Interreg consultation

The new INTERREG Programme is supported under the European Territorial Co-operation Objective and will run from 2007 - 2013 and will benefit from €256 million (£170 million) made up from €192 million from the European Union and €64 million from the two national governments.

The overall theme of the INTERREG Programme is to strengthen and deepen cross-border co-operation with an emphasis on supporting strategic plans and projects which will maximise the impact of the funds throughout the eligible area. More specifically, the Programme
aims to support strategic cross-border cooperation for a more prosperous region and improve access to services so as to enhance the quality of life for those living in the eligible area.

The Programme will focus on two strategic objectives outlined as follows:

• Priority 1: Co-operation for a more prosperous cross-border region:
  This Priority aims to diversify and develop the economy of the eligible region by encouraging innovation and competitiveness in enterprise and business development and promoting tourism;
• Priority 2: Co-operation for a sustainable cross-border region:
  This Priority aims to support activities that promote cross-border cooperation in policy development and improve access to services so as to improve the quality of life for those living in the eligible area.

There are four cross cutting themes which will act as strategic guidelines for those engaged in
the implementation of the Programme and include:

• Equality;
• Sustainable development;
• Partnership;
• Impact on poverty.

The Special EU Programmes Body has published the proposed INTERREG Operational Programme for public consultation and this document contains the rationale for the new programme, the priorities and the areas of intervention along with the proposed implementation provisions.

The consultation will run until 30 April 2007 and for more details please visit

http://www.seupb.org/consultation_interreg.htm