Interreg

Being part of the so-called European cohesion policy, Interreg (just like EFRE) is oriented towards the general objective of the EU in the field of regional development. This encompasses economic and social topics as well as ecological and cultural issues. Given that Interreg is divided into three strands, the respective thematic focuses and the formal eligibility criteria of the associated sub-programmes differ. This is because these are tailored to the respective regions, border areas and their needs. Aside from this, Interreg funding is intended to contribute to the following overarching priorities: 

• a more intelligent Europe through innovation, digitalisation and economic transformation
• a more eco-friendly Europe through renewable energy and new climate change strategies
• a more connected Europe through strategic digital structures and transport networks
• a more social Europe through equal access to employment, education, health care as well as social inclusion
• a Europe that moves closer to its citizens through sustainable urban development and local development strategies

In terms of the cultural and creative sector, Interreg offers different funding opportunities, which can vary depending on the regional focus. For one thing, Interreg often supports the development and expansion of cultural infrastructures, e.g. in relation to cultural routes, cultural heritage sites, museums and cultural and tourism centres. For another, funding through Interreg is also suited for establishing cross-border networks for cultural exchange and artistic cooperation, in which, for example, new ideas for urban development or audience development can be developed and implemented.

Three focuses have been defined for the new 2021-2027 funding period, which are explained in more detail under "Interreg focuses". These are groundbreaking for the general funding criteria and for the cultural and creative sector.

Interreg A: cross-border cooperation

At the core of Interreg A lies cross-border cooperation between bordering regions and neighbouring territories along the EU’s internal and external borders, as well as certain coastal areas. The aim of Interreg A is thus to provide funding for projects that address challenges on both sides of a European border. For instance, a literature exchange along the Bavarian-Upper Austrian border can be launched, making regional literary diversity visible and providing impetus for literary exchange in the region.

The border areas that are funded by Interreg A are clearly defined and are referred to as cross-border sub-programmes. The sub-programmes are managed in a decentralised manner and consequently follow different eligibility criteria and priorities. In Germany exist 13 Interreg A programmeswhile there are in total 7 programmes in Austria.

Interreg B: transnational cooperation

Transnational cooperation under Interreg B focuses on the collaboration of national, regional and local actors throughout the whole territory of the EU as well as in bordering regions. Contrary to Interreg A, Interreg B is not intended to cover areas that necessarily share a border, but rather larger geographical areas, such as the Alpine region or the North Sea region. A project in Interreg B can, for example, bring together different industrial regions within a programme area in order to create a living industrial culture and attractive locations for work, life and recreation. In this context, there is a total of 14 sub-programmes of Interreg B. Germany takes part in 6 sub-programmes and Austria participates in 3 sub-programmes of Interreg B.

Interreg C: interregional cooperation

The aim of this focus is networking and the exchange of knowledge and experience in order to develop political strategies and measures for local citizens and communities and to improve their coexistence. Through the cooperation of regions and municipalities from neighboring countries and areas within the EU, new ideas, opportunities and joint solutions are to be developed in order to better address the needs of local residents and current challenges such as climate change or social inequalities with regional policies. There are two programmes for the implementation of Interreg C that are also accessible to organizations from the cultural and creative sectors. Projects funded by Interreg C often focus on how art and culture can help to make living spaces in cities and regions more inclusive and sustainable. For example, various European city networks are funded that focus on how European metropolitan areas can make culture (policy) more accessible or how small cities can preserve their cultural heritage and integrate it into sustainable urban development. The following Interreg C sub-programs are particularly relevant for cultural projects:

• Interreg Europe: aimed in particular at local and regional administrations
• URBACT IV: is aimed in particular at cities and the networking of actors from urban society

In the past, the following cultural projects could be implemented thanks to the support of Interreg:

• Researching new design ideas that enable sustainable consumption and that are based on sustainability, digitalisation and the use of new materials
• Establishing a city network that collaborates with local people to develop sustainable urban development strategies and bring vacant buildings back to life
• Making it possible for small and medium-sized museums to be designed in a barrier-free way and to be accessible to all, and improving the way they can be experienced by as many different target groups as possible
• Connecting historical sites along the Danube river to form a cultural route aimed at making hidden and (in)tangible cultural heritage accessible, raising historical awareness and developing new tourist offers
• Coalition of arts and cultural institutions working to develop and test new strategies to attract more cross-border visitors

You can find further information here.

Interreg funding is available to a variety of organizational forms. However, this can vary depending on the focus and the respective sub-program. In general, the program is aimed at, among others

• Public institutions
• National, regional and local entities
• Research and educational institutions
• Associations, societies and non-governmental organisations
• Private institutions and enterprises

In order to be eligible for Interreg funding, it is necessary to cooperate with European partners from the respective border region. The number of projects and other eligibility criteria depend on the orientation and the respective sub-programme.