INTERREG IV
This page is about the EU Interreg IV programme – there are other webpages for the following:
FUNDS: TRANS-NATIONAL / STRUCTURAL FUNDS / THIRD COUNTRIES
OTHER INFO: EUROPE / EU / UK OFFICES IN BRUSSELS
The Interreg IV programme is the 3rd objective of the new Structural Funds, and is officially known as the European Territorial Co-operation programme. It is based on the previous Interreg III programme. Interreg is short for “inter-regional” and a key criteria for this programme is co-operation between partners in at least two countries – though it is technically a Structural Fund, it therefore shares many of the characteristics of the trans-national funds.
There are 3 main strands within Interreg IV, and a number of sub-strands within the first two of these. Each of these sub-strands groups together a particular set of countries and regions. Organisations from the countries or regions in that grouping need to work together on a joint project, though the rules governing the ways of working together vary across the sub-strands.
Each sub-strand has its own overall secretariat which manages the programme for their area, and will issue calls for proposals and organise the grant-making procedures. In some cases there will also be a contact point within the UK who can provide additional support and assistance.
Please note that the focus of this programme is on co-operation between local authorities (though they can involve other organisations in their projects) and the LGIB (Local Government International Bureau) also has information on their website that may be of interest.
EUCLID has also published Culture Delivers…, a directory of over 1200 cultural projects funded by the EU Structural Funds (including Interreg) in the 2000-2006 period. This directory is presented within 10 priorities for funding which link to the priorities for the new Structural Funds 2007-2013. It is available for £30 – 50% discount for those attending a CulturEuro seminar.
Strand A: Cross-border cooperationThis strand focuses on co-operation across the borders between EU member states. The focus is on the development of cross-border economic, social and environmental activities – and this could include:
- Making full use of the integration potential of the cultural sector, particularly for young people
- Facilitating cross-border economic activities from the cultural sector and the creative industries, including continuous education toos, common marketing platforms, and organisms for common profit using price-level potential
- Supporting networking activities
- Integration of cultural means into the cross border communication of co-operation projects
- Developing cross-border projects to facilitate artists and cultural sector activities “across borders”
There are four parts of the UK eligible for this strand
- south of England (excluding London)
- West Wales
- Northern Ireland
- Western Scotland
South of England – to link with regions across the channel. The areas on the contintental side of the Channel are actually split into two groups, and organisations from anywhere on the England side can therefore develop projects with either the Northern Group (parts of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands) or the Southern Group (parts of northern France)
Secretariat
Map of new areas (PDF)
South West England : RDA Webpage
South East England: Government Office Webpage
East of England : RDA Webpage
Wales – to link with the Republic of Ireland
Wales Information
Ireland / Wales Information
Ireland Information
Northern Ireland / Scotland – to link with the Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland Information
Scotland Information
Ireland Information
Strand B: Trans-national cooperation
There are 10 sub-strands within this strand, each of which represent a grouping of different countries and regions within Europe. The aim is to support co-operation projects between organisations from countries or regions within the same grouping. Parts of the UK are eligible to participate in 4 of the 10 sub-strands.
General EU Information
NORTH WEST EUROPE
All of the UK is eligible for this programme. There are 4 priorities:
- Developing the NWE knowledge-based economy by capitalising on our capacity for innovation
- Sustainable management of natural resources and of natural areas and technological risks
- Improving connectivity in NWE by promoting intelligent and sustainable transport and ICT solutions
- Promoting strong and prosperous communities at transnational level
The eastern sides of England and Scotland are eligible for this programme. The aim and objectives of the programme will be delivered through 4 priorities and 14 areas of intervention. They correspond with a number of key issues that the programme preparation group has decided are important to address in order to contribute to the prosperity and sustainable growth of the region for the future. The emphasis is on stimulating transnational cooperation in ways that will provide tangible benefits to the areas concerned and the Region as a whole:
- Building on our capacity for innovation
- Promoting the sustainable management of our environment
- Improving the accessibility of places in the NSR
- Promoting sustainable and competitive communities
ATLANTIC AREA
Wales, NI, and the western sides of Scotland and England are eligible for this programme. The main goal of this programme is to contribute to the territorial cohesion of this area through the cooperation reinforcement between the European Union Member States of the Atlantic seaboard, able to create concrete progresses in terms of solidary development of the economic knowledge, heritage valorisation and maritime resources, emergence of new economic activity clusters, promotion of accessibility and logistic conditions, sustainable development and polycentrism.
NORTHERN PERIPHERY
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland are eligible for this programme. The overall aim of the programme is to encourage joint projects that address the priorities for co-operation shared by the participating countries. The programme will be formally launched in mid 2007 and the development of project ideas is especially encouraged at this stage.
Strand C: Interregional Co-operation
There are no sub-strands in this strand - all of the 27 EU Member States, plus Norway & Switzerland, are eligible. In summary, the aim is to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies enabling local and regional agencies across the EU to exchange their experiences and knowledge. This might include for instance, matching regions less experienced in a certain policy field with more advanced regions. It is also of importance as it should ensure transfer of good practices into Structural Funds mainstream programmes.
General
Espon 2013
The European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON) is set up to support policy development and to build a European scientific community in the field of territorial development. The main aim is to increase the general body of knowledge about territorial structures, trends and policy impacts in an enlarged European Union.
Interact
This EU-wide programme focuses on the good governance of territorial cooperation and provides support to stakeholders involved in implementing programmes under the European Territorial Co-operation / Interreg IV objective.
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