CONNECTING THE DOTS - Celebrating 25 years of cooperation in the NPA

9:00 – 16:00 Project meetings
Interreg NPA projects are encouraged to arrange project meeting with their partners. A few meeting venues can be made available free of charge to the projects on a first-come-first-served bases.  Please reach out to the NPA Secretariat for more information.

18:00 – 20:00  Welcome reception 
Join us for a special evening to start the celebration together!  It will be a moment to start connecting the dots between people, places, and the stories that have shaped 25 years of Interreg NPA. 

On the first day, the conference will primarily highlight Interreg NPA projects’ impacts, where transnational cooperation marks the starting point in a longer journey of learning, growth, and lasting change. The new call for projects will be launched at this occasion!

Celebrating 25 Years of Interreg NPA

9:00 -17:00 at NORD University
 
Session 1: How it all started - This session looks back at the origins and evolution of the Interreg NPA. Key people involved in shaping the programme will share insights and reflections through interviews and discussion.

Session 2: Insights on the impact of transnational cooperation – This session will present findings from recent analyses and research, highlighting how transnational cooperation and Interreg NPA benefits rural regions and examine what the legacy of Interreg NPA means for the future of territorial cooperation.

Session 3: Project parallel sessions
Interreg NPA projects have laid important foundations for future initiatives. Whether in the form of knowledge, practical experience, or strong networks, they continue to shape ongoing efforts. The project parallel sessions are theme-focused events prepared by one or more NPA projects to showcase the positive impact of transnational cooperation on people in NPA areas.

Session 4: Launch of the 6th call for projects – The last call for main project applications will be presented and launched at this event!

Conference dinner 
18:30 – 22:00, Wood Hotel, Bodø
All guests are invited to a conference dinner in the impressive settings of the Wood hotel. Expect some entertainment and surprises…

On the second day, Interreg NPA invites various actors supporting cooperation in the Northern Periphery and Arctic regions to join a dialogue with the programme and its projects, exploring how we can do even more together in the future.

Future of cooperation in the Northern Periphery and Arctic

8:30 – 14:00 Radisson Blue Hotel

Session 5: Future of cooperation in the Northern Periphery and Arctic

• Interreg Post 2027 – What to expect in the next programming period
  
  
• EU Arctic Policy, achievements and outlook – Information on the future of the EU Arctic Policy
  
  
• Interreg NPA consultation, beneficiaries’ expectations – Information about the input share by the stakeholders during the consultations carried out by the programme 

Session 6: Parallel sessions Emerging topics – Theme-focused session prepared by one or more NPA projects to present topics that have recently gained attention in response to evolving challenges and needs in NPA regions.
 
Closing Panel: How does cooperation in the Arctic and Northern Periphery moves on from here?

 
Site visits

14:00 -16:00 Different locations 
Guests are invited to join one of the site visits organised in town or in the sorrounding areas. 
 
Thank you and goodbye party

17:30 – 20:00, Bådin brewery


One more opportunity for having a good time together and share good vibes before leaving Bodø!
 

The registration to the event, parallel sessions and side visits will open on 26th May and close on 17th September.

The Interreg NPA Programme has reserved a limited number of rooms at Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodø, at a discounted rate. Rooms can be booked via this link. We recommend booking early, as availability is limited, and the offer expires on 30 June 2025.

The conference will take place across several venues. Group transport has been arranged to transfer all guests between the locations.

30th September
Reception venue to be confirmed

1st October

• NORD University Campus
  Universitetsalléen 11, 8026 Bodø, Norway
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• Wood Hotel
  Fjellveien 187, 8011 Bodø, Norway
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2nd October

• Radisson Blu Hotel
  Storgata 2, 8006 Bodø, Norway
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