Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales European Funding and Collaboration for Health and Wellbeing in Wales 8 & 9 February 2016 European Territorial Co-operation Programmes-Maximising Engagement in Wales Mike Pollard Head of ETC Unit - WEFO

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Why is ETC Important to Wales? Small country on periphery of mainland Europe – challenges which can’t be faced in isolation Opportunity in ETC programmes for Welsh partners to look outwards, work together with other EU regions – address challenges of common interest Share best practice and develop shared solutions Stimulate thinking beyond national borders – create and sustain international partnerships

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Maximising Engagement in ETC ETC Action Plan for Wales – Ministerial launch October 2015 Outcomes – increasing participation levels and value of ETC funds coming into Wales Programmes covering Wales worth €1.552b Stronger focus on investments where most value can be added through co-operation Greater thematic focus, e.g. R&D, SME competitiveness, environment and resource efficiency ETC as an enabler

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Objectives Achieve closer co-operation and strengthen partnerships between organisations in Wales and across the EU, by Increasing integration and knowledge of ETC within “policy drivers” Raising awareness and visibility of ETC Influencing ETC policy and programme development Strengthening support for Welsh organisations. Leading implementation of the Ireland/Wales cross-border programme and ensuring effective outcomes

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Ireland Wales Programme Ireland Wales Co-Operation Programme

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme WEFO is the Managing Authority for the programme working closely in partnership with the Southern Regional Assembly in Ireland Total value of the programme is €100m - €79m ERDF – 80% ERDF grant rate Open for business through open call process

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme Focus on three Priority Axes:- Cross-border Innovation Adaption of the Irish Sea and Coastal Communities to Climate Change Cultural and Natural Resources and Heritage, with a focus on Tourism

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme Priority Axis 1 – Innovation – focus on smart specialisation in both countries Focus on increasing intensity of knowledge transfer collaborations – research – SMEs in line with regional smart specialisation strategies Joint innovation – food and drink, life sciences, marine and environmental sciences Possible joint activities - innovation in health – technology. products and services – advances in health care Social inclusion - testing of innovative solutions/pilot activity.

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme Priority Axis 3 - Cultural and Natural Resources Focus on sustainably realising potential of natural and cultural assets A cross-border region where people can live healthy, active and productive lives and where quality of life is high. Possible co-operation activities - utilising the coastal and Sea based environment as an enabler to promote healthy living through outdoor activity

Cronfeydd yr UE: Buddsoddi yng Nghymru EU Funds: Investing in Wales Thank You Mike Pollard Julie Llewellyn