Interreg Next Med 2021-2027: first call for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation kicks off
Building on the experience of the ENI CBC Med Programme 2014-2020, Interreg Next Med 2021-2027 aims to promote Euro-Mediterranean cooperation within the framework of the European Union's Cohesion Policy.
In late December, the Managing Authority of the Programme at the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, launched the first call for project submissions.
What does the Interreg Next Med 2021-2027 programme fund?
The Interreg Next Mediterranean Sea Basin 2021-2027 Programme, that's the full name, aims to contribute to smart, sustainable and equitable development in the Mediterranean basin by supporting balanced, durable and far-reaching cooperation and multilevel governance.
Specifically, the target area covers 15 countries-Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Jordan, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey.
The budget made available by the EU for the development of the area amounts to more than 253.3 million euros, including 147.6 million from the Neighborhood, Development Cooperation and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), 96.2 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and 9.5 million from the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA III).
The Programme's mission is to finance cooperation projects that address joint socio-economic and environmental challenges and needs in the Mediterranean, such as the adoption of advanced technologies, business competitiveness and job creation, climate change adaptation, transition to a circular and efficient economy, education and vocational training, health, and the development of virtuous territorial governance processes.
There are 4 general objectives, then declined into 9 specific objectives:
- A more competitive and smart Mediterranean;
- A greener, low-carbon and resilient Mediterranean;
- A more social and inclusive Mediterranean;
- A better governance of cooperation for the Mediterranean.
Read more about the NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT MED) Programme
What does the first call fund?
The call funds projects addressing the Programme's 4 priorities and its 9 specific objectives in order to address crucial issues such as: strengthening research and innovation capacities, promoting SME growth, advancing renewable energy solutions, increasing climate change adaptation measures, promoting educational opportunities, ensuring access to quality health care, and improving local governance processes.
There are 3 types of projects: thematic, youth-oriented, or governance-related. Depending on the type of projects, EU financial support ranges from 500 thousand euros to 2.5 million euros; the EU contribution may not exceed 89% of the total eligible project costs and the initiative's co-financing must be at least 11% of the total eligible costs.
Each proposal must be applied for by a partnership representing at least 3 organizations from 3 different eligible countries, including at least one Program Partner country. The following may participate in the call: national and regional public authorities, municipalities, nonprofit/civil society organizations, universities, research organizations, private companies and other entities.
Applications must be submitted by March 28, 2024.