Site updated 06-05-06
Aims & Objectives
The English regions are participating in three of the thirteen Interreg Programmes for Strand B – North West Europe, Atlantic Area, and North Sea Area (see the maps or list of eligible areas provided for each Programme Area. For the Northern Periphery Programme contact should be with Scottish Executive – see the Contacts page). All areas of England are eligible for one or more of these Programmes.
The development of co-operation under INTERREG IIIB in the UK will be governed by the following principles:
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development of a joint transnational strategy and development programme;
- partnership and a ‘bottom up’ approach involving a wide range of partners from both public, private and voluntary sectors;
- complementarity with ‘mainstream’ Structural Funds - operations must comply with the scope of the Structural Funds and their rules on eligibility of expenditure;
- the need to reflect the objectives of regional strategies within projects including, for example, regional sustainability frameworks and cultural strategies; and,
- a more integrated approach to implementation.
The priority for IIIB will be to build on the activity funded through INTERREG IIC, taking account of other Community policy priorities such as the Trans European Networks (TENs) and the recommendations for territorial development of the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP). The availability of funding is limited and therefore support will be focused on the following areas:
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developing spatial development strategies on a transnational scale, including co-operation among cities and between urban and rural areas, to promote polycentric and sustainable development;
- promoting efficient and sustainable transport systems and improved access to the information society;
- promoting the environment and good management of cultural heritage and natural resources, particularly water;
- promoting the integration between maritime regions, and of insular regions;
- promoting the integrated co-operation of the outermost regions.
The detailed measures available under each Programme address the particular problems and opportunities of that Programme area and promote an integrated territorial approach with genuine benefits for the region. Programmes for concrete action, including small-scale infrastructure projects, will be an important focus of activity. Studies will be considered for funding.
All projects selected for funding must demonstrate concrete, visible and innovative results.
All projects must have partners from more than one country (see Programme Area pages for minimum requirements). All funds obtained from the INTERREG IIIB Initiative must be matched.
