Interreg is a key instrument of the European Union (EU) that strengthens cooperation between regions and countries within the EU. As part of EU Cohesion Policy, Interreg plays a vital role in promoting regional development, cohesion and the reduction of economic disparities. For the period 2021-2027, Interreg focuses on addressing current challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and social inclusion.
The different INTERREG funding programmes in which the University of Cadiz can participate are listed below.
Cross-border cooperation (strand A of Interreg)
The Spain-Portugal Interreg Cooperation Programme – POCTEP promotes the development of cross-border projects between different regions of Spain (Galicia, Castilla y León, Extremadura and Andalusia) and Portugal.
Transnational cooperation (strand B of Interreg)
The Interreg Sudoe Programme supports the development of regional projects in Southwest Europe (Spain, France and Portugal) through the ERDF. The Principality of Andorra participates in the Programme as a third country. In Spain, all regions except the Canary Islands are part of this programme.
The Interreg Atlantic Area Programme promotes transnational cooperation between Atlantic regions in four European countries (Spain, France, Ireland and Portugal). The programme co-finances cooperation projects in various fields such as innovation and competitiveness, resource efficiency, territorial risk management, biodiversity and natural and cultural assets.
In Spain, the following regions are participating: Galicia, Principado de Asturias, Cantabria, País Vasco, Navarra, La Rioja, Andalucía y Canarias.
The Interreg Euro-MED programme supports the transition towards a climate-neutral and resilient society through cooperation between all actors in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean has many resources to protect from the impact of climate change, while ensuring sustainable growth. The programme brings together a total of 14 countries and 69 regions in Europe.
The Interreg NEXT-MED programme aims to contribute to smart, sustainable and fair development throughout the Mediterranean basin by supporting balanced, durable and far-reaching cooperation and multilevel governance. The cooperation area covers seven EU Member States and eight partner countries: Spain, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Jordan, Malta, Palestine, Portugal, Tunisia, Algeria and Turkey.
Interregional cooperation (strand C of Interreg)
The main objective of the programme is to support regional and local governments to develop and deliver better policies. Overall, it aims to improve cohesion policy through exchange of experience, transfer of good practice and joint initiatives to achieve an integrated and sustainable impact.