European transnational cooperation projects, your moment is now

When it comes to seeking funding for European territorial cooperation projects, Interreg is the funding programme par excellence. Fed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and created under the framework of the European Cohesion Policy, the aim of this programme is to promote regional development, cohesion, and the reduction of economic disparities. Beyond NEXT MED, whose first call will close on 30 April, deadlines for some of the most relevant sub-programmes of its transnational axis (Interreg B) are looming, so if you have an idea that might fit into one of them, there is still time to apply.

“Interreg B supports a wide range of investments in projects related to innovation, environment, climate change adaptation, accessibility, urban development, among many other things,” says Aurora García, knowledge area leader for Regions and Cities at Zabala Innovation. “This is a unique opportunity for European local and regional administrations to drive progress and strengthen ties between them,” she adds.

In this way, García points to two Interreg B sub-programmes whose calls for proposals will close in the coming months, SUDOE and Euro-MED, and a third sub-programme, Atlantic, whose call for proposals is expected to be launched in the last quarter of this year. “The time to act is now. Those with innovative ideas and transformative projects have the possibility to find in Interreg the necessary support to turn their visions into reality and contribute to current challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and social inclusion,” she said.

Interreg SUDOE

This sub-programme stands as a bulwark for regional development and cohesion in South-West Europe. Facing shared challenges such as adaptation to climate change, social cohesion and territorial balance, this sub-programme supports projects that implement pilot actions for organisations (beneficiaries or ultimate beneficiaries) to eventually adopt, apply or extend the solutions assessed or valorised through them. Activities covered by the transnational cooperation programmes for the Euro-MED and Atlantic Sea basins are excluded.

The geographical scope of eligibility is the Member States of France, Portugal, the Principality of Andorra, and Spain.

With a budget of 53.7 million euros, its second call is open until 31 May 2024, covering the specific goals of the first three of its four priorities. These include the preservation of natural capital, the promotion of social cohesion and the promotion of innovation in various productive sectors.

At the conclusion of the first phase of the call, the Programming Committee will assess the applications to find which applications will advance in the project approval process, giving potential beneficiaries time to prepare their application for the second phase, scheduled for September 2024.

Interreg Euro-MED

This sub-programme supports testing and transfer projects, initiatives and policies related to climate change and the environment, bringing together partners from 69 regions in 14 Mediterranean countries: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Slovenia, and Spain. Study projects are excluded.

With a budget of 44 million euros, its fourth call for proposals runs until 12 June 2024. It is aimed at thematic projects corresponding to the priorities of developing an innovative and sustainable economy, protecting the natural environment, and promoting sustainable tourism.

The fifth call, aimed exclusively at strategic territorial projects, is scheduled to open in June and close in July 2024.

Interreg Atlantic

As for this sub-programme, its second call is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2024, supporting innovative initiatives in the Atlantic regions of France, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain.

With a focus on blue and competitive innovation, the protection and promotion of the so-called blue and green environment, the development of sustainable blue tourism and culture, and the promotion of better governance for cooperation, Interreg Atlantic aims to solve common cross-border challenges through collaboration and exchange of best practices.