What is INTERREG?
INTERREG is the EU's Programme of structural funding for strengthening social and economic cohesion throughout Europe by supporting projects and actions in three axis: A - Cross-border; B - Trans-national; and C - Interregional.
INTERREG IV (2007-2013) is made up of a large number of A,B & C Programmes, six of which present opportunities for Irish marine researchers:
A - Cross-border
INTERREG IVA - Ireland - Wales
INTERREG IVA - Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland
B - Trans-national
INTERREG IVB - Atlantic Area
INTERREG IVB - North West Europe
- The 10th NWE Call (budget: €3million) will be launched in April 2012 with a closing date of 11th May 2012 (see Up-coming Calls)
INTERREG IVB - Northern Periphery Programme
C - Interregional
INTERREG 4C - Europe
Marine Research Opportunities in INTERREG IV Programmes
Unlike FP7, INTERREG is not a research programme. However, RTD actions which produce tangible outputs through territorial cooperation are supported.
During the period 2007- 2010, 32 INTERREG-IV projects with Irish participation were approved for funding. The total value of these projects was circa €85m (€58m grant-aid) with over €12.9m in grant-aid going to the Irish partners. Full details will be available shortly in "New Connections: Exploring Ireland's International Marine Research Partnerships 2007-2010" (IN PRESS).
In 2011, an additional 11 Marine INTERREG-IV projects with Irish participation were approved. These will be reported in mid-2012, when contract negotiations are successfully completed.
Financial Guidelines
Two financial guidance documents are available for download for those preparing and/or participating in Interreg projects
1. National Eligibility Rules for Expenditure Co-Financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) by Beneficiaries on Operations undertaken in Ireland under European Territorial Cooperation Programmes (2007-2013). [Irish Dept. of Finance]
2. European Union General Provisions for the Regulation of European Regional Development Fund (official EU guidelines for ERDF expenditure). [European Commission]