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 has been discussed. The conclusions of these discussions, and more, are bring presented back to programmes at the Harvesting event.

Where to start

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.  The discussion continued at Interreg Knowledge Fair 2024 in Riga, where you can read reports on the discussions.

These discussions, and the discussions in other events lead to a number of discussion papers being drafted. They were published ahead of the next milestone moment, the Harvesting event at the end of November. A webinar on 5 December launched the papers, and explained the methodology of the Harvesting event 

What we are working on

Seven priority subjects have been identified. The work on these topics, and other subjects, are being developed for the next large milestone event, the autumn Harvesting Event. Following the input of the programmes through the Harvesting event, a report will be submitted to DG REGIO.

1. Performance-based approach and future SCOs

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 Pieter Louwers for more information. 

4. External cooperation

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 Fair 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 of ISO1 

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. Contact Kelly Zielnievski for more information.