Capitalisation event of the 1st and 2nd Call DRP projects related to PA3 – EUSDR Culture, Tourism & People to People Contacts in Belgrade

On 25 June 2026, the Envoy Conference Center in Belgrade hosted a capitalisation event organised within the DANUBEWOODs project, led by the Danube Competence Center. The event brought together representatives of Interreg Danube projects funded under the first and second calls of the Interreg Danube Region Programme 2021-2027, alongside institutions and stakeholders from across the Danube Region. Participants included Ms Helena Cvenkel, Ms Irina Cozma and Mr Johan Magnusson. The meeting was held in hybrid format, with both in-person and online participation.

The aim of the event was to exchange experience, showcase good practice and explore opportunities for stronger cooperation and capitalisation of project results under Priority Area 3 (Culture, Tourism and People to People Contact) of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR).

NONA's contribution

The IAUS team presented the project's integrated approach and results on behalf of Iskriva and the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia. Pilot activities from one small and medium sized city and one urban rural functional area illustrated how the NONA governance model supports the integration of green investments into sustainable urban development across different territorial contexts.

The presentation outlined the project's key solutions: participatory local action groups and capacity building, improved investment readiness of degraded areas, support for local organisational change and new governance tiers, development of the NONA Green Investment Model, evaluation of project ideas in line with New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles, and dissemination through professional and scientific networks to ensure long term impact.

Looking beyond project closure

The event provided space to discuss how project outcomes can be transferred, scaled up and connected across sectors, with the aim of strengthening the visibility, competitiveness and attractiveness of the Danube Region.

As NONA approaches its closure, this exchange was a valuable opportunity to position its results within a broader macro-regional framework. The project received positive feedback on the applicability of its integrated approach to revitalising degraded areas through new governance capacities. Pathways were identified for the continued use, adaptation and uptake of the Green Investment Model beyond the project's lifetime, contributing to its afterlife through further cooperation, visibility among key stakeholders and potential integration of the NONA methodology into future initiatives and investment frameworks across the Danube Region.