR_PLUS project, dedicated to renewable energy storage and management; AIHRE, which promotes renewable hydrogen; and COMPITE, which aims to strengthen regional capacities to advance the energy transition across the Euroregion.
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These visits provided participants with first-hand insight into the progress and results of initiatives promoting cross-border cooperation between Spain and Portugal in areas such as heritage conservation, technological innovation and the energy transition. They also encouraged the exchange of experience among Programme managers, participating authorities and project teams.
Regional Coordination Units Meeting
Coinciding with the event, the meeting of the Regional Coordination Units (RCUs) of the Interreg POCTEP 2021–2027 Programme was held in Huelva on 17 June. During the meeting, participants reviewed the Programme’s implementation progress and the status of the first to fifth calls for proposals. They also examined preparations for the sixth, seventh and eighth calls and discussed the framework and timetable for the forthcoming ninth and tenth calls.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the 2026 events calendar, discuss preparations for the post-2027 programming period, and address a range of management issues, including the Programme’s mid-term evaluation and technical assistance.
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