Communication from the Commission to the Member States of 28 April 2000 laying down guidelines for a Community initiative concerning trans-European cooperation intended to encourage harmonious and balanced development of the European territory - Interreg III
Date: 2000-04-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU Member State, EU initiative, cross-border cooperation, regional development

C 143/6

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Official Journal of the European Communities

23.5.2000

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE MEMBER STATES

of 28 April 2000

laying down guidelines for a Community initiative concerning trans-European cooperation
intended to encourage harmonious and balanced development of the European territory (cid:151)
Interreg III

(2000/C 143/08)

1. The Commission of the European Communities decided on
28 April 2000 to establish a Community initiative
concerning trans-European cooperation (hereinafter called
(cid:145)Interreg III(cid:146)) as set out in Article 20 of Council Regulation
(EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general
provisions on the Structural Funds (1), hereinafter referred
to as the (cid:145)general Regulation(cid:146).

eration across the Community on (cid:145)soft issues(cid:146) relevant to
regional development has been supported as part of the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) innovative
measures under Article 10 of Council Regulation (EEC) No
2083/93 of 20 July 1993 amending Regulation (EEC) No
4254/88 laying down provisions for implementing Regu-
lation (EEC) No 2052/88 as regards the European Regional
Development Fund (2)
(EUR 200 million for 1994 to
1999).

2. Under Interreg III, Community funding is made available
for measures and in areas which respect the guidelines laid
included in
down in this notice,
(CIPs) presented by
Community initiative programmes
authorities designated by Member States and approved
by the European Commission.

and which are

I. General objectives and principles

3. The overall aim of the Interreg initiatives has been, and
remains, that national borders should not be a barrier to
the balanced development and integration of the European
territory. The isolation of border areas has been of a
double nature: on the one hand, the presence of borders
cuts off border communities
from each other econ-
omically, socially and culturally and hinders the coherent
management of eco-systems; on the other, border areas
have often been neglected under national policy, with
the result that their economies have tended to become
peripheral within national boundaries. The single market
and EMU are strong catalysts for changing this situation.
Nevertheless, the scope for strengthening cooperation to
the mutual advantage of border areas throughout
the
Community remains enormous. The challenge is all the
greater when the future enlargement of the Community
is considered, as this will
its
internal borders and, progressively, shift the Community’s
external borders eastwards.

increase the number of

4. During the 1994 to 1999 programming period, Interreg II
continued and enlarged the scope of Interreg and REGEN
of the earlier period and was implemented under three
distinct headings: cross-border cooperation (EUR 2 600
million),
(EUR 550
energy
million) and joint action to tackle flooding and drought
problems and to develop spatial planning for
large
the
throughout
groupings
Community, central and eastern Europe and the Mediter-
ranean (EUR 413 million). Moreover, interregional coop-

transnational

geographical

networks

areas

of

training
in border

Interreg funding has been devoted principally to the
promotion of common responses to SME development,
health
education,
and
problems
regions, environmental protection
and improvement, RTD, energy networks, transport and
telecommunications (which are the main interventions in
the Objective 1 regions) as well as of joint management
systems and cross-border and transnational bodies.

exchanges,

cultural

joint

towards

in many cases. However,

cross-border programming

5. This experience shows that significant steps have been
and
made
programme management
the
kind of strong cooperation that takes place, for example,
in (cid:145)Euroregions(cid:146) is still the exception rather than the rule.
Whereas a great deal of development activity has taken
place in border areas and those areas have certainly
benefited from that activity,
it has generally been much
to establish genuine cross-border activity
more difficult
jointly.
this has led to perverse effects
such as parallel projects on each side of the border. In
any case, it has prevented border areas and Member-States
from reaping the full benefits of cooperation.

In some cases,

allowed the

acquisition of

Interreg II C has
some
experience regarding cooperation over larger transnational
territories,
involving national, regional and local auth-
orities, with a view to achieving a higher degree of terri-
these territories. Nevertheless the
torial
extent of cooperation is variable.

integration of

in

With regard to the external borders and cooperation with
there have been additional problems
third countries,
stemming
administrative
particular
structures in those countries as well as from difficulties
in
policy
the Community’s
and MEDA with
instruments
Interreg programmes, because of differences in operational
rules.

such as Phare, Tacis

from weak

coordinating

external

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 193, 31.7.1993, p. 34.

