In 2026, we will celebrate a special anniversary: 35 years of Interreg Germany–The Netherlands. Since our programme was approved on December 16th, 1991, cross-border cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands has developed significantly. What began as an idea to bring regions on both sides of the border closer together has now become a vibrant network of partners, projects, and people.

Over the past decades, numerous cross-border projects have been implemented – from innovation and business to sustainability and health to education, culture, and social exchange. Together, municipalities, companies, universities, and organizations have developed new solutions, shared knowledge, and demonstrated how much stronger regions can become when they work together across borders.

On this page, we provide background information, milestones, and interesting facts about 35 years of Interreg Germany–The Netherlands. Here you will find information on the development of the programme, insights into various funding periods, and examples of how cooperation in the border region has evolved over the years.