Interreg

Logo Interreg 2021-2027

Interreg’s goal is to reduce the economic differences that exist between different EU regions and member states. It stimulates cooperative projects in the fields of innovation, environment, climate, sustainable energy, CO2 reduction and efficient use of natural resources and materials.

Interreg is made up of several programmes, divided by European regions. The Netherlands participates in a number of European, transnational and cross-border programmes. The budget for the various programmes comes from the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRO)

All Interreg programmes have the prerequisite of cooperation with partners from other European countries.

Objectives and target audiences of Interreg

The Interreg programmes are intended for cooperative projects between governments, knowledge institutes, businesses, non-profit organisations and social organisations (foundations, associations and interest groups) from the various countries participating in a programme.

Some Interreg programmes specifically target SMEs.

Projects must suit the programmes’ priorities. The NWE and NSR programme also focus on demonstration projects during which new techniques and methods – including joint testing, validation, evaluation and distribution of results – are applied.

The EUROPE programme requires that projects focus on knowledge exchange with partners in other European regions, with the ultimate goal of improving an existing policy instrument.

Conditions, characteristics and figures

  • Cooperation between at least two parties from countries that participate in the programme
  • Grant percentages vary per programme: NWE 60%, NSR 50%, Europe 75-85%, FL-NL, Ger-NL and 2seas 50%.
  • Two calls per year per programme in accordance with the 2-step principle. Interreg Ger-NL is always open to applications.
  • Project scope indicative 3-6 million euros, lead time 3-5 years.
  • Under certain conditions, a contribution for drawing up the application (PSR) and/or an additional contribution for the co-financing (CETSI) can be acquired via RVO

Additional information

Meanwhile, more is known about the Interreg 2021-2027 programmes.

 

Interreg North-West Europe

Similar to the current programme, the new Interreg NWE programme 2021-2027 consists of a 2-step approach: a pre-application (step 1) and a full application (step 2). Whereas previously there were only 2 calls per year, this year there will be 4 (the third round being small-scale, see below). The programme is suitable for projects with a scope of € 2–6 million and a project duration of 3-5 years. Up to 60% of eligible costs can be co-funded by the programme. The fourth regular Interreg NWE call opens 15 November 2023 and the deadline is 21 March 2024.

 

Interreg North-West Europe Small Scale

On 23 February 2023, a new call for so-called small projects was launched (deadline 12 July 2023). This grant is available for projects with a scope of €200,000-800,000 and a project duration of max. 18 months. The application procedure comprises a single step. Max. 60% of eligible costs are funded. A small-scale project must fit one of the nine objectives of the Interreg NWE programme.

The consortium must consist of at least 3 countries, of which 2 from the NWE region. This region includes the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, Switzerland, parts of France, and Germany. Switzerland is not allowed to be the lead partner. The commission is looking for small and compact consortia in which everyone has clear added value. Also, small-scale projects can include project ideas that wield short-term results.

With this call for small-scale projects Interreg NWE aims to improve its accessibility. Furthermore, just like for the regular NWE programme, there is funding available for the writing of the grant application.

 

Interreg North Sea Region

Interreg NSR will publish a new call in March 2023. It concerns three types of applications:

  • Full applications. This applies only to consortia that have already submitted a project idea during the previous round.
  • Project ideas for regular projects. Did you miss the previous round? Then you can now make a brief pre-application to see if your project qualifies.
  • Small-scale projects: These are projects with a budget of a recommended minimum of €200,000 and a set maximum of €500,000, and a duration of 18 months. Pre-application is not required.

 

Interreg Flanders Netherlands

A third call is expected to open in late 2023/early 2024. A total budget of €200 million is available.

These are the four pillars on which the currently draft programme is based:

  • A smarter Europe: innovation and skills for smart transformation
  • A greener Europe: climate, environment and nature
  • A more social Europa: inclusive labour market, education and sustainable leisure time
  • An Europe without borders: working together to overcome border barriers

 

Interreg Netherlands Germany

Interreg Netherlands Germany is already open. Applications cover the following themes:

  • Energy & climate
  • High tech systems and materials
  • Integration of education and labor market
  • Agro & food
  • Health & care

Interreg Europe

Interreg Europe opens on 15 March 2023 and is intended to stimulate interregional European cooperation, with a focus on improving policy instruments for regional development. Target groups are policy makers, as well as regional authorities, knowledge institutions, non-profit institutions, development agencies, and private non-profit parties. A consortium must comprise participants from at least three different countries, of which at least two partners must be from different EU Member States. The budget will be announced at a later date. The deadline is 9 June 2023.

Examples of projects funded with Interreg

 

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