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Finally, interregional cooperation has been developed on
several topics. However, the present system of
funding
under Article 10 of Regulation (EEC) No 2083/93 has
the disadvantage of centralising management of too great
the
a number of projects directly in the hands of
Commission and of dissociating these efforts from cross-
border and transnational activity under Interreg.

for
develop structures
Community and with neighbouring countries.

such cooperation across

the

7. To achieve these goals, the development of cooperation
under the Interreg III initiative will be governed by the
following principles:

6. In this context, the objective of the new phase of Interreg
is to strengthen economic and social cohesion in the
Community by promoting cross-border, transnational and
interregional cooperation and balanced development of the
Community territory. Action in relation to the borders and
border areas between Member States and between the
Community and third countries is, therefore, at the heart
of the initiative. Due attention will be given to:

(cid:151) the external borders of the Community, in particular in

the perspective of enlargement,

(cid:151) cooperation concerning the outermost regions of the

Community,

(cid:151) cooperation to further the peace process begun in the

Balkans, and

(cid:151) cooperation concerning insular regions.

Building on the experience of
Interreg
initiatives, this new phase of the initiative will be imple-
mented under three strands:

the previous

(a) promoting integrated regional development between
neighbouring
external
borders and certain maritime borders (strand A); the
bulk of the financial resources is devoted to this strand;

including

regions,

border

(cid:151) Joint

cross-border/transnational

strategy and development

programme

of

The development of a joint strategy and CIP laying
down joint priorities is an essential condition for
acceptance
for
Community financing. All the measures and operations
must be based on this joint programming for the
regions or territories concerned and demonstrate the
value which it adds.

submitted

proposals

the

to

selected

operations

implement

The
the
programming must also be clearly cross-border/trans-
national in nature. This means that they are not eligible
unless they were selected jointly and implemented,
either
third
in two or more Member States or
countries, or in a single Member State, where it can
be shown that the operation has a significant impact
on other Member States or third countries.

take

account of

to operations which help create

Programming must
the general
guidelines of the Structural Funds and of Community
policies. This means that preference will be given in
particular
jobs,
improve the competitiveness of the areas concerned,
development
develop
policies and promote equal opportunities for men
and women. All operations should be in conformity
with Community rules on competition, and with the
rules on State aid in particular.

sustainable

introduce

and

(b) contributing to harmonious

territorial

integration

across the Community (strand B);

(c) improving regional development and cohesion policies
through transnational/interregional
this is by far the smallest

and techniques
cooperation (strand C);
strand financially.

The main challenge for the new phase of
Interreg is,
therefore, to build on the positive experiences of genuine
cooperation within current programmes and progressively

(cid:151) Partnership and a (cid:145)bottom up(cid:146) approach

organisations,

A wide partnership must be developed, including not
only (cid:145)institutional(cid:146) partners from national, regional and
local authorities, but also economic and social partners
(non-govern-
relevant competent bodies
and other
mental
from the
representatives
academic world, etc) as established in Article 8 of
the general Regulation. The Commission is particularly
concerned that this partnership is developed from the
outset,
the joint
strategy to the implementation of
the operations.
Following a transparent publicity phase, operations
must allow the widest possible degree of participation
by public and private actors.

from the phase of elaboration of

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(cid:151) Complementarity with the (cid:145)mainstream(cid:146) of

the Structural

Funds

the introduction and
arrangements and resources
operation of the structures whose operational costs may
be financed by the programmes.

for

Programming must be complementary to the measures
promoted under Objectives 1, 2 and 3 of the Structural
Funds, particularly as regards infrastructure, and the
other Community initiatives. Furthermore, operations
must comply with the scope of the Structural Funds
and the rules on the eligibility of expenditure.

(cid:151) A more integrated approach to the implementation of the

Community initiatives

to implement

The new Regulations allow the ERDF,
in accordance
with Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1783/1999
of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12
July 1999 on the European Regional Development
Fund (1) hereinafter referred to as the (cid:145)ERDF Regu-
lation(cid:146),
initiative by
for
financing measures
rural development eligible
under the EAGGF,
for the development of human
resources eligible under the ESF and for the adjustment
of fisheries structures eligible under the FIFG. This is a
new opportunity which should be used to improve the
coordination
and
integration
operations which benefit from Community assistance.

the Interreg III

of measures

and

(cid:151) Effective

coordination between Interreg III and external
Community policy instruments, especially with a view to
enlargement

concerned.

