Interreg IIIB FAQS

WHO CAN BE A PROJECT PARTNER? WHERE DO I FIND THEM?

How long does it take to develop an Interreg IIIB project?
This clearly depends on the project and related issues, but you are probably looking at a minimum of six months. Projects are advised to establish their partnerships early and then develop ideas together.

Are two partners just as valid as three or four?
It is not simply a question of the number of partners but of seeking a balanced territorial partnership from within the UK and with partners from participating countries. Two transnational partners is usually the minimum but three or more will widen the impact of the Project on the Programme area.

Can the private sector be included in partnerships? Yes, this is encouraged, but a private company cannot be a Lead Partner.

Can regions outside the programme areas be considered as partners for projects?
Regions outside the programme areas can be contributing partners but they must cover their own costs. Or they can be sub-contractors subject to EC tendering rules, or they can work through a branch or field office in the eligible area.

BEING A LEAD PARTNER

Is there advice or workshops for lead partners?
The North Sea and North West Europe programmes organise lead partner seminars soon after projects have been selected. The Atlantic Area may follow this example.

Is it too risky to take on the role of lead partner if you have no experience of INTERREG III?
There is nothing to stop organisations from being a lead partner but there are some key issues to consider. The lead partner must prove their solvency, and it is important to note that funds are paid out retrospectively. Also, formal legal agreements should be in place amongst all partners. The lead partner can delegate the day-to-day management of the project to another of the partners or can outsource it completely, bringing in consultants to manage this process.

If you lead an INTERREG III-B project does it mean you can’t be involved in other INTERREG III programmes?
No, but you do have to make sure you have adequate capacity. There is nothing to stop a partner being a ‘Lead Partner’ in a variety of Projects. Each project will need to be separately funded and accounted for.

Is the lead partner also the contractor ?
Yes, the lead partner will be the contractor. This will require reasonably tight agreements with partners to focus actions, and avoid problems later on. However, entering into expensive and lengthy legal contracts will not be necessary. The lead partner will pay funds retrospectively, so funds can be denied unless proof of expenditure and outputs are received. The Secretariats provide model partnership agreements which cover the key points.

Can Higher Education institutions and NGOs be lead partners?
Yes. Registered charities must provide registration details, and all NGOs their audited accounts with their applications.

WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT?

What help is available for project development and application?
There are various sources of help and information. ODPM has set up this website to provide information about the INTERREG initiative. The ODPM International Planning Unit, Programme Secretariats, Government Offices and Devolved Administrations are all available to provide advice and guidance. The UK Contact Points (click here for details) provide advice on project development issues.

In addition, the ODPM has made available match funding for projects where the activities will take forward and/or develop the relevant regional spatial strategy – (click here for details).

What reference documents might be useful in preparing applications?
The application packs for each of the programme areas will contain the Programme Complement, the Community Initiative Programmes, and possibly model application forms/legal agreements and guidance to help promoters complete application forms.

What is the role of Government Offices and Devolved Administrations?
The Government Offices/Devolved Administrations do not have a specific role in co-ordinating projects. Their principal role is to facilitate regional networks that aim to help project development in each region together with the Contact Points. They also assess UK ERDF applications to gauge the extent to which they meet regional planning priorities.

TRANSNATIONAL WORKING

Can you explain in more detail what is meant by transnationality?
Transnationality allows countries to co-operate on mutually beneficial projects and to tackle issues that go beyond national borders. It produces models that are transferable across different countries, and speeds up the process of innovation through the sharing of expertise and development costs. Participating organisations benefit through accessing new skills and ways of working, and increasing their connections to European networks and markets.

A mere exchange of experience is no longer acceptable as an example of transnationality in relation to the INTERREG III-B programme - the new programme focuses on the creation of networks for implementing concrete actions such as joint promotion schemes, common transport services, common methodologies for dealing with common problems and shared strategic studies.

Examples of transnational working include:
- Setting up a joint transnational project where the combined effect is greater than separate actions
- Sharing tools and resources to tackle similar issues (maximising resource efficiency)
- Exploring different approaches to tackling a common problem
- Exchanging experience and know-how and best practice
- Planning for and maximising the beneficial input of investment in one country or another

What does transnational working involve in practice?
- Being clear about why transnational working would add value and bring a better result than working alone
- Finding the right transnational partners
- Devising work plans and transnational priorities in partnership
- Developing an appropriate partnership budget
- Assigning and agreeing roles and responsibilities of the different project partners
- Setting up appropriate communication procedures
- Agreeing appropriate monitoring and evaluation procedures
- Supporting other partners and managing potential conflict
- Developing transnational products
- Activities and results which affect the whole Programme area

COSTS/FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS

Could you elaborate on the matchfunding made available by the ODPM?
Any UK partner can apply for ODPM matchfunding. When assessing the application, both regional and national policy interests will be consulted. To qualify the project must help to implement the regional strategies of the English region or Devolved Administration of the applicant; priority will be given to those projects which promote and/or develop that strategy and which offer transferability of results to other areas of the country.

