Interreg will continue to strengthen border regions

Cross-border cooperation is about to become easier. Negotiators of the European Parliament and EU Member States have reached a provisional agreement on regional cooperation and the financing of cross-border projects for 2021-2027. The deal sets new rules for the so-called Interreg Programmes, which are earmarked for €8 billion.

“Interreg is an important symbol of cooperation amongst neighbouring regions. It significantly helps remove border obstacles, above all, those in people’s minds. Our agreement enables regions to cooperate more easily i.e. through simplified rules and procedures. In particular, small and people-to-people projects will be supported more strongly than ever. Up to 20% of the total Interreg resources can be allocated to small project funds”, stressed Parliament's Chief Negotiator Pascal Arimont MEP, also EPP Group Deputy Spokesman in the Regional Development Committee.

“We are also addressing the challenges of our time: regions have to invest in projects that tackle climate change or strengthen our health systems. With the new Interreg rules, together with the increased opportunities offered by REACT-EU, there will be many new possibilities for our regions to invest in sustainable and socially valuable cross-border projects in the future”, concluded Arimont.