implementation of

synchronisation with

and
Instruments

ensure
Interreg III must
The
the
other
coherence
Financial
Operations
undertaken within the Community are funded by the
ERDF whereas operations undertaken outside the
Community are funded by other Community financial
instruments such as Phare, ISPA, Tacis, MEDA, EDF or
other Community programmes with an external policy
dimension, as appropriate.

involve the parties concerned, select
and coordinate

8. The implementation of cooperation on the basis of these
principles requires truly joint structures to prepare the
the
programmes,
and
operations, manage
monitor
if
appropriate, the joint mechanisms for the management
Interreg III
of measures and operations.
must
in a significant advance on the present
situation. The partners must state the precise conditions,

the implementation of programming and,

In any case,

the whole

result

(1) OJ L 213, 13.8.1999, p. 1.

In this context, the competent authorities may consider
whether it
is possible to establish European economic
interest groupings (EEIGs) (2).

II. Cross-border cooperation (strand A)

9. Purpose: cross-border cooperation between neighbouring
authorities is intended to develop cross-border economic
and social centres through joint strategies for sustainable
territorial development.

10. Eligible areas:

for

the purposes of cross-border coop-

eration, eligible areas include:

(cid:151) all areas along the internal and external land borders of
the Community delineated at administrative level III of
the nomenclature of territorial statistical units (NUTS
III), as listed in Annex I,

(cid:151) certain maritime areas delineated at administrative level
III of the nomenclature of territorial statistical units
(NUTS III), as listed in Annex I.

In special cases funding may be granted to measures in
NUTS III areas adjoining those areas at NUTS III
level
referred to above or areas surrounded by such areas,
provided that they do not account for more than 20 %
of
the CIP concerned. Areas
where this flexibility is to be used must be indicated in
the appropriate Community initiative programme.

the total expenditure of

11. Priority topics: this strand is particularly concerned with

the following topics:

(cid:151) promoting urban, rural and coastal development,

(cid:151) encouraging entrepreneurship and the development of
small firms (including those in the tourism sector) and
local employment initiatives,

(cid:151) promoting the integration of the labour market and

social inclusion,

(cid:151) sharing human resources and facilities for research,
technological
culture,
communications and health to increase productivity
and help create sustainable jobs,

development,

education,

(2) Communication from the Commission 97/C 285/10: Participation
of European economic
in public
contracts and programmes financed by public funds (OJ C 285,
20.9.1997, p. 17).

interest groupings

(EEIGs)

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(cid:151) encouraging the protection of the environment (local,
and promote

efficiency

global),
increase
renewable sources of energy,

energy

(cid:151) improving

transport

measures
implementing more environmentally-friendly forms of
transport),
information and communication networks
and services and water and energy systems,

(particularly

(cid:151) developing cooperation in the legal and administrative
spheres to promote economic development and social
cohesion,

(cid:151) increasing human and institutional potential for cross-
border cooperation to promote economic development
and social cohesion.

This list is not exhaustive. For guidance, the topics are set
out in Annex II. However, the financial resources must be
concentrated on a limited number of topics and measures.
In particular, infrastructure investments should be concen-
trated as far as practicable in administrative areas below
NUTS III level, immediately adjacent to borders. However,
in accordance with point 10, when, within sparsely
populated regions,
is
held up by the absence of
infrastructure, such infra-
structure can be taken into consideration in an area
going beyond the strictly defined NUTS III level, to the
extent that the main aim of this infrastructure is related
to the development of the NUTS III areas indicated in
Annex I.

is observed that development

it

III. Transnational cooperation (strand B)

12. Objective:

transnational cooperation between national,
regional and local authorities aims to promote a higher
degree of territorial integration across large groupings of
European regions, with a view to achieving sustainable,
harmonious
the
integration with
better
Community
candidate and other neighbouring countries.

development

and
and

territorial

balanced

in

13. Eligible areas:

for

the purposes of

operation proposed eligible areas are made up of
groupings of regions indicated in Annex III.

transnational co-
the

These groupings are based on the areas already covered by
existing Interreg II C programmes and Article 10 pilot
actions concerning spatial planning, adjusted to take
account of experience to date. On this basis, Member
States and their regions may submit to the Commission
duly justified requests for modifications to these groupings.
Particular attention will be given to the external borders of
the Community,
in the perspective of
to cooperation concerning the outermost
enlargement,
to increasing cooperation
regions of

the Community,

in particular

across the Adriatic and the Southern Baltic and to co-
regions. Consequently,
insular
operation concerning
proposed modifications
co-
should seek to increase
operation between the Adriatic and the Balkan regions
the Community with the external Balkan regions.
of
With regard to the latter, cooperation will be supported
under the new instrument referred to in point 46.

