Launched in 1990, the European Union’s emblematic Interreg programme, which promotes cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation, is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025! The programme is part of the European cohesion policy and now covers 86 programmes. Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and managed by the European Commission, Interreg co-finances shared solutions to common challenges that transcend borders and require cooperation between organisations in different countries.
Areas of cooperation
There are 4 types of cooperation areas:
- Cross-border cooperation (Interreg A) between partners on either side of a land or sea border (64 cross-border programmes worth €6.7 billion: ALCOTRA, PEACE PLUS, POCTEFA, etc.)
- Transnational cooperation (Interreg B) between partners from several regions in an identified European area (13 transnational programmes worth €1.5 billion, EURO MED, Nort-West Europe, Danube, etc.). )
- Interregional or pan-European cooperation (Interreg C) between partners from across the European Union for the exchange of experience and good practice (1 Interreg Europe interregional programme and 3 URBACT, Interact and ESPON networks, worth €550 million)
- Overseas cooperation (Interreg D) between partners from overseas France and third countries bordering or in major regional areas outside the European Union (5 geographical areas worth €280 million: Amazonia, Caribbean, Middle Atlantic/Gulf of Guinea, Indian Ocean, Mozambique Channel).
Browse the interactive Interreg map to find the programmes that might interest you!
The themes
The Interreg programme focuses on 7 thematic objectives for 2021-2027, as set out in European Regulation 2021/1059, known as the ‘Interreg Regulation’. The 7 objectives include 5 EU policy objectives and 2 objectives specific to Interreg:
- Stimulating innovation;
- Investing in projects that combat climate change;
- Improving mobility;
- Promoting inclusion, employment and access to quality health, education, training and skills;
- Adopting place- and community-based approaches to support integrated territorial strategies;
- Strengthening institutional capacities and encouraging cross-border collaboration;
- Supporting improved border management and migration processes.
Common features
The rules of the game are decided at the level of the territory concerned, but each programme must respect the rules of the ‘Interreg regulation’. So, despite the obvious differences between each programme, certain specific features stand out.
Partnership: a minimum number of countries must be involved to set up an Interreg project, and consequently several partners. Depending on the area of cooperation concerned, partners may be required from each side of the border or from several countries in the region in question.
One of these partners will have the role of ‘Lead Partner’. This partner is responsible to the Interreg programme, which finances it. It will receive the European financial aid and redistribute it to the project partners.
Co-financing: the Interreg programme complements other sources of public or private funding. Depending on the programme, type of project or theme, the co-financing rate can vary between 60-90%!
Upcoming Interreg calls!
Would you like to try your hand at Interreg? Don’t wait any longer! The latest calls for projects for the period 2021-2027 have been announced:
Interreg France-Switzerland: calls until 12 September 2025.
Interreg Germany/Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania/Brandenburg-Poland: fifth call until 18 September 2025.
Interreg Central Baltic: fifth call until 30 September 2025.
Interreg POCTEFA: Call for East Coast Functional Areas II until the end of September 2025.
Interreg Aurora: seventh call until 6 October 2025.
Interreg Austria-Hungary: calls open continuously.
Want to maximise your chances of success? Euronovia offers you personalised support in setting up your project. Do not hesitate to contact us so that we can discuss your specific needs.
Image credit: © europe-en-france.gouv.fr