1. The Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme
Ole Damsgaard
Head of Joint Secretariat
Malta, April 27th, 2017

2. The Programme Area EU vs non-EU partners
Russia and Canada specific status
Geographical flexibility

3. Challenges Peripherality/long distances Fragile local economies
Shrinking rural communities
Demographic challenges
Labour market challenges

4. Opportunities Abundance of natural resources
Green & Blue Economy opportunities
Entrepreneurial spirit
High international attention

5. The Arctic dimension Covers entire European part of the Arctic
EU-Arctic Communication gives the NPA a coordinating role in relation to other EU programmes and initiatives within the Arctic
Common programme activities & information
Arctic stakeholder Forum 2017

6. Long history for cooperation in Norden
Nordic Council of Ministers (1971) & Nordic Council (1952)
Common passport union since 1956
Cross border committees and cooperation on regional policy since 1970s
Cooperation with Scotland since 1980s

7. Priorities
Programme aims to generate vibrant, competitive and sustainable communities by harnessing through projects and transnational cooperation:
Innovation
Entrepreneurship
Energy-Secure Communities
Protecting, Promoting and Developing Cultural and Natural Heritage.

8. Approved Projects 4 calls untill now 35 approved main projects
32 approved preparatory projects
New projects types under way

9. Circular Ocean - Entrepreneurship
Re-cycle marine plastic waste and create new local BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

10. Circular Ocean key objectives
To create a regional showcase
Provide a sustainable and responsible green business support system
Enhance the environment for green businesses and entrepreneurs
Connect remote communities to a wider network

11. How does cooperation with non-EU countries impact the programme ?
More complicated administration
More funding sources (4 + ERDF)
Asymmetric conditions for partners
However, high level of interest among EU as well as non-EU partners
Well functioning monitoring committee

12. Ole Damsgaard ole.damsgaard@interreg-npa.eu www.interreg-npa.eu
Thanks for your attention
Ole Damsgaard