14. Priority topics: transnational cooperation proposals should
build on the experience of Interreg II C and take account
of Community policy priorities such as TENs and of the
recommendations
the
European spatial development perspective (ESDP). At the
same time, given the limited financial resources and the
vastness of the territories involved, it is important to avoid
dispersal of efforts and seek a strong focus. Support may
be requested in order:

territorial development of

for

(cid:151) to elaborate operational spatial development strategies
on a transnational scale, including cooperation among
cities and between urban and rural areas, with a view
to promoting polycentric and sustainable development,

(cid:151) to promote efficient and sustainable transport systems

and improved access to the information society,

(cid:151) to

the

promote
management of
resources, in particular water resources,

good
cultural heritage and of natural

environment

and

the

(cid:151) to promote integration between maritime regions, and
of insular regions, each through a specific priority with
an appropriate financial allocation,

(cid:151) to promote

the
outermost regions.

integrated

cooperation of

the

areas

zones. Key

The measures selected must underpin an integrated terri-
torial approach that responds to common problems and
opportunities and leads to genuine benefits for the trans-
national area. Cooperation between insular and maritime
regions will be particularly encouraged, as well as co-
operation between regions with common handicaps such
as mountain
infrastructure
investments must also be identified. Owing to limited
financial resources, only small-scale infrastructure can be
road
taken
into
construction
are
excluded. The operations selected must also demonstrate
concrete, visible and innovative results.
In the case of
problems of water
resources management caused by
flooding or drought, Interreg III funding can be used on
an exceptional basis for infrastructure investments, taking
account of the limited financial resources.

consideration. Motorway, main
similar
and

infrastructure

other

for

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15.

remote regions (the French
In the case of
overseas departments, the Canary Islands, the Azores and
Madeira) cooperation programmes:

the most

where
partners.

appropriate,

the

relevant

non-governmental

(cid:151) will promote better economic integration and co-
operation among these regions and between them
and other member States,

(cid:151) will

improve linkages and cooperation with neigh-
bouring third countries
(in the Caribbean, Latin
America, Atlantic Ocean, North-west Africa, and the
Indian Ocean).

16. This list of priority topics should constitute the principal
actions to be co-financed. They are set out in greater detail
in Annex IV.

IV. Interregional cooperation (strand C)

17. Objective: interregional cooperation is intended to improve
the effectiveness of policies and instruments for regional
networking,
development
particularly for
is lagging
behind and those undergoing conversion.

and
regions whose development

cohesion

through

18. Eligible areas: the whole of the Community is eligible.

19. Priority topics:

this strand covers cooperation actions
related to specific topics to be defined by the Commission,
after consulting the Management Committee referred to in
Article 48(2)(c) of the general Regulation, such as research,
the information
technological development and SMEs;
society;
entrepre-
and employment;
culture
neurship and environment, etc. (see point 33).

tourism,

Particular attention should be paid to participation by the
insular and most
remote regions and the applicant
countries in the various networks. Cooperation, even at
be
bilateral
encouraged.

between maritime

regions will

level,

V. Preparation, presentation and approval of

inter-

ventions

20. On the basis of indicative financial allocations per Member
States established by the Commission specifying the
margins of
flexibility between the strands (see Chapter
VIII), Member States will make a breakdown of funding
by strand, border and region, as appropriate. In so doing,
the Member States will ensure an appropriate balance of
funding on the two sides of the borders, taking account of
the financing available.

if

deemed

Proposals may be presented separately for each strand.
However,
the partners,
three strands A, B and C
programmes may cover all
while
and joint
specifying
structures for each strand.

the priorities, measures

appropriate

by

22. The programmes concerning cross-border cooperation
(strand A) will be drawn up in accordance with the prin-
ciples, priorities and procedures set out in points 6 to 11
by the regional or local authorities in the eligible areas in
partnership with the national authorities, depending on
the institutional structure of each Member State.

