The overall aims are to ensure that national borders are not a barrier to harmonious integration and to strengthen co-operation in areas of mutual interest. The Initiative runs from 2000 to the end of 2006 and comprises three strands:
Strand A: enables projects which address cross-border co-operation promoting integrated regional development between neighbouring border regions, including external borders and certain maritime borders. There are three Strand A programmes that involve areas of the UK - Kent and East Sussex with France, the Wales - Ireland programme and the Northern Ireland - Ireland programme;
Strand B: supports projects that promote transnational co-operation on spatial development between national, regional and local authorities and a wide range of non-governmental organisations. The strand is divided into three geographic zones: Atlantic, North West Europe and the North Sea. All parts of the UK are eligible for funding from this stream under their relevant zone.
Strand C: addresses interregional co-operation throughout the EU. It is intended to improve the effectiveness of policies and instruments for regional development, mainly through large-scale exchange of information and experience. There are four programme Zones - North, East, South and West. All parts of the UK are eligible for funding from the West Zone.
Projects submitted under the above three strands must be transnational, involving the active participation of at least one partner from another EU member state. They must also:
The South West region is eligible for support from the following (web links below):
- Strand B Atlantic Area - programme
- Strand B North West Europe - programme
- Strand C West Zone - programme
Partners based in the South West are involved with a number of projects under the current Interreg Programmes, in some instances as the lead partner. The region has been particularly successful with projects that address issues around environmental sustainability, tourism, heritage, and maritime matters.
For general information about Interreg, including how to apply for ODPM matched funding and how to contact the national contact points for help and advice on the development of projects, see the UK website Interreg III B below.
