Iași, September 20, 2025 – The “Anastasie Fătu” Botanical Garden in Iași hosted a special event organized by the Interreg NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Programme on the occasion of Interreg Cooperation Day. Dozens of children from both sides of the Prut River, together with their teachers, took part in a day full of educational and recreational activities, discovering through play the value of friendship, solidarity and cooperation.
Interreg Cooperation Day – a celebration of unity in diversity
Every year, Interreg Cooperation Day is celebrated in more than 40 countries participating in Interreg programmes, through hundreds of events dedicated to citizens. The aim of this initiative is to bring people and communities from Europe and neighboring regions closer together, showcasing concrete examples of how cross-border partnerships transform lives, connect cultures, and open up new development opportunities.
The 2025 edition, held in Iași, was themed “Nature unites us”, highlighting the role of ecological education and cultural cooperation in bringing closer the communities of Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
- The programme of the day was designed to combine play, learning, and collaboration. Children had the opportunity to take part in:
- “Art and Nature” workshop, where the children painted on wooden slices, their works later being displayed on a magnetic board – a symbol of cooperation;
- “The Power of Friendship” theatre workshop, with role-playing games and activities that encouraged trust and collaboration;
- Treasure hunt in the garden, where children solved riddles to discover and form the words “Cooperation” and “Friendship”;
- “The Cooperation Tree” handmade workshop, with team -made creations decorated with messages of solidarity;
- A final exhibition of the works, integrated into a thematic photo space, alongside other symbolic elements such as a map of the cross-border region decorated by children.
The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and creativity, and the results of the activities were exhibited in a dedicated space – the Friendship Corner, where children’s art came together with the beauty of nature, becoming a true image of cooperation and shared joy.
The event in Iași was not only a day of celebration but also a lesson of solidarity and friendship for future generations. The children learned that beyond borders there are shared values, and that dialogue, respect, and collaboration are essential in building a better future together.