In general, each programme will be drawn up for a border
with (cid:145)subprogrammes(cid:146) for each cross-border region where
appropriate. In duly justified cases (e.g. very long borders,
points where several borders converge, well developed
existing cooperation structures), the programme will be
drawn up for one cross-border region and may cover
one or more borders.

23. The programmes

covering

transnational

cooperation
(strand B) will be drawn up in accordance with the prin-
ciples, priorities and procedures set out in points 6, 7, 8
and 12 to 16 by the national authorities (or other auth-
orities designated by the Member States) in close coop-
eration with the regional or local authorities located in
the geographical area where transnational cooperation is
to take place. Given their acquired experience, the bodies
and working parties existing under Interreg II C will
participate in the perparatory work at the request of the
responsible authorites.

A single programme will be drawn up for each area of
cooperation as defined in point 13.

strand B,

24. Within each cooperation area under

the
proposals concerning interregional cooperation (strand C)
will be prepared by the regional authorities or other bodies
designated by the Member States, or by recognised inter-
mediary bodies with a view to adopting either specific
programmes or including a priority within the relevant
strand B programme.

21. The proposals will be prepared by joint cross-border or
transnational committees or other bodies constituted by
the relevant regional/local and national authorities and,

The conditions concerning the implementation of strand C
programmes are set out in Annex V.

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25. The content of the programmes will be similar to that of
the single programming documents described in Article
19(3) of
the
needs and circumstances peculiar to cross-border, trans-
national and interregional cooperation and will include:

the general Regulation, adjusted to meet

(cid:151) an ex ante evaluation in accordance with Article 41(2)
of the general Regulation analysing in particular the
strengths and weaknesses as regards cooperation of
the
impact,
and
including that on the environment (local, global) and,
where appropriate, equal opportunities for men and
women, and the improvements made to cooperation
structures,

concerned

expected

area

the

(cid:151) an account of the process of joint programming (e.g.
the

joint
arrangements made to consult partners,

programming

committee)

including

(cid:151) a statement of the joint strategy and priorities for the
development of the geographical area covered by the
programme broken down by subprogramme, as appro-
priate, including the priorities, the specific objectives,
quantified where they lend themselves to quantification
and an indication of how this strategy and these
priorities have
indicative
taken account of
guidelines referred to in Article 10(3) of the general
Regulation,

the

(cid:151) a summary description, if necessary by subprogramme
for strand A, of the measures planned to implement
the priorities,
including the information needed to
check compliance with aid schemes under Article 87
of the Treaty; the nature of the measures required to
prepare, monitor and evaluate the CIP,

the general Regulation,

(cid:151) an indicative financing plan specifying for each priority
and each year, in accordance with Articles 28 and 29
the financial allocation
of
envisaged for the contribution of the ERDF and for
Phare, Tacis, MEDA, the Cohesion Fund and ISPA, the
EIB, where appropriate, as well as the total amount of
funding and estimated
eligible public or equivalent
private funding relating to these contributions;
the
total contribution of the ERDF planned for each year
will be
financial
perspective,

compatible with the

relevant

(cid:151) the provisions for implementing the CIP including:

(cid:151) the designation by the

authorities
participating in the programme of
the common
structures for cooperation established on the basis
of specific agreements taking into account national

competent

legislation, which will be responsible for
following functions:

the

(cid:151) a managing authority within the meaning of
Article 9(n) and Article 34 of the general Regu-
lation,

(cid:151) a paying authority within the meaning of
Article 9(o) and Article 32 of the general Regu-
lation at programme level, and if necessary
subsidiary paying authorites,

(cid:151) a joint technical secretariat for the operational
management of the CIP,
in particular for the
tasks set out in point 30 without prejudice to
the managing
the global
responsibility of
authority according to Article 34 of
the
general Regulation.

and joint

These three functions (managing authority, paying
are
authority,
undertaken by these bodies either separately or
together, taking account of the specificities of the
implementation of Interreg III,

secretariat)

technical

(cid:151) a monitoring committee for the whole of the
programme in accordance with Article 35 of
the general Regulation (see point 28); and a
steering committee (or, where appropriate a
number of them) (see point 29),

allowing

concerning a

(cid:151) a description of the arrangements for managing the
transparent
CIP including those
publicity phase
the widest possible
degree of participation by public and private
actors and the mechanisms for launching calls for
proposals and for
the
the joint
operations, and the role of the steering committee
(see point 29) and the various responsibilities for
in accordance with
finance and financial control,
Articles 38 and 39 of the general Regulation;
it
will
include, where appropriate, use of a global
grant as provided for in point 26,

