Interreg Europe
EU interregional cooperation programme enabling regions and cities across Europe to share policy experience and improve regional development strategies through funded cooperation projects.
Overview
Interreg Europe is a European Union programme that enables regions and cities across Europe to learn from each other and improve regional development policies. Part of the broader Interreg family funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Interreg Europe focuses on interregional cooperation - bringing together public authorities and organisations from different European regions to share good practices and jointly develop solutions to common regional challenges. The programme 2021-2027 has a budget of 379 million euros and focuses on four thematic priorities: smarter Europe, greener Europe, connected Europe, and social Europe.
What You Can Find Here
- Cooperation project grants for policy learning and exchange between regional authorities across Europe
- Policy Learning Platform - online tools and expert advice for ongoing interregional learning without a formal project
- Capitalisation projects - systematic sharing of good practices from previous EU cohesion programmes
- Funding for study visits, events, workshops, and peer reviews between regional partners
- Support for improving specific regional development instruments (ERDF, ESF programmes)
- Network of Interreg Europe contact points in each EU member state providing free advice
Who Should Use This
- Regional and local public authorities (regions, counties, municipalities) in EU member states and partner countries
- Bodies governed by public law such as development agencies, universities, and research centres
- Private organisations with a public mission that manage or influence regional development policies
- Managing authorities of ERDF and ESF programmes seeking to improve their policy instruments
- Regional development agencies and chambers of commerce working on smart specialisation strategies
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Visit interregeurope.eu to read about the current programme period and open calls for proposals
- Step 2: Use the Partner Search tool on the Interreg Europe website to find potential project partners from other European regions
- Step 3: Contact the Interreg Europe secretariat or your national contact point for pre-application advice
- Step 4: Form a partnership with organisations from at least 3 countries (at least 2 from EU member states)
- Step 5: Prepare your project application and submit it through the programme's online monitoring system during an open call
- Step 6: If approved, implement the cooperation activities and report results through the monitoring system
Things to Check Before Applying
- Interreg Europe is for policy learning and improvement - it does not fund infrastructure investment or operational regional programmes directly
- All partners must come from different countries, with at least 3 countries represented and at least 2 from EU member states
- Projects typically run 3-4 years and must demonstrate how exchange of experience leads to concrete improvements in regional policy instruments
- ERDF funding covers up to 75-85% of eligible costs for beneficiaries in less developed regions
- Private companies can participate but only as associated partners - they cannot receive ERDF funds directly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Interreg Europe and other Interreg programmes?
Interreg Europe focuses specifically on interregional policy learning across all EU regions, regardless of geography. Other Interreg programmes focus on cross-border cooperation between specific neighbouring regions (Interreg A) or transnational areas (Interreg B).
How much funding can an Interreg Europe project receive?
Projects typically have total budgets of 1-2 million euros, with ERDF covering 75-85% depending on the region category of each partner.
Can non-EU countries participate in Interreg Europe?
Yes. Norway, Switzerland, and some other non-EU countries can participate in Interreg Europe projects, though they fund their own partner costs from national sources.
What is the Policy Learning Platform?
The Policy Learning Platform is a permanent support service within Interreg Europe providing online policy resources, expert advice, and opportunities to exchange practices without applying for a formal project grant.
How often does Interreg Europe open calls?
Interreg Europe typically opens 1-2 calls for proposals per programme period (7 years). Check the programme website for the current schedule.
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