The second call for projects under INTERREG IVC Programme was launched on October 27th, and will remain open until January 30th, 2009. All 27 Member States are eligible, as well as Norway and Switzerland. Priorities are mainly focused on two issues: innovation and the knowledge economy, and environment and risk prevention.

Following its predecessor INTERREG III C, INTERREG IVC is a programme funded by the European Union that helps Europe’s regions establish partnerships, enabling them to work together on common projects. This is the third component of the Territorial Co-operation Objective of the 2007-13 programme for Cohesion Policy.

The Programme aims to improve the effectiveness of policies for regional development and to contribute, by means of interregional cooperation, to economic modernization and to increasing competitiveness in Europe in the fileds of innovation, knowledge economy, environment and risk prevention.

INTERREG IVC Priorities

• Innovation and the Knowledge Economy

1. Innovation, Research & Technology Development
2. Entrepreneurship and SMEs
3. Information Society
4. Employment, Human Resources and Education

• Environment and Risk Prevention

1. Natural & Technological Risks (incl. climate change)
2. Water Management
3. Waste Prevention and Management
4. Biodiversity and Natural Heritage (incl. air quality)
5. Energy and Sustainable Transport
6. Cultural Heritage and Landscape

The eligible INTERREG IVC cooperation area covers the whole territory of the European Union with its 27 Member States, including insular and outermost areas. In addition, Norway and Switzerland are full members of the Programme and organisations from these countries are welcome to participate in it. Only public authorities and bodies governed by public law are eligible.

Total budget of the Programme for the period 2007-2013, represents 302 M€.

Under the INTERREG IVC Programme, the eligible project activities are co-financed from the ERDF at either 75% or 85% depending on the Member State:

• 75% ERDF: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
• 85% ERDF: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia.
• 50% National Funds: Norway.

Partners from Norway and Switzerland are not eligible to receive ERDF but can receive co-financing from their respective national funds. Swiss partners should refer to the Cantons in order to know more about the availability of these funds.

Two types of actions will be supported under INTERREG IVC Programme:

• Regional Initiative Projects
• Capitalisation Projects including Fast Track Projects

The Application Form has to be submitted electronically by e-mail, by January, 30th, 2009. Similarly the original hard copy hand signed, stamped (if available) and dated (as per postal stamp or equivalent proof), has to be sent at the latest by the same date to the following address only:

INTERREG IVC 2nd call
INTERREG IVC JTS
Les Arcuriales - Entrée D - 5e étage
45 rue de Tournai
59000 LILLE
FRANCE

All relevant informations about the call, as well as the Programme are available at the INTERREG IVC website.