selection of

including the role of

(cid:151) a description of the systems for joint monitoring
and evaluation,
the moni-
toring committee (see point 28); as foreseen in
Article 36(1) of
the
competent authorities will take into account the
methodology for defining monitoring indicators
for the collection of monitoring data and for the
preparation of evaluations,

the general Regulation,

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for

the

and

rapid

to a

account
and

(cid:151) the definition of a system of financial management
permitting a transfer from the ERDF (and preferably
also from the respective national co-financing
arrangements)
each
single
transparent
programme
forwarding of this finance to the final beneficiaries;
the joint arrangements may,
this purpose,
include signature of an agreement between the
various authorities of
the countries participating
in the programme as well as an obligation on the
various partners, at project level, to also sign an
agreement concerning their mutual financial and
legal responsibilites,

for

(cid:151) a description of

the specific arrangements and
procedures for checking on the CIP, setting out
the
and
various
for
in accordance with Articles 38
financial control,
and 39 of the general Regulation,

responsibilities

finance

(cid:151) Information on the resources required for preparing,

monitoring and evaluating assistance.

26. The programmes drawn up in this way will be submitted
to the Commission by the authorities designated by the
Member States concerned and in agreement with those
Member States.

When the Commission approves each programme, it will
grant a single contribution from the ERDF without
financial breakdown by Member State. The Commission
the
may also make a global grant
programme
States
concerned.

in agreement with the Member

for all or part of

27. Each CIP will be

a programme
complement as defined in Article 9(m) and described in
Article 18(3) of the general Regulation.

supplemented by

to the
This programming complement will be sent
the
Commission no later
Commission
The
decision
programming complement will be prepared in accordance
with the same arrangements for cooperation and part-
nership as those governing the CIP.

than three months

approving

after

CIP.

the

VI. Monitoring,

implementation and evaluation of

interventions

28. Programme monitoring will be

carried out by the
programme monitoring committee in accordance with
Article 35 of the general Regulation. The main duties of
the committee, which meets at least once a year, are:

(cid:151) to confirm or approve the programme complement,

(cid:151) in accordance with Article 15 of the general Regu-
to establish the criteria to be used in the
lation,
selection of operations with the aim of determining
the cross-border or transnational character or interest
of the operations,

(cid:151) to make later amendments to the programme or the

programme complement,

(cid:151) to monitor and evaluate the programme as a whole
for

reference of calls

and approve the terms of
proposals.

the latter so wish. The participation of

The monitoring committee comprises representatives of
the regional and local authorities and the national auth-
orities if
the
economic and social partners and of non-governmental
organisations is desirable and applies according to the
requirements of Article 8 of the general Regulation. A
representative of the Commission and, where appropriate,
of the EIB, will participate in the work of the monitoring
committee in an advisory capacity.

29. The joint selection of operations and the coordinated
monitoring of their implementation will be carried out
by one or,
if necessary, several steering committees for
the operations organised for each subprogramme. This
committee will be constituted on the same principles of
cooperation and partnership as the monitoring committee.
A representative of
the Commission may attend as an
observer.

Optionally, the duties of the steering committee may be
carried out by the monitoring committee acting as a
steering committee.

30. In the implementation of its tasks, the managing authority
is assisted by the joint technical secretariat where it does
not assume the secretariat function itself.

In addition to its responsibilities under Article 34 of the
general Regulation, the managing authority (see point 25)
is
the
responsible for organising the preparation of
decisions to be taken by the monitoring and steering
it will accept, consider and
committees.
give a preliminary assessment of operations proposed for
financing or will coordinate such tasks. It will also coor-
dinate the work of the authorities or bodies designated as
required to implement the various subprogrammes and
measures.

