A new European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) has been established on the Poland–Lithuania border, marking a major step forward for cross-border cooperation in the region.
Rooted in a grassroots initiative launched in Sejny (Poland) in 2018, the EGTC “Poland–Lithuanian Cross-Border Functional Area” brings together nine Polish and three Lithuanian local authorities. Its visual identity features a symbol of the Yotvingians—a Baltic tribe that once connected communities across this territory—reflecting the spirit of reconnection that defines the initiative.
The EGTC offers a legal framework for joint action, enabling local actors to coordinate projects more effectively and sustain long-term cooperation. It is the first EGTC on this border and one of the few in Europe born from a bottom-up process, fully aligned with EU Cohesion Policy and the partnership principle.
In July 2025, the grouping joined the Platform of EGTCs of the European Committee of the Regions, receiving recognition at EU level. Supported by the Interreg Lithuania–Poland 2021–2027 programme, it is already delivering results—from joint strategies to capacity-building and stronger community-led development.
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