Interreg IIIB Trans-national cooperation: Budget comparison : 440 million EURO 420 m EURO (Interreg IIC prog.) + 20 m EURO (Pilot Actions) : something between 1 and 1.5 billion EURO (depending on MS decisions)

Interreg IIIB Purpose of transnational cooperation “transnational co-operation between national, regional and local authorities aims to promote a higher degree of territorial integration across large groupings of European regions, with a view to achieving sustainable, harmonious and balanced development in the EU and better territorial integration with candidate and other neighbouring countries”

Interreg IIIB New developments for transnational cooperation ERDF to finance all eligible expenses: social fund or agricultural type of expenses, such as training, will be eligible Programmes will have a general character: there will be no sectoral programmes such as for drought or flooding

Interreg IIIB contribute to economic & territorial integration contribute to sustainable, harmonious and balanced development contribute to economic and social cohesion follow an integrated territorial & cross sectoral approach. build on the experience of Interreg IIC Objectives (1)

Interreg IIIB Objectives (2) follow the recommendations for territorial development of the ESDP take account of Community policy priorities such as the TEN identify key areas for infrastructure investments give a particular priority to the external borders of the EU in view of enlargement give priority also to insular and ultraperipheral regions.

Interreg IIIB development of joint transnational strategies laying down joint priorities establishing wide partnerships follow "bottom up" approach ensure complementarity and coordination with the "mainstream" of the S.F. ensure effective co-ordination between INTERREG and the external EU-policy instruments Principles

Interreg IIIB Geographical integration of policies at European-wide & transnational level Horizontal co-operation & partnership between sectoral policies Vertical co-operation & partnership between the various tiers of government (and with other economic and social partners) The approach: following the “ESDP approach”

Interreg IIIB – increasing EU integration – challenges of globalisation – forthcoming enlargement – co-ordination of spatial impacts of policies to ensure territorial cohesion – response to territorial trends Rationale for this approach and for a joint development strategy?

Interreg IIIB the INTERREG IIC programme areas the Art.10 pilot actions areas, where considered justified minor adjustments possible, on demand of Member State attention to remote and insular regions Conclusion: a total of 13 programmes Geographical coverage

Interreg IIIB elaboration of spatial development strategies on a transnational scale, including co-operation among cities and between rural and urban areas, with a view to promoting polycentric & sustainable development development of efficient and sustainable transport systems and improved access to the information society water resources The thematic priorities (1)

Interreg IIIB The thematic priorities (2) promotion of the environment and good management of natural resources, including seek strong thematic focus: take advantages of common comparative advantages, develop synergies co-operation instead of competition

Interreg IIIB establishing a comprehensive INTERREG-Agreement (or Convention) between partner Member States (and other partners), which must be presented to the Commission with the draft programme (define clear tasks and responsibilities, establish the co operation bodies, establish joint procedures) Preparing and submitting a programme (1):

Interreg IIIB Preparing and submitting a programme (2): A statement of the joint strategy and priorities for the development of the area An ex ante evaluation and an account of the joint programming process An indicative financial plan, without breakdown by Member State Truly Joint Structures for co-operation

Interreg IIIB one programme, one secretariat, one bank account, one budget "Managing Authority” or entity – Joint body acting as a "Paying Authority" (if different to the Managing Authority) – Single Bank account – Monitoring and Steering Committees – Joint technical secretariat, charged with management and monitoring, support the work of the Committees Setting up a joint cooperation structure

Interreg IIIB responsibility: Monitoring & Steering Committees and Member States accountability: MS  managing entity  secretariat secretariat  technical aspects: secretariat to the Committees and possible working groups; programme promotion; information/technical advice to project developers, including on partner search and co-financing; project appraisal; project selection; notification of approval; progress monitoring and reporting financial management: contracting, payments, financial control and reporting The operational management

Interreg IIIB transparent procedures (eg. open calls for proposals) follow the “lead partner principle”, as final beneficiary responsible for financial execution of project (contract between partners) bank guarantees to safeguard possible problems with financial responsibility & undue payments Project selection (1)

Interreg IIIB Project selection (2): project applications must include the presentation of quantified outputs – indicators compliance procedure: establish strict conditions for regular reporting and compliance with grant conditions