Starting implementation Embedding Macro-regional strategies DG REGIONAL AND URBAN POLICY Macro Regions and European Territorial Cooperation

Interreg programmes: state of adoption INTERREG VA (cross-border co-operation) 32 programmes adopted (out of 60) INTERREG VB (transnational co-operation) 10 programmes adopted (out of 15) INTERREG VC (inter-regional co-operation) 4 programmes adopted (out of 4) INTERREG IPA-CBC 7 programmes adopted (out of 12)

Starting implementation Focus on results (performance framework) Simplification Strategic approach: cooperation perspective, link with macro-regional/sea-basin strategies The majority of the Interreg programmes are starting implementation. The monitoring committees are busy adopting selection criteria, defining a communication strategy, drafting the evaluation plan.  It is a timely moment to establish a good ground for the future work.

"Embedding" - Rationale Follow-up of the political decision (for a closer macro-regional cooperation) towards implementation 1) Identifying/"prioritising" actions/projects from the Action Plan 2) Seeking funding ESIF (Structural & Investment Funds – ERDF, ESF, EAGGF, EMFF): Interreg Coop Programmes, Operational Programmes (sectorial, regional) IPA, (Instrument Pre-Accession), ENI (European Neighbour. Instr.) CEF (Connecting Europe Facility) Horizon, COSME, LIFE ("direct" EC management) EFSI (Juncker Investment Plan) IFI, WBIF (Western Balkan Investment Framework) Donor countries, private sector, foreign investors…..etc

"Embedding" - Legal basis in Cohesion Policy CPR Regulation takes into account the new reality to embed macro-regional strategies (and Cooperation) in Partnership Agreements and both Operational and Cooperation (Interreg) Programmes Articles CPR: Art.15.2(a)(ii); 27(3); 96(3)(e); 96(6)(a), Annex 1-Sections 3.2(1)(f) and 7.1(1), 7.1(2), 7.1(3), 7.1(4). Sections 4.5, 4.4 (OP), and 4.4 (CP). Interreg transnational programmes (VB) matching the geography of a MRS: support to implementation, through their thematic axis + specific axis on governance (TO 11)

Funding macroregional projects: How? Ring-fence budget in the programme Design calls to fund projects of macro-regional scope Ex-ante specific selection/quality criteria Bonus points awarded to macro-regional projects Support to macro-regional strategies can take various forms: "exclusive calls" to fund projects preferably prioritised by the governance actors of the macro-regional strategy; "general calls" to fund projects in a Thematic Objective of the programme, with specific selection/quality criteria for projects contributing to macro-regional strategies; earmarking budget; allowing for bonus points for projects of macro-regional interest, etc. Coordination between Managing Authorities and the macro-regional governance actors (National Coordinators, or Pillar/Priority/Policy coordinators) is crucial for the successful embedding of the Strategy's objectives into the programmes.  

People - to - people Coordination important: All actors to liaise Managing authorities to liaise with the macro-regional governance actors (National Coordinators/Thematic Coordinators) for advice on calls and projects of macro-regional scope and potential. Discuss the macro-region in OP/CP meetings (Monitoring Committees, other meetings) with the participation of the macro-regional governance actors. Invite Managing Authorities to macro-regional meetings (Annual Forum, steering group meetings…). Participation of the national/priority coordinators of the macro-regional strategies in the first (and/or second) monitoring committees (and relevant meetings). Systematic inclusion of an item in the agenda of those meetings. Participation of the managing authorities' representative in the macro-regional meetings of national and priority coordinators, annual fora, etc.

Panel discussion: Ms Merike NIITEPÖLD, Head of the Managing Authority - Interreg VA Central Baltic Programme Ms Alessandra PALA, Head of the Joint Secretariat - Interreg VB Danube Programme Mr Ioannis FIRBAS, General Director, National Coordination Authority for ESIF - Ministry for Economy, Infrastructures, Maritime Affairs and Tourism - Greece