Connecting Communities: Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for People-to-People Engagement

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Romania-Hungary

Date of latest update: 2026-01-22

Description

Description (EN):

The CONNECT project addresses common challenges like lack of cross-border cooperation, cultural heritage preservation, undertourism, economic disparities, demographic shifts, and social exclusion. It fosters collaboration, preserves heritage through events, targets socio-economic growth via a strategy plan, and engages communities for inclusive well-being. The project's general objective is to foster stronger ties and understanding between the communities of Ardud Town, Satu Mare County, Romania, and Nagyecsed Town, Szabolcs-Szatmár Bereg county, Hungary, totalling up to 12458 people, promoting mutual trust and cooperation through cultural exchange and collaborative initiatives between 71 people, organization of 2 festivals for 8000 attendees and development of 1 joint strategy plan in a 12-months long cross-border project. The project envisions a notable change in the level of cross-border collaboration, understanding, and appreciation of the local heritage. Moreover, the development and implementation of a joint strategy plan targeting key sectors - culture, education, economy, tourism, and healthcare - are expected to stimulate sustainable community development, economic growth, and enhanced cross-border engagement in these vital areas. The main outputs include 1 study visit for 6 people to 1 proeminent European medieval festival, 1 educational camps for 20 students of 13-14 years old, the organization of medieval festivals for 8000 attendees with artistic / cultural exchange for 10 local artists, and a comprehensive joint strategy plan covering culture, education, economy, tourism, and healthcare developed with 30 stakeholders involvement. These outputs will benefit project participants, local students, local artists, business, NGOs, civil society, public institutions, and the wider community by providing enriching experiences, knowledge exchange, economic opportunities, and improved public services. The CONNECT project pioneers innovative strategies to address shared challenges, preserving heritage through interactive events like study visits, educational camps, and festivals, and promoting collaboration. It introduces a joint strategy plan involving diverse stakeholders, emphasizing community involvement and addressing economic disparities through collaborative festivals. The project focuses on institutional capacity building, fostering participatory governance, and showcases a model for cross-border initiatives, prioritizing various sectors for inclusive and sustainable growth, grounded in cross-border collaboration, uniting communities with shared historical and cultural ties, tapping into collective strengths and fostering a comprehensive understanding of joint heritage, aligning strategies for a cohesive and impactful joint strategy plan. By collaborating across borders, we tap into collective strengths, diverse perspectives, and unique traditions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of our joint heritage. This approach allows us to align strategies across culture, education, economy, tourism, and healthcare, culminating in a cohesive and impactful joint strategy plan. Moreover, cross-border cooperation is not merely a choice but a necessity for the CONNECT project. Shared heritage and common socio-economic challenges bind Ardud and Nagyecsed, emphasizing the need for collaborative preservation efforts. Tailored strategies, acknowledging the unique strengths of each community, are vital for addressing socio-economic challenges effectively. Inclusive governance, engaging various administrative levels, is key to building trust and fostering joint efforts among historically separated communities. Resource pooling and broader funding access become possible through this collaboration. Given the project's complexity and ambitious objectives, cross-border cooperation remains essential, as achieving the same impact and inclusivity in any other format would prove challenging. The project's novelty lies in its holistic approach, integrating educational activities, cultural exchanges, and strategic planning across critical sectors such as culture, education, economy, tourism, and healthcare. The endeavor to rekindle medieval heritage in the form of festivals while addressing modern-day challenges through a joint strategy plan is a unique feature. The project's emphasis on sustainable development and its potential to create lasting partnerships for future initiatives further distinguishes it. In conclusion, the CONNECT project pioneers a comprehensive, cross-border approach addressing collaboration, heritage preservation, socio-economic growth, and inclusive community engagement, envisioning a transformative impact on shared heritage appreciation and regional development through strategic planning and inclusive initiatives.