ERDF-eligible preparation costs are also eligible for ODPM matchfunding support, at a rate of 50%. Each programme has separate rules on eligibility of preparation costs and these should be consulted when applying for ODPM matchfunding.

A small portion of the matchfunding pot has been set assist to provide financial assistance to attend thematic seminars whilst putting a project together. Applications to this Scheme Two matchfunding must be made in retrospect, with all original receipts attached, and is separate to the main matchfunding scheme.

For more information on ODPM match funding and where to apply please click here.

Is there a recommended cost per project? What is the maximum size of INTERREG III-B projects?
There are no official minimums or maximums. It is important to look at the budget breakdowns for each priority and measure to get a better idea of the funding available. Project promoters should gauge the size of budgets in the light of these constraints set against their objectives for the project. A good number of projects approved so far have involved eligible expenditure of between 3 – 6 million Euros (some even more).

Is the project funding to be completed by 2006 or 2008?
Financial allocations are to be made by 2006, but spent by 2008.

Can EU funds be used as match funding?
No, match funds must not include other European funding streams. In-kind contributions are fine, providing the value of land, staff time, voluntary time etc is identified. Projects previously funded by the EU can be revisited providing that the previous EU funding is complete.

What are the audit rules relating to INTERREG?
The rules are the same as for mainstream ERDF programmes. However, the lead partner will be responsible for the financial accountability of its partners, highlighting the need for partner agreements.

PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT: APPLICATION AND SELECTION

When are the calls for proposals for the NWE, North Sea and AA?
There are usually two calls per year Click here for up to date information on the dates of calls.

How are the projects to be selected? Is there any mechanism to ensure that projects are not replicated?
The Secretariats evaluate the applications and the Steering Committees take the decisions on project selection.

Who sits on the Steering Committee?
Each member state can nominate up to three representatives. The UK representatives are the ODPM, and up to two regional representatives.

How long does it take for the Steering Committee to reach a decision?
The Steering Committees usually meet over two days and decisions are usually communicated to applicants within 1-2 weeks.

Within calls for proposals each year, will there be a prioritisation of measures according to previous spending?
In practice gaps will be identified by the Programme Secretariats.

How many bidding rounds will there be?
Two bidding rounds are envisaged each year up until 2006, though this may be subject to review.

If a proposed project is relevant to a range of measures indicated on the application form, should the full range of boxes be ticked, or would this be too broad?
It is recommended that only one box is ticked for the purposes of allocating funding, according to the measure with the most relevance.

When applications are submitted, what evidence is needed to show that a meaningful partnership is in place?
The partnership must be fully engaged at submission, with formal commitment and funding agreements between partners in place. This involves a joint project management structure and a reasonable spread of the budget across the different Member States.

ELIGIBILITY

Does the eligible area relate to the applicants or the beneficiaries?
You have to be within the eligible area to benefit from funds.

Are administration, translation and support costs eligible costs for INTERREG III-B projects?
Yes.

Is there a minimum timeframe for projects?
A two-year project would probably be a working minimum for practicalities, but the ambitions of INTERREG III-B infer longer projects of 2-3 years. AA normally limits project length to 3 years maximum.

Is there guidance available as to what capital projects are eligible?
The emphasis is on small infrastructure projects so there are upper limits. It is advisable to consult Programme Secretariats on this area. You may want to use INTERREG III-B to fund a small percentage (for example the transnational element) of a larger capital project.

Can INTERREG III-B still fund studies?
There is still a place for studies under INTERREG III-B – these constitute 5% of the overall budget. It may be important to demonstrate that the results of these studies could lead to more concrete projects.

Is it possible for dissemination of outputs to include dissemination outside the Programme area?
ERDF funds can only be spent within the Programme areas. INTERREG III-C offers the opportunity of funding for dissemination projects.

PROJECT THEMES

Is small-scale rail infrastructure allowed?
There is a strong argument for rail links to Trans-European Networks. The guidance within the programme complements for each programme area gives a clearer idea of the eligibility of such projects.

It has been claimed that projects should relate to the programme area spatial visions and not contradict them. What if projects seek to move outside the vision in order to influence and shape it in a constructive way?
If projects can demonstrate that they will enrich and develop the spatial vision, then they will be welcomed.

What are the parameters governing investment in enterprise?
State Aid rules must not be breached. Projects must be transnational, not duplicate Objective 1 and 2 programme projects, and add value. Examples include: international marketing, joint project development, innovation and virtual cluster development. For further advice contact Government Offices and Devolved Administrations – click here for contacts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS