A workshop in Košice opened the topic of employment and social inclusion in border regions

On April 21–22, 2026, the workshop “Employment & Inclusion Across Borders – From Border to Belonging” took place in Košice, focusing on the topic of employment and social inclusion in border regions. The event provided a space for exchanging experiences, presenting concrete solutions, and discussing how cross-border projects can contribute to better living conditions for residents of border regions.

As an example of good practice, the Via Carpatia EGTC hosted representatives of Interreg programs, European Union institutions, national and regional authorities, project partners, local stakeholders, and the media from 8 European countries. The aim of the meeting was to present the Szép Cseherát project, its main activities, and its concrete benefits for the region. The workshop showed the importance of cooperation between partners on both sides of the border in addressing common social and development challenges. The program included visits to Gagyvendégi, Hercegkút, and Hidasnémeti, which gave participants a firsthand insight into the results of the project’s activities in the field. The examples presented showed that even smaller local initiatives can have a visible and positive impact on life in border regions, especially when they combine social services, community development, and employment support.