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In the first quarter of the project, both partners – the Municipality of Ardud, Romania, and the town of Nagyecsed Hungary – have made consistent and meaningful progress in implementing project activities according to the proposed timeline and objectives. This period marked a dynamic start, characterized by cooperation, tangible outcomes, and strengthened community engagement. Opening Conference – Strengthening Bonds Through Dialogue One of the key milestones in this phase was the Opening Conference, held in April in Ardud. The event gathered representatives from both partner institutions as well as key stakeholders with significant influence within their respective communities. This included members of local councils, cultural institutions, civil society organizations, educators, and youth representatives. The conference served not only as the first official meeting between the project teams, but also as a platform to open dialogue on the common challenges faced by both communities. These included: - The preservation of cultural heritage, particularly rural and minority heritage; - The development of sustainable tourism as a tool for local economic growth; - Addressing social exclusion and fostering inclusive community participation; - Supporting democratic transitions and civic engagement in smaller towns. Participants emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation and the value of shared history, traditions, and identity in shaping a resilient and united regional identity. Importantly, the conference reaffirmed the 15+ year-long twinning relationship between Ardud and Nagycsed — a relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, and cultural exchange. This project is a natural extension of that partnership, aiming to deepen the ties through strategic action and joint initiatives. Tangible Results – Acquisition of Transport Vehicle Another important achievement in this period was the purchase of an 8+1-seat minivan, an essential logistic asset that has already contributed to project success. The acquisition was completed early in the implementation phase, ensuring that the vehicle could support upcoming mobility needs and facilitate participation in project activities. Its utility was quickly demonstrated in June, when a delegation from Ardud used the minivan to attend a cultural festival hosted by the Hungarian partner. The vehicle provided reliable and efficient transport, enabling not only the participation of local officials but also artists, performers, and project coordinators. This allowed for smooth coordination, increased visibility, and ensured that logistical constraints did not hinder community involvement. Foundations for Long-Term Impact The progress achieved in the first three months reflects the strong commitment and cooperation between the two partners. The activities carried out so far have contributed to: - Raising awareness about the goals of the project in both communities; - Reinvigorating the twinning relationship through concrete, impactful activities; - Building the groundwork for future events, including festivals, workshops, and heritage-focused programs. Looking ahead, the project team remains focused on delivering high-quality results that serve the interests of both communities, while continuing to promote cross-border solidarity, intercultural learning, and the protection of shared heritage. The second trimester of the project implementation focused on cooperation, tangible results, and strengthened community engagement, as the planned festivals were successfully organized on both sides. The Municipality of Ardud organized and implemented the Medieval Festival MedievArtFest Ardud, that had through the activities a national symposyum of history, ensuring all the necessary logistics for its 14th edition, which took place from 18–20 July. Within the same reporting period, Ardud also coordinated a study visit to a permanent European festival in Tallinn, Estonia. This exchange proved to be both interesting and highly beneficial for the project partners. In turn, the Municipality of Nagyecsed successfully implemented the Ecsedi Láp Festival between 12–14 June, an event that highlighted local traditions while addressing the main objectives of the project. For both festivals, the procurement procedures were carried out in compliance with the legislation of the respective countries. The contracts concluded by both partners included all necessary services for the proper organization of the events. Both festivals were designed to preserve cultural heritage, connect the communities of Ardud and Nagyecsed, and strengthen cultural cooperation. During the Medieval Festival in Ardud, the Nagyecsed community prepared a traditional food station and showcased specific local activities. Conversely, during the Ecsedi Láp Festival in Nagyecsed, Ardud presented its medieval heritage through an impressive fire show performed by spearmen and archers of the Ardud Citadel. Through these exchanges, both communities had the opportunity to experience and explore each other’s cultural identity. Additionally, the study visit in Tallinn, organized at the beginning of July, offered valuable insights and inspiration for future activities. This reporting period was very productive for all partners. In June, our partner from Nagyecsed organized their festival, which was also attended by our medieval troupe with a large group of participants as part of an official delegation. At the beginning of July, we visited Tallinn, Estonia, to take part in the Medieval Days festival, a well-known European event, where 6 participants attended. From the 18th to the 20th of July, we organized the Medieval Festival in Ardud, where our partners participated with a traditional cooking station. In early October, we also held a stakeholders’ meeting in Ardud, which provided an excellent opportunity for participants to collaborate on our common strategy.