In particular,

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to the

then according

in the name of

to Article 32(1),

31. The ERDF contribution will be paid to a single bank
account
the paying authority or the
managing authority (where it is also the paying authority).
On the basis of decisions concerning the selection of
projects by the steering committee or the monitoring
committee acting as steering committee, this ERDF partici-
pation will
last
subparagraph, of the general Regulation be paid by the
paying authority to the final beneficiaries or, as appro-
authorities or bodies designated to
priate,
implement the various subprogrammes and measures. In
this case, these authorities will then make the payments to
the final beneficiaries. In the case of operations involving
partners in different Member States, the final beneficiary
will be the partner in charge of the operation which will
undertake
the
various partners in the operation. This partner in charge
will bear financial and legal responsibility to the managing
authority. The partner in charge will establish with these
partners, possibly in the form of an agreement,
the
division of the mutual responsibilities.

financial management

and coordinate

32. Chapter III of the general Regulation (contributions and
financial management by the Funds) and the provisions
on monitoring, evaluation and financial control, with the
In
exception of Article 44, will apply to the CIPs.
accordance with Article 21(4) of
the
that Regulation,
CIPs may be revised on the initiative of Member States
or
the Commission in agreement with the Member
States concerned after the mid-term evaluation referred
to in Article 42 of that Regulation.

33. On two occasions during the period 2000 to 2006, the
Commission will propose to the management committee
in the sense of Article 48(2)(c) of the general Regulation
the terms of reference of calls for proposals to be issued by
the responsible managing authorities under strand C.

itself

to presenting to the
The Commission commits
consultative committee referred to in Article 48(3)(d) of
the general Regulation, once a year, a report on the
progress achieved as regards coordination between the
ERDF and the other financial instruments.

C r o s s - b o r d e r c o o p e r a t i o n ( s t r a n d A )

35. For the purposes of cross-border cooperation across the
Community’s external borders, border areas in neigh-
bouring countries will be included in the CIP proposals
presented to the Commission by the desginated authorities
in the Member States in agreement with the neighbouring
countries concerned. The definition of these areas must be
coherent with the criteria adopted for Interreg III. A list of
zones eligible under Phare-CBC is currently being elab-
orated by beneficiary countries. It will be made available
Programming
before
Documents.

the preparation of

Joint

the

36. The Interreg III CIP for cross-border cooperation (strand
A), as defined in points 21, 22, 25 and 26, will be the joint
cross-border programming document
referred to in
Article 7 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2760/98 of
18 December 1998 concerning the implementation of a
programme for cross-border cooperation in the framework
of the Phare programme (1), hereinafter described as the
(cid:145)Phare-CBC Regulation(cid:146). In the case of financing by the
ERDF, the Commission will decide on the contribution
by the Fund when it approves the programme. The
contributions of Phare-CBC, Tacis, MEDA, Sapard or
ISPA will
these
Instruments and the amounts introduced in the financing
instance, 2000 to 2002 will be
plan for,
indicative. Attention will be given to an appropriate
balance of funding on both sides of the borders concerned,
taking into account the financing available, differences in
the
and absorption
capacities.

the principles and rules of

economic development

in the first

level of

respect

VII. Coordination between ERDF, Phare, Acis, MEDA,
EDF, Sapard and ISPA

37.

coordination

general Regulation,

34. For the purposes of Article 20(2), first subparagraph, of
the
the
assistance under the ERDF and the other instruments
contributing to the financing of the Interreg III initiative
concerns
multiannual
programming, the eligibility of operations and the mech-
anisms for implementation, monitoring, evaluation and
control.

geographical

eligibility,

between

In the case of ISPA, in accordance with Article 2(2), second
subparagraph, of Council Regulation (EC) No 1267/1999
of 21 June 1999 establishing an Instrument of Structural
Policies for Pre-accession (2), exceptions to the application
of a minimum size (EUR 5 million) required in principle
for the measures under this Instrument may be allowed,
taking acount of the particular conditions dediced by the
Commission on the basis of specific recommendations
made by the monitoring committee.

The significant improvement of the common structures in
relation to the current situation as mentioned in point 8
will be carried out, with regard to the cooperation
programmes described in this chapter, according to the
rate of progress made with regard to coordination
between then ERDF and the other Financial Instruments.

38. The monitoring committee, the steering committee(s), the
joint
the
technical secretariat and, where appropriate,
managing authority (see point 25) will be set up with
the participation of representatives of the third countries
participating in the CIP.

(1) OJ L 345, 19.12.1998, p. 49.
(2) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 73.

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Where a joint managing authority is not possible,
representatives of the third countries will participate in
the activities of the managing authority within the limits
of their respective competences.

39. In the case of CIPs

the monitoring committee for
joint

financed by the ERDF and by
Phare-CBC,
the CIP as
described in point 28 and the
cooperation
the Phare-CBC
committee as described in Article 7 of
Regulation form a single committee, hereinafter referred
to as the (cid:145)Interreg/Phare-CBC monitoring committee(cid:146).

