On 5 February, 2026, the SOSPHERE project officially launched its activities with a kick-off meeting held at the premises of the CEI - Executive Secretariat. Partners from Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia gathered to discuss the project’s objectives, work plan, and strategies aimed at improving access to healthcare services in rural and economically-lagging areas, in line with the priorities of the Interreg Central Europe Programme.
The partnership highlighted the importance of coordinated local actions to foster effective, need-based, integrated care models. It was emphasised that the active involvement of municipalities, service providers, third-sector organisations, and communities is essential for the successful implementation of project activities, including mapping needs and services and co-designing one-stop shops for better access to care.
The participation of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, represented by the Central Directorate for Health, Social Policies, and Disabilities, underscored the regional priority of promoting community well-being and enhancing the quality of life. This will be achieved by strengthening local capacities and improving coordination among both institutional and non-institutional stakeholders. Further contributions will be provided through the presentation and insights from a regional project “SiFaRete” in a transnational workshop planned in April 2026.
Zsuzsanna Kiraly, CEI Deputy Secretary General, reaffirmed the Organisation's strategic commitment to advancing health and social inclusion across Central Europe. By contributing to more coherent and integrated social and health care frameworks, the CEI, along with the FVG Region, aims to develop inclusive, people-centered models of service delivery, ultimately improving accessibility and continuity of care in peripheral and rural areas.
For more info: sinkovic@cei.int