Project outputs: Participations in joint actions across borders(EN)
Organisations cooperating across borders(EN)
Participations in joint actions across borders(EN)
Joint Strategy Plan(EN)

Thematic information

Cultural heritage and arts Social inclusion and equal opportunities Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-A_RO-HU_P3) A more sustainable, community-based and effective cross-border cooperation

Priority specific objective: ISO6.3. Build up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions (strands A, D and, where appropriate, strand B)

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO6 (ISO1) A better cooperation governance

Type of intervention: 171 Enhancing cooperation with partners both within and outside the Member State

Partners (2)

Lead Partner: U.A.T. Oras Ardud

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3897173

Address: Noua, 447020 Ardud, Romania

Department address: Noua, 447020 Ardud, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.orasardud.ro/ro

Total budget: EUR 141 125.55

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 112 900.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 225.11

Contractors:

Name: Travel Tour SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 4.847,71
Name: FOCUS VIDEO SOLUTIONS SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1508,6
Name: Arany Jozsef Miklos PFA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: SC CONCEPT SOUND&LIGHTING
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: SC Promocraft Yellow SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 794,33
Name: SC ZIMMER BUD
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1250,92
Name: Asociatia Teatrul SCENA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: SC SEPTIMIU SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3447,25
Name: SC ESTIVAL GRILL SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2786,7
Name: SC CANDE SOLUTIONS SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Turcu Lucian Dorel
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Bolovan Ioan
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: SC Santec SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 328,7
Name: S.C. NORD VEST TV ADVERTISING
VAT registration or tax identification number: 317,73
Name: S.C. MIRCEA TRANS S.R.L
VAT registration or tax identification number: 238,26 lei
Name: SC Renault Commercial Roumanie
VAT registration or tax identification number: 27.816,55

Nagyecsed Város Önkormányzata

Name: Nagyecsed Város Önkormányzata

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 15732530-2-15

Address: Árpád, 4355 Nagyecsed, Hungary

Department address: Árpád, 4355 Nagyecsed, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.nagyecsed.hu/

Total budget: EUR 100 924.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 80 739.52

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 184.88

Contractors:

Name: RENT-ROLL Kft
VAT registration or tax identification number: 14404885-2-15
Name: Nagyecsed Városért Egyesület
VAT registration or tax identification number: 18807390-1-15

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Ardud Municipality

Connecting Communities: Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for People-to-People Engagement

Partners and Projects info

Nagyecsed City Municipality

Connecting Communities: Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for People-to-People Engagement

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Connecting Communities: Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for People-to-People Engagement

Project acronym: CONNECT

Project ID: ROHU00307

Project start date: 2025-02-21

Project end date: 2026-02-20

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

Promotion of cross-border historical and cultural tourism based on the heritage of Pintea Viteazul" - Cross-border cooperation program HUSKROUA ENI CBC 2014-2020 (EN) | The facilities developed in this project laid the foundation for the development of a tourist network and thematic route along the cross-border area, organization of annual joint festivals for exchanges and promotion of the local culture and traditions and dissemination and promotion of tourist attractions in the cross-border area. (EN), SHARING HERITAGE: Preserving Historical Legacy of Pniv Fortress in Ukraine and Ardud Fortress in Romania for Tourism Development" 2SOFT/2.1/169 Joint Operational Programme Romania-Ukraine 2014-2020. (EN) | The project general objective was to increase economic and livelihood opportunities of local communities by employing tourism potential of the cross-border cultural heritage thus ensuring its conservation and sustainable use through building on cultural and historical legacy of the Ardud Fortress in the North Western Romania and the Pniv Fortresses in the Western Ukraine. (EN), Social urban rehabilitation of Nagyecse - ÉAOP-5.1.1/A-12-Functional extension integrated settlement developments. (EN) | Development of the residential area in the southeast of the city of Nagyecsed, construction of a community center, a promenade around the well-being lake, implementation of civic programs. (EN), Strengthening the history and traditions of Nagyecsed in Szatmár - Source - Implementation of local rural development strategies, competitiveness 2. - Developments for community purposes. (EN) | Promotion of local culture and preservation of historical heritage, development of event space. (EN), Ecsedi bog festival - Source - Implementation of the LEADER chapter of Local Rural Development Strategies in 2013. (EN) | Providing opportunities for cultural recreation. Presentation of the settlement's cultural heritage (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 242 049.95

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 193 639.96

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 193 639.96. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Study visit official participant list
Comprehensive study visit report
Promotional materials
Website and social media posting
Joint educational camp participants list
Educational programme
Artistic creations exhibition promoting European heritage & culture
Promotional materials
Website and social media posting
Event plans and coordination:
Festivals cultural programs
Marketing and promotional Materials:
Documentation and recordings:
Website and social media posting
Press release
Acquisition documents for a minibus for 8 + 1 people
Opening conference
Press release
Promotional materials
Number of engaged stakeholders:
Local needs and challenges report:
Promotional materials
Website and social media posting
The Joint Strategy Plan (JSP) Document
Website and social media posting
Closing conference
The Joint Strategy Plan Brochure
Promotional materials
Final press release
Website and social media posting

