Interreg wide consultation

As part of the consultations on the future of Interreg, Interact is conducting a consultation on the future of Interreg and collecting feedback from programmes about the regulatory repairs and inspirational ideas for a better future.

This is being realised through two approaches to the work.

In almost every Interact event in 2024, there will be an element of reviewing the regulations and issues facing Interreg programmes.

Two milestone events, within the wider work, will present key moments to review the proposals received to date, and work out how to take key suggestions further.

Where to start

You can already start thinking about the issues and challenges you face in your role. As Interact's calendar of events move forwards, you should find yourself in the event where the key issues about your tasks are being discussed. If this is not the case, you can reach out to one of the project team directly.

A webinar on 1 December 2023 launched the process and included a detailed Q&A session with DG REGIO, IVY and Interact. You can watch the video in our library.

What we are working on

From the first milestone milestone event, seven priority subjects have been identified and are being taken forward for a larger discussion at the next milestone event. More information about these discussions will be shared ahead of the milestone meeting, as the information evolves.

1. Performance-based approach.

A small working group has been assembled to consider how the performance based approach would impact Interreg. This is looking both at the level of EU to programme performance, and at the level of programme to project. The work of the group focuses on the practical challenges, key risks and mitigation. The working group will also consider more OTS (Off the shelf) approaches to SCOs. Please contact Grzegorz Golda  for more information. 

2.  Synergies and cooperation

An exchange is planned alongside existing events to look at the various approaches to synergies and cooperation between programmes. The aim will be to produce a summary of models that exist and could be considered in the future. It will also consider how to incentivise such work, as well as the limitations that programmes have in this field. Please contact Mercedes Acitores for more information. 

3.  Territorial instruments

Place-based policies is one of the key words in the current discussion about the future scope of cohesion policy. It requires specific approaches and such as PO5. Programmes who adopted, or considered adopting, PO5 will reflect on their use, or planned use, of this objective. The aim will be to explore how PO5 could be more attractive to Interreg programmes. Territorial instruments other than PO5 such as CLLD or ITI could also be useful in Interreg programmes. Please contact Bernhard Schausberger for more information. 

4. External cooperation and ISO2

The future of external cooperation, and the usefulness of ISO2 will be discussed with external programmes especially. If you are interested in contributing, reach out to Marko Ruokangas. 

5. Flexibility and adaptability of programmes

Interreg programmes are being asked to respond to fast-moving priorities while traditionally focusing on long-term objectives. A small working group will explore further possibilities for flexibility and adaptability of programmes to respond to dynamic situations based on the input received during the Interreg Knowledge Far session. For more information, please contact Monika Balode.

6.  Greener Europe

Interreg programmes were specifically tasked to focus on PO2 which was mandatory for programmes. They also were asked to focus financially on this topic. Interreg contributions tend to focus on the core issues of the circular economy, energy and risk management. Interact will organise a reflection meeting to consider the strength of Interreg contributions in this Policy Objective and how they can be best captured. Contact Nicolas Garnier for more information.

7. Future governance issues for Interreg

It is important that Interreg is widely known for working on important issues such as building trust among communities across borders, tackling cross-border obstacles, preparing  and implementing cross-border services or building capacity for the implementation of European Directives.

Please note, each of these topics will report back to the Autumn 2024 Harvesting event, details of which will be published soon. 

More information about this process will be published shortly.

Contact

For more information please contact Marko Ruokangas.

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