A brand new programme, renewed commitment with the Atlantic regions

The Interreg Atlantic Area 2021-2027 was formally approved by the European Commission on the 8th of September 2022. The design and development of this new programme started in 2020 by a Task Force composed by representatives of four countries - Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland - the Managing Authority, the Joint Secretariat and the European Commission.

With a new Interreg Atlantic Area Programme, we renew the commitment with the Atlantic regions in the support of innovative initiatives that contribute to the growth of this area, solving common challenges across border through the implementation of joint actions, exchange of good practices and contribution to new or current policies.

Read here the Interreg Atlantic Area approved cooperation programme 21-27 EN FR PT ES IR.

Programme objectives

The programme supports cooperation in the four thematic priorities and eight specific objectives, based on the outcomes of the territorial analysis:

1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced  technologies

1.2 Reaping the benefits of digitalisation for citizens, companies, research organisation and public authorities

2.1 Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

2.2 Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience, taking into account eco-system-based approaches

2.3 Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

2.4 Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

3.1 Enhancing the role of culture and tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Funding

The programme budget for 2021-2027 is of EUR 113 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The co-financing rate for projects approved is up to 75% of the total investment.

Who can benefit from funding?

The Atlantic Area community is made of business support organisations, social enterprises, third sector organisations, public authorities, education and training organisations, environmental protection agencies, local communities, civil society clusters, universities, upper education bodies and research/innovation institutions.

The Atlantic regions

As in the previous programme, the Atlantic Area 2021-2027 covers the western part of the Atlantic Ocean and includes all regions of Ireland and Portugal, as well as several French and Spanish regions close to or on the Atlantic Ocean coast. The eligible regions are the following:

España: País Vasco; Navarra; La Rioja; Cantabria; Principado de Asturias; Galicia; Andalucía; Islas Canarias.

France: Bretagne; Normandie; Nouvelle-Aquitaine; Pays-de-la-Loire.

Ireland: Northern and Western; Southern; Eastern and Midland.

Portugal: Norte; Algarve; Centro; Lisboa; Alentejo; Região Autónoma das Açores; Região Autónoma de Madeira.

Call for Proposals

The programme will open several calls during the programming period. The First Call for Projects was open from the 14th of October 2022 until the 3rd of March 2023.

Information & Communication

In this period, Interreg has an harmonised brand for all programmes, that follows the European Commission guidance in terms of information & communication. You can find here the Interreg Brand Manual. The Interreg Atlantic Area has, therefore, a new brand identity and logo to promote the visibility of the programme. We will soon give more information about the identity of the Atlantic Area programme.

To learn more about the Communicating Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 click here.

Relevant legislation

Common Provisions Regulation for shared funds (CPR): Regulation (EU) 2021/1060

European Regional Development Fund Regulation (ERDF): Regulation (EU) 2021/1058

European Territorial Cooperation Regulation (Interreg): Regulation (EU) 2021/1059