Partnerships
Partnerships are the foundations of Interreg. A strong partnership is vital to the success of a programme, and this page specifically looks at partnerships within the programme structure.
The Code of conduct for partnership sets out the basic principles and obligations for a wider partnership, which applies in Interreg as well as in wider EU funding.
Interact promotes and takes forward interventions to explore partnership models in Interreg, and to strengthen partnerships between existing, and with new stakeholders.
Of course, cooperation projects also need partnerships to apply for funding. For project partnerships please see our Calls for proposals page.
Where to start
The Code of conduct for partnerships is the core document on this subject. The ways the partnership can work between programmes and civic society is also explored in a report, which looks at building partnerships to support the set-up and operation of the programme.
The report on the engagement of civil society in Interreg was published early in 2024, it provides insights into how programmes currently engage citizens and civic society, and explores feasible approaches to strengthen this engagement.
The report was presented and explored in a session at the Interreg Knowledge Fair in March 2024.
An event in June 2024 also explored alternative funding models in Interreg, such as crowd-funding. A report, presentations and video recording of the online event are all available.
What we are working on
In 2025 the focus will be on the partnership principle and multi-level governance in Interreg programmes. An online event "The partnership principle and its application in Interreg – taking stock" is planned in April to explore the principle’s practical application in the 2021–2027 period, address challenges, and discuss its future evolution beyond 2027.
Moreover, civic and civil society engagement will be enhanced through a project repository, keep.eu search, practical tools, and people-to-people projects. We will continue exploring alternative funding for Interreg, focusing on crowdfunding and fund-matching options, with discussions and the preparation of a dedicated factsheet.
For more information please contact Besiana Ninka.