The European Union employs its cohesion policy to diminish disparities in both development levels and quality of life across European regions. It advocates for initiatives that enhance innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, thereby enhancing the well-being of residents. Most of the funding allocated for reducing these gaps is administered at regional or national levels. Recognizing the potential for enhanced regional development through cross-border collaboration, the EU emphasizes cooperation. Within this framework, the Interreg Europe program facilitates the exchange of experiences, innovative strategies, and capacity-building among public authorities and relevant policy organizations throughout Europe. Its aim is to enhance regional development policy instruments, including those aligned with the Investment for Jobs and Growth goal.
Coverage Area: The program extends across the entire territory of the European Union, comprising its 27 Member States, including insular and outermost regions. Additionally, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, and Ukraine are full program members, allowing organizations from these nations to participate in projects. Partners from other countries may join at their own expense.
Call Timing: The third call for proposals begins on March 20, 2024, and concludes on June 7, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. CEST (Paris time).
Supported Actions: This call solicits proposals for interregional cooperation projects, where policy-relevant organizations from various European countries collaborate on common regional development issues. The initial three years focus on exchanging experiences to enhance policy instruments, followed by a fourth year dedicated to monitoring cooperation results and impact.
Priorities Program Scope: The program revolves around a single cross-cutting priority: "a better cooperation governance." Beneficiaries may collaborate on topics relevant to their regions within the scope of cohesion policy, including those outlined in Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 (CPR), Article 5, and Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on ERDF, Article 3.
Funding and Co-financing Rates: Up to 40% of the overall Interreg funds budget (approximately EUR 130 million) is earmarked for the third call for proposals. The final budget depends on application quality. Eligible project activities receive co-financing at rates of either 70% or 80%, depending on the legal status of partners from EU Member States and candidate countries. Partners from Norway and Switzerland may not access Interreg funds but can receive co-financing from national sources. Norwegian organizations can contact the Norwegian Interreg national point of contact for funding information.