INTERREG –Experiences and Challenges -Sverre Mauritzen -Norway’s role in transnational and interregional programmes (B and C) -NIBR – report 2010:22, English Summary available

Challenges after the 1994 referendum Set the EEA Agreement to workSet the EEA Agreement to work Participation in relevant EU - initiativesParticipation in relevant EU - initiatives Cross – border co-operation important ; nordic traditions. Norway partner from 1995Cross – border co-operation important ; nordic traditions. Norway partner from 1995 EU introduced transnational programmes: Norway interested and was invitedEU introduced transnational programmes: Norway interested and was invited

Some issues in the report Tangible results from project activities ?Tangible results from project activities ? Norwegian contributions to the development in European regions ?Norwegian contributions to the development in European regions ? Main problems and challengesMain problems and challenges

The short story Results: Lead Beneficiary in more than 30 successful projects, participant in over 200.Results: Lead Beneficiary in more than 30 successful projects, participant in over 200. Norwegian contributions: Especially within maritime sector (Northern Maritime Corridor, Safety at Sea) and culture/tourism projects (North Sea Cycle Route, Nortrail).Norwegian contributions: Especially within maritime sector (Northern Maritime Corridor, Safety at Sea) and culture/tourism projects (North Sea Cycle Route, Nortrail). Challenge: Better information, simpler proceduresChallenge: Better information, simpler procedures

Development Programmes new both to EU and NorwayProgrammes new both to EU and Norway From launch to ”EU main stream” policyFrom launch to ”EU main stream” policy A tool for practical implementation of EU policiesA tool for practical implementation of EU policies Norwegians active partners also in the programming processNorwegians active partners also in the programming process

Dynamic Development Geography: from 12 to 27 Member StatesGeography: from 12 to 27 Member States Themes: from planning to development, with emphasis on cohesion, innovation and sustainabilityThemes: from planning to development, with emphasis on cohesion, innovation and sustainability New developments: Espon Interact og UrbactNew developments: Espon Interact og Urbact

INTERREG and EU policies Lisbon and Gøteborg AgendasLisbon and Gøteborg Agendas Northern DimensionNorthern Dimension Maritime PolicyMaritime Policy Macro Region: The Baltic SeaMacro Region: The Baltic Sea Mountain PolicyMountain Policy

Norwegian political participation Nordic Council of MinistersNordic Council of Ministers Baltic Sea CouncilBaltic Sea Council Arctic CouncilArctic Council BSSSCBSSSC CPMR and its CommissionsCPMR and its Commissions The Barents Co-operationThe Barents Co-operation

SWOT – STRENGTH -Puts visions in concrete terms -Stimulates strategic thinking and actions -Stimulates development in rural areas

SWOT - WEAKNESS -Weak synergies with other EU programmes -Complicated application procedures -Not attractive for private partners

SWOT - OPPORTUNITIES Accomplishment of important tasksAccomplishment of important tasks Enforcement of international contact networkEnforcement of international contact network Development of European strategiesDevelopment of European strategies

SWOT - THREATS Increasing level of ambitions compared to formal competence of the regionsIncreasing level of ambitions compared to formal competence of the regions Weak links to regional strategies, food for consultantsWeak links to regional strategies, food for consultants The initiative disappears after the project periodThe initiative disappears after the project period

National Co-ordination Good co-ordination by the Ministry of Regional DevelopmentGood co-ordination by the Ministry of Regional Development National Contact PointsNational Contact Points Programme drafting activitiesProgramme drafting activities Political involvementPolitical involvement Norwegian Mission to the EUNorwegian Mission to the EU Regional offices in BrusselsRegional offices in Brussels

Conclusions (I) Territorial Cooperation – a flexible and useful instrument, now part of EU main stream policyTerritorial Cooperation – a flexible and useful instrument, now part of EU main stream policy Norway high level of activity, should be followed upNorway high level of activity, should be followed up Norway: serious and accountable partners producing project initiatives of high standardNorway: serious and accountable partners producing project initiatives of high standard The best projects are built on solid regional strategies, important for Norway to act as Lead Beneficiaries.The best projects are built on solid regional strategies, important for Norway to act as Lead Beneficiaries.

Conclusions (II) Increased level of programme ambitions means need for a closer co-operation between domestic levels of administrationIncreased level of programme ambitions means need for a closer co-operation between domestic levels of administration Be aware of what can be achieved throughout a limited project period and establish procedures for implementation of and dissemination of resultsBe aware of what can be achieved throughout a limited project period and establish procedures for implementation of and dissemination of results Be selective, don’t respond to all fancy project invitations !Be selective, don’t respond to all fancy project invitations ! Thank you !Thank you !