1. Please note this information is subject to change.
INTERREG IVC
Here is an overview of what is expected for the future interregional cooperation programme at the time of writing (February 2007).
Please note this information is subject to change.

2. a proactive instrument linking regions together
INTERREG IVC
a proactive instrument linking regions together
drawing on best practices for the benefit of all regions
helping Member States and Regions to implement actions aiming at economic modernisation
linking to their Convergence and Competitiveness programmes

3. the need covered by INTERREG IVC
implement Lisbon and Gothenburg targets
modernise regional and local development
match high performance and developing regions
transfer best practices to regions wishing to improve

4. the context the new Objective Cooperation
4 interregional and network programmes
two approaches for interregional cooperation projects
Regions For Economic Change (RFEC), the link with Convergence and Competitiveness

5. the new Objective Cooperation
Objectives of Structural Funds Policies
Objective Convergence
Objective Competitiveness
Objective Cooperation

6. four interregional and networking programmes
one interregional cooperation programme focusing on Lisbon and Gothenburg priorities (INTERREG IVC)
a network programme for the exchange of experiences on urban development (URBACT II)
a programme for the identification, transfer and dissemination of best practice in management of co-operation programmes (INTERACT II)
a programme for studies and data collection, observation and analysis of development trends (ESPON II)

7. in addition… interregional cooperation in Obj. 1 & 2 programmes
a specific priority for interregional cooperation can be included in Objective Convergence and Competitiveness programmes
will allow cooperation between Objective Convergence and/or Objective Competitiveness regions
interregional cooperation covers topics common to the regional programmes concerned
each project partner funds its own activities from its respective programme
modalities are organised by the authorities of the programmes concerned

8. main features of the future “INTERREG IV C programme”
321 MEUR, one programme;
one Managing Authority: Conseil Régional Nord – Pas de Calais – Lille (F); four Information Points: in Rostock, Katowice (with support from Vienna), Valencia and Lille;
one Audit Authority: CICC – FS;
one Certifying Authority: Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations;
focus on Lisbon and Gothenburg agenda;
the whole EU territory is eligible;
rate of assistance up to 75 % (up to 85% for Convergence Regions)

9. the aim of INTERREG IVC
INTERREG IVC aims to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies and contribute to economic modernisation by enabling cooperation between regional and local authorities across the EU27, Norway and Switzerland, through exchange and transfer of their experiences and the joint development of approaches and instruments
it aims to contribute to the Union's strategy for jobs and growth. As such the programme is an important instrument for the implementation of the EU initiative Regions for Economic Change (RFEC)

10. interregional cooperation in Objective 3 =
INTERREG IVC
Regional initiatives
Fast Track networks

11. Regional initiatives (“IIIC-like” cooperation)
Themes to include
Priority 1: Innovation and the Knowledge Economy
Research, technology and development
Information society
Entrepreneurship, SMEs and economic sectoral development
Employment, human resources and education
Priority 2: Environment and Risk Management
Energy and sustainable public transport
Biodiversity and preservation of natural heritage
Natural and technological risks
Water & waste management
Cultural heritage

12. Regional initiatives types of operation
no longer fixed types of operations
cooperation can still vary in intensity (from light networking to mini-programmes)
Recommended financial size and duration of operations to be decided later by the Monitoring Committee

13. ”Regions for Economic Change – RFEC” Fast Track networks
the link between the interregional cooperation programme and the mainstream programmes
novel part = Fast Track: up to 30 networks (“Fast Track” networks) on 30 themes set up within the framework of INTERREG IVC & URBact
Main target group
Regular networks*
Fast Track networks
INTERREG IVC
Regional and Local Authorities X
URBact
Cities/Towns
* Regional Initiatives (INTERREG IVC) or Exchange and Learning (URBact)

14. possible themes for Fast Track networks
I. Making Europe and its regions more attractive places to invest and work
Examples: Improving air quality or Moving to a low carbon economy …
II. Improving knowledge and innovation for growth
Examples: Improving the capacity of regions for research and innovation or Bringing innovative ideas to the market more quickly …
III. More and better jobs
Examples: Promoting entrepreneurship or Promoting a healthy workforce in healthy workplaces …
IV. The territorial dimension of European cohesion policy
Examples: Reaping the benefits of the sea or Re-using brownfield and waste disposal sites …

15. thank you for your attention!
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