MEMO/07/366

Brussels, 20 September 2007

Interregional co-operation programme
INTERREG IVC

[Graphic in PDF & Word format]

1. The Interregional co-operation programme covers all EU-Member States, Norway and Switzerland, under the European Territorial Co-operation objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

2. The European Commission approved an EU-wide co-operation programme on 11 September 2007 for the period 2007-2013. The official name of the programme is: "Interregional co-operation programme INTERREG IVC". This programme involves Community support for all EU Member States under the European Territorial Co-operation objective. The total budget is around EUR 400 million, of which the ERDF provides EUR 320 million.

3. Purpose of EU investment

Many regions in Europe are facing similar challenges related to e.g. globalisation, demographic change, energy supply and climate change. With the "Interregional Cooperation Programme INTERREG IVC", the EU provides regions with a framework for the exchange of experiences between regional and local institutions from different countries in the EU27, Norway and Switzerland on these issues. This takes the form of projects in which partners build on their respective experience to develop approaches and instruments that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regional development policies and contribute to economic modernisation.

In line with the Community Strategic Guidelines for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013, the programme aims to contribute to the Union's strategy for growth and jobs. As such, it is an important instrument for the implementation of the EU initiative Regions for Economic Change (RFEC). This initiative is designed to support regional and urban networks discovering best practice in economic modernisation, particularly those contributing to the Union’s growth and jobs agenda, and to spread this best practice to all regions to help stimulate sustainable growth and reduce economic disparities.

The Commission will take part in some of these networks, providing expertise from its services. One of the aims of these Fast Track networks will be the transfer of good practice to the "Convergence" and "Competitiveness and Employment" programmes to enable benefits on a larger scale.

4. Priorities

To improve the effectiveness of regional development policies in the areas of innovation, the knowledge economy, the environment and risk prevention; to contribute to economic modernisation and increased competitiveness of Europe.

The programme is structured around two thematic priorities contributing to the Union's strategy for growth, jobs and sustainable development.

Priority 1 addresses innovation and the knowledge economy, focusing mainly on innovation, research and technology development, entrepreneurship and Small and medium enterprises (SME), the information society, employment, human capital and education.

Priority 2 targets environment and risk prevention, such as natural and technological risks, water management, Waste prevention and management, biodiversity and preservation of natural heritage, energy and sustainable transport, cultural heritage and landscape.

6. Managing authority:
Mr. Stéphane Pouilly, Directeur
Conseil Régional Nord-Pas de Calais,
Hôtel de region,

59555 Lille Cédex, France

The Managing Authority will establish a Secretariat to oversee the day-to-day implementation of the programme

Contact details, Head of Secretariat:
M. Michel Lamblin, Programme Manager
INTERREG IIIC West Joint Technical Secretariat
Conseil Régional Nord-Pas de Calais
24, Boulevard Carnot – 3e étage
59800 Lille, France
Phone: +33 3 28 38 11 10
Fax: +33 3 28 38 11 15

email: michel.lamblin@interreg3c.net[ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ][Image]

7. Title: "Interregional co-operation programme INTERREG IVC ", programme under the European Territorial Co-operation objective
Intervention type: Operational Programme
CCI No.: 2007 CB163 PO 046
No. of decision: C (2007) 4222

Final approval date: 11/09/2007

8. Breakdown of Finances by priority area

In addition, Norway and Switzerland each contribute EUR 3 million to the programme.