INTERREG IVC

1. INTERREG IVC • Here is an overview of what is expected for the future interregional cooperation programme at the time of writing (February 2007). • Please note this information is subject to change.

2. INTERREG IVC • a proactive instrument linking regions together • drawing on best practices for the benefit of all regions • helping Member States and Regions to implement actions aiming at economic modernisation • linking to their Convergence and Competitiveness programmes

3. the need covered by INTERREG IVC • implement Lisbon and Gothenburg targets • modernise regional and local development • match high performance and developing regions • transfer best practices to regions wishing to improve

4. the context • the new Objective Cooperation • 4 interregional and network programmes • two approaches for interregional cooperation projects • Regions For Economic Change (RFEC), the link with Convergence and Competitiveness

5. the new Objective Cooperation Objectives of Structural Funds Policies 2007 - 2013 • Objective Convergence • Objective Competitiveness • Objective Cooperation

6. four interregional and networking programmes • one interregional cooperation programme focusing on Lisbon and Gothenburg priorities(INTERREG IVC) • a network programme for the exchange of experiences on urban development (URBACT II) • a programme for the identification, transfer and dissemination of best practice in management of co-operation programmes (INTERACT II) • a programme for studies and data collection, observation and analysis of development trends (ESPON II)

7. in addition…interregional cooperation in Obj. 1 & 2 programmes • a specific priority for interregional cooperation can be included in Objective Convergence and Competitiveness programmes • will allow cooperation between Objective Convergence and/or Objective Competitiveness regions • interregional cooperation covers topics common to the regional programmes concerned • each project partner funds its own activities from its respective programme • modalities are organised by the authorities of the programmes concerned

8. main features of the future “INTERREG IV C programme” • 321 MEUR, one programme; • one Managing Authority: Conseil Régional Nord – Pas de Calais – Lille (F); four Information Points: in Rostock, Katowice (with support from Vienna), Valencia and Lille; • one Audit Authority: CICC – FS; • one Certifying Authority: Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations; • focus on Lisbon and Gothenburg agenda; • the whole EU territory is eligible; • rate of assistance up to 75 % (up to 85% for Convergence Regions)

9. the aim of INTERREG IVC • INTERREG IVC aims to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies and contribute to economic modernisation by enabling cooperation between regional and local authorities across the EU27, Norway and Switzerland, through exchange and transfer of their experiences and the joint development of approaches and instruments • it aims to contribute to the Union's strategy for jobsand growth. As such the programme is an important instrument for the implementation of the EU initiative Regions for Economic Change (RFEC)

10. interregional cooperation in Objective 3= • INTERREG IVC • Regional initiatives • Fast Track networks

11. Regional initiatives(“IIIC-like” cooperation) • Themes to include • Priority 1: Innovation and the Knowledge Economy • Research, technology and development • Information society • Entrepreneurship, SMEs and economic sectoral development • Employment, human resources and education • Priority 2: Environment and Risk Management • Energy and sustainable public transport • Biodiversity and preservation of natural heritage • Natural and technological risks • Water & waste management • Cultural heritage

12. Regional initiativestypes of operation • no longer fixed types of operations • cooperation can still vary in intensity (from light networking to mini-programmes) Recommended financial size and duration of operations to be decided later by the Monitoring Committee

13. ”Regions for Economic Change – RFEC”Fast Track networks • the link between the interregional cooperation programme and the mainstream programmes • novel part = Fast Track: up to 30 networks (“Fast Track” networks) on 30 themes set up within the framework of INTERREG IVC & URBact * Regional Initiatives (INTERREG IVC) or Exchange and Learning (URBact)

14. possible themes for Fast Track networks • I. Making Europe and its regions more attractive places to invest and work • Examples: Improving air quality or Moving to a low carbon economy … • II. Improving knowledge and innovation for growth • Examples: Improving the capacity of regions for research and innovation or Bringing innovative ideas to the market more quickly … • III. More and better jobs • Examples: Promoting entrepreneurship or Promoting a healthy workforce in healthy workplaces … • IV. The territorial dimension of European cohesion policy • Examples: Reaping the benefits of the sea or Re-using brownfield and waste disposal sites …

15. For further details: west@interreg3c.net www.interreg3c.net • thank you for your attention!