INTERREG / SEUPB

European Territorial Co-operation Fund (INTERREG IV)

An instrument of the European Commission ‘Cohesion’ policy, the ‘INTERREG’ suite of programmes encourages regions and cities from different EU Member States to work together and learn from each other through joint programmes, projects and networks. In the period 2007-13 the EU Territorial Co-operation objective (otherwise known as INTERREG) covers three types of programmes:

• 52 cross-border co-operation programmes (INTERREG IVA) along internal EU borders. ERDF contribution: €5.6 billion. The programme for Northern Ireland, Border Counties of Ireland and Western Scotland is one of the three cross border programmes that impact on the UK, the others being the Wales-Ireland and the English Channel maritime border programmes.
• 13 transnational co-operation programmes (INTERREG IVB) cover larger areas of co-operation such as the Baltic Sea, Alpine and Mediterranean regions. ERDF contribution: €1.8 billion. The following impact on Northern Ireland; the Northern Periphery Programme the North West Europe Programme and the Atlantic Area Programme
• The interregional co-operation programme (INTERREG IVC) and 3 networking programmes (URBACT, Interact II and ESPON) cover all 27 Member States of the EU. They provide a framework for exchanging experience between regional and local bodies in different countries. ERDF contribution: €445 million.

The 'INTERREG' objective is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supports cross-border, transnational and interregional co-operation programmes. The budget of €8.7 billion for this objective accounts for 2.5% of the total 2007-13 allocation for cohesion policy, including the allocation for Member States to participate in EU external border co-operation programmes supported by other instruments (IPA and ENPI). For European Territorial Co-operation the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regulation is applicable, in particular chapter 3.

In summary the main differences between the 3 ‘types' of INTERREG co-operation are as follows:

Cross Border (INTERREG IVA) programmes aim to bring adjacent cross-border regions closer together through the development of joint projects. Under these programmes, projects can be financed in a wide variety of themes e.g. culture, tourism, economic development and transport.

Transnational programmes (INTERREG IVB) aim to promote a higher degree of territorial integration, with a view to achieving sustainable, harmonious and balanced development across the EU and better territorial integration with candidate and other neighbouring countries. Key areas of focus include: Innovation, Environment, Accessibility and Sustainable Urban Environment. There are 13 programme zones, three of which are relevant to Northern Ireland.

Interregional Co-operation (INTERREG IVC) focuses on the identification, analysis and dissemination of good practices by public authorities in order to improve the effectiveness of regional and local policies. Co-operation projects are eligible across all 27 EU states, plus Norway and Switzerland.

The Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB)

The SEUPB is one of the six cross border Bodies set up in 1999 under the “Good Friday Agreement” between the British and Irish Governments.

The Body manages the EU Programmes for Peace and Reconciliation and INTERREG Programme for the eligble cross border regions under these programmes. It is also acts as the contact point for the INTERREG IVB Northern Periphery Programme, is involved in the cross border elements of other Community Initiatives (Rural Development, URBACT and ESF funds) and is responsible for implementing the Common Chapter under the direction of the North South Ministerial Council. SEUPB also works in an advisory and signposting role for North/South participation in the INTERREG IVC Interregional programme.