Interreg

Are you engaged in an innovative project with a partner from a neighboring country? Or are you interested in collaborating within the broader European region? Then the Interreg program might be of interest to you. A total of 96 programs aim to reduce the economic disparities between regions and member states. For example, in the areas of innovation, research, sustainable energy, climate, and transportation.

Interreg is a collection of interregional grant programs, aimed at strengthening Europe and reducing the economic disparities between regions and member states by supporting collaborative projects.

The grant percentage for Dutch applicants is up to 80% (depending on the type and size of the organization), with an average grant amount of € 1 to € 2 million per project. For private non-profit organizations, this amounts to a maximum of 70% of the project costs.

Interreg programs are part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). There are four different Interreg programs. They focus on:

Cross-border cooperation (Interreg A)

• Flanders-Netherlands
• Germany-Netherlands
• Euregio Meuse-Rhine

Cooperation between regions in different countries (Interreg B)

• North West Europe (NWE)
• North Sea

Interreg NWE is intended for parties from 7 countries (besides the Netherlands, these include Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, and non-EU country Switzerland).

The North Sea Region focuses on collaboration between parties from countries surrounding the North Sea. These countries include the Netherlands, France (northern regions), Belgium (entire Flanders), Germany (northwestern parts), Denmark (entire), Sweden (southwestern regions), and Norway (southern regions).

Interregional and Europe-wide cooperation (Interreg C)

• Interreg Europe
• URBACT
• Espon

Interreg Europe supports interregional cooperation across Europe and focuses on regional development, particularly through the Structural Funds programs.

Cooperation with and between European territories that do not belong to the European continent (Interreg D).

It is important to consult the specific calls for proposals and program documentation for detailed information. Our experts can help you with this, thanks to years of experience with this scheme.

Is your organization involved in international research, technological development, and innovation at the international level? Then the Horizon Europe program might offer financial support to your organization. Our experts can help you further with this scheme as well.

Projects generally need to meet the following criteria:

• They must align with the specific objectives and priorities of the relevant Interreg program.
• They must involve partners from different countries or regions.
• They must have a clear European added value and contribute to the economic, social, and territorial cohesion of the EU.
• They must be sustainable and focused on long-term results.

Examples of projects that qualify include improving the ecological sustainability of a transboundary water body, developing joint tourism initiatives, establishing cross-border healthcare services, or promoting innovation and research through joint efforts of universities and research institutions in different countries.

The requirements to qualify for financing from the Interreg program can vary depending on the specific objectives and criteria of each individual program or call for proposals.

Here are some general conditions that are often applicable to Interreg programs:

• Co-financing: Interreg projects require co-financing, meaning that a portion of the project costs must be covered by the project partners themselves. EU funding does not cover the full costs.
• Sustainability and Transferability: Projects must be sustainable and have the potential to maintain results and benefits after the funding period ends. It is also often expected that the results are transferable to other regions or contexts.
• Measurable Results: Projects must deliver concrete and measurable results that contribute to the objectives of the program.
• Legal Status: Participating organizations must have a legal status that enables them to enter into contractual obligations and receive EU funding.
• Administrative Capacity: Organizations must have the administrative and financial capacity to manage the grant money and carry out the project activities.
• Transparency and Publicity: Projects must adhere to EU requirements for transparency and publicity, meaning that EU support must be made visible.

Compliance with EU legislation: Projects must comply with EU legislation, including regulations regarding procurement, environment, equality, and non-discrimination.

Deadlines for Interreg vary depending on the component and program. Our consultants can inform you about the possibilities.

Applying for a European grant is no easy task. There’s a lot involved. The requirements are strict; you must provide a lot of project and legal information and collaborate with one or more international partners. Though, all this work is matched by substantial grant contributions , and that’s what makes European grants attractive for governments and businesses. It enables large-scale projects and international breakthroughs. We help by providing one or more advisors with specific experience in European grants.

Thanks to our 25 years of experience, we can optimize your grant process and take it almost completely off your hands.

What to think about in terms of work?

• Assess whether your project fits within an Interreg grant program.
• Establish and legally formalize the international project consortium.
• Prepare and apply for the Interreg grant.
• Collecting attachments and signing the cooperation agreement.
• Preparing the budget.
• Submitting the application.
• Setting up the project administration according to the latest European laws and regulations.
• Handling the interim financial reporting.
• Preparing the final report.