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The CONNECT project aligns closely with the objectives outlined in EUSDR Priority Area 10 (PA 10) for the programming period 2021-2027. The EUSDR PA 10 prioritizes enhancing institutional capacities, promoting administrative cooperation in border regions, improving funding coordination, fostering cooperation based on trust, engaging civil society and local actors, and enhancing the capacities of cities and municipalities.
The CONNECT project directly contributes to these goals by engaging multiple partners across national borders—Ardud Town in Romania and Nagyecsed Town in Hungary. By fostering collaboration and mutual understanding, the project works on enhancing institutional capacities at the local level, aiming to provide high-quality public services. The stakeholders involved, including public authorities, NGOs, businesses, and community representatives, represent a multi-actor governance approach, which aligns with the EUSDR PA 10 emphasis on multi-actor governance processes.
Furthermore, the project's initiatives to organize stakeholders' meetings, educational camps, and joint strategy planning involve active participation and cooperation of various entities, fostering a sense of trust and cooperation among stakeholders, as encouraged by EUSDR PA 10. The project also endeavors to bridge the gap in funding coordination by seeking to utilize funding sources effectively to achieve sustainable development and growth. This directly supports the EUSDR objective of improving funding coordination to enhance well-being in the Danube Region.
Overall, the CONNECT project embodies the principles and objectives set forth by EUSDR PA 10, contributing to improved institutional capacities, strengthened cooperation, and fostering socio-economic development and collaboration across borders in alignment with the EUSDR Action Plan for 2021-2027.
TerritorialAgenda2030 Based on the priorities set in the EU Territorial Agenda 2030, the project contributes to the following priorities and the associated policies:
Better Balanced Territorial Development Utilising Europe’s Diversity:
The project contributes to better balanced territorial development by involving partners from different regions (Ardud and Nagyecsed) and fostering collaboration between them. It utilizes the diversity of these regions to create a more integrated and culturally rich program area.
Convergent Local and Regional Development, Less Inequality Between Places:
The project aims to reduce inequalities between places by addressing the challenges faced by both Ardud and Nagyecsed. By bringing them together, it encourages convergent development and a reduction in disparities between the regions.
Easier Living and Working Across National Borders:
By promoting cross-border collaboration and joint initiatives, the project makes it easier for the residents in Ardud and Nagyecsed to interact and work together. The educational camp and study visits encourage exchanges and cooperation across national borders.
Strong and Sustainable Local Economies in a Globalised World:
The project aims to stimulate local economies in both Ardud and Nagyecsed through strategies like cultural tourism development and collaborative planning. This contributes to building strong and sustainable local economies amidst global influences.
Sustainable Digital and Physical Connectivity of Places:
The project supports sustainable connectivity by promoting digital and physical exchanges through educational camps, study visits, and festivals. This project management encourages the use of digital tools for collaboration and knowledge sharing, enhancing connectivity.
Other The CONNECT project can be in synergy with other projects developed through the Erasmus+ program, since our project aims at some goals of the Erasmus+ program, for example the development of interregional cooperation, focusing especially on pupils, students and teaching staff. The CONNECT project has a larger integrated approach aimed at several aspects that contribute to the growth and development of a community and, above all, emphasizes the development of mutual trust between localities and between community members. Moreover, the CONNECT project completes the actions supported by Erasmus+ through the transgenerational character of the activities and through the simultaneous involvement of people of different ages and with different concerns to build a common strategy and a common action plan that covers several aspects of life.
Also, the project whose objective is the development of the mutual trust of the communities is in synergy with the objectives of the HUSKROUA Program which has in view through Objective 3.1 Harmonious neighborly relations through cooperation but in particular activities to develop cooperation between public institutions and civil organizations are in view.
Also, the project can be in synergy with Objective 2.2: Culture and tourism of the HUSKROUA Program which, through the mandatory integration of a partner from the AU, takes the cooperation to another dimension that can be complementary, but in no case can they overlap, but then it could be a subject of transferability and also could contribute to the development of a good practice for capacity building.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 085 - Participations in joint actions across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Romania-Hungary

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-01

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

87 / 87 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

231 / 232 (99.57%)

Notes on the data

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Connecting Communities: Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for People-to-People Engagement

Description

Thematic information

Partners (2)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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