The Interreg/Phare-CBC monitoring committee will decide
on internal rules of procedure, taking account of the insti-
tutional,
the countries
concerned. These rules will, where appropriate, give
details on the application of point 28 and Article 7 of
the Phare-CBC Regulation.

legal and financial

systems of

the

competent

authorities

The Interreg/Phare-CBC monitoring committee will include
representatives of
in the
Member States and the third countries concerned and of
the Commission and where appropriate the EIB. The
representative(s) of the Commission and where appropriate
the EIB will participate in the work of
the Interreg/
Phare-CBC monitoring committee, as regards operations
in an advisory capacity.
co-financed by the ERDF,
It is
this committee to confirm the
the responsibility of
the
to Article 15 of
programme complement pursuant
general Regulation or to approve modifications to it.

40. The operations and projects will be selected on the basis of
their eligibility for Interreg III by the steering committee or
committees or by the Interreg/Phare-CBC monitoring
committee acting as steering committee (see point 29).

41. Approval of

the operations or projects to be financed
under the CIP will follow the specific rules of the ERDF
and of any other financial instrument contributing to the
programme.

42. Approval of the projects to be financed by Phare-CBC will
follow the procedure laid down by Article 7(3) and Article
8 of the Phare-CBC Regulation.

In accordance with Article 5(2) of that Regulation, there
will be special provisions concerning a limited percentage
of programmes for small projects involving local actors.
Small projects to be financed by Phare-CBC and not
exceeding EUR 300 000 will be approved by the joint
cooperation committee or by the steering committee
responsible for the Small Projects Fund (SPF) (1).

(1) In order to create the conditions for improved coherence within
Interreg III, this limit is at present under examination with a view to
an increase.

defined

priorities

The application of the otherwise required minimum size of
projects (EUR 2 million) will allow exceptions only on the
basis of a case-by-case assessment and under the circum-
stances of genuine cross-border cooperation falling within
cross-border
in
the
programming documents. The projects may comprise a
group of operations with a precise development goal.
The Interreg/Phare-CBC monitoring committee (see point
39) will make
concerning
exceptions to the minimum size of projects with a view
to the procedures indicated in the first paragraph of this
point.

recommendations

specific

joint

the

aid

to the

applicant

countries

On the basis of a case-by-case assessment, in those border
areas where the conditions of Article 12 of Council Regu-
lation (EC) No 1266/1999 of 21 June 1999 on co-
ordinating
in the
the pre-accession stratetgy (2) concerning
framework of
the coordination of
the pre-accession instruments are
met, new procedures may be introduced in due time,
providing for a delegation of
the selection of projects
and approval of
funding for Phare-CBC in agreement
the structures
with the Commission. The creation of
necessary for the introduction of such procedures will be
a principal aim of the programmes in the period 2000 to
2001.

T r a n s n a t i o n a l c o o p e r a t i o n ( s t r a n d B )

43. Third countries may participate in transnational co-
operation as defined in Chapter III of these guidelines,
on the basis of CIP proposals presented to the Commission
by the designated authorities in the Member States in
agreement with the third countries concerned.

linked with transnational

through
Projects in countries benefiting from support
Phare
cooperation in the
framework of Interreg III can be supported through the
national Phare programmes.

In the case of financing by the ERDF, the Commission will
decide on a contribution by the Fund when it approves
each programme. In the case of Phare, Tacis, Meda, EDF,
Sapard and ISPA,
the projects to be
the approval of
financed by these programmes will follow the procedures
laid down in their respective regulations and operational
rules. Where possible, an indicative amount
the
contribution to the transnational programme concerned
may be given covering the period 2000 to 2002.

for

Point 37 can, where appropriate, also be applied to trans-
national cooperation.

44. The Commission will ensure the application of points 38

to 42 to transnational cooperation.

(2) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 68.

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I n t e r r e g i o n a l c o o p e r a t i o n ( s t r a n d C )

45. In the case of financing by the ERDF, the Commission will
grant the ERDF contribution when it approves the relevant
global grant or programme.

linked with interregional

through
Projects in countries benefiting from support
Phare
cooperation in the
framework of Interreg III can be supported through the
national Phare programmes.

the
In agreement with the third countries concerned,
Commission may decide to provide Community assistance
to the individual bodies managing interregional coop-
eration from Phare, Tacis, MