Many border regions in Central Europe still lack good transport connections. Rail lines do not meet at the border, bridges for cyclists and pedestrians are missing, and planning procedures differ on each side. As a result, people, businesses and services cannot fully benefit from the close ties that already exist across borders.

The project tackles these challenges by improving how cross-border infrastructure is prepared and governed. It applies a capitalisation approach that combines two knowledge sources: practical lessons from completed CBC investments—such as bridges, cycling routes and local rail connections—and strategic methodologies developed in earlier Interreg Central Europe projects. By merging concrete implementation experience with existing transnational governance frameworks, the project develops an Enhanced Governance Model that better supports authorities in organising and coordinating future cross-border infrastructure.
This model is tested in several border regions on different types of planned infrastructure. Two pilot actions in four regions demonstrate how joint planning can work in practice, how stakeholders on both sides can be involved more effectively, and how legal, financial and technical barriers can be addressed earlier in the process. The findings are translated into clear, practical recommendations.
The project creates added value by turning isolated success stories and fragmented knowledge into a coherent approach that can be applied across Central Europe. Transport and spatial planning authorities will benefit from easier cooperation, clearer procedures and better tools for preparing investments. Residents in border regions will gain from improved mobility and stronger territorial links. The project focuses on two sections of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail in South Transdanubia, crossing the Hungarian-Croatian border, the N9 (Villany – Osijek) and the N11 (Suza – Mohacs), applying the methodology represented by the project.

Project title: Enhanced governance for the realisation of public key infrastructures across European internal borders

Project acronym: Closing the Gap
A projekt azonosítója: CE0401388

Project partners:
Saxon State Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development (DE), Vezető Partner
Eurac Research (IT)
Westpomeranian Region (PL)
Municipality of Ajdovščina (SI)
Regional development agency ROD (SI)
South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency (HU)
Association for nature and environment protection Green Osijek (HR)

Total project budget: 1.105.533,60 EUR
Budget of STRIA: 112.000,00 EUR
Project duration: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2028
Funding programme: Interreg Central Europe