The paper starts with statement that the importance of regional development will be increased after Croatia's accession to the European Union. The need to establish interregional links in activities focusing on economic, social and cultural development, especially in border areas, is emphasized. Cross-border cooperation projects in the regions of Gorski kotar and Podravina, based on the EU Interreg programme, are described. Structural fund projects that open favourable development possibilities are also presented.

Key words:
development programmes, Interreg initiative, Croatia, regional development, Gorski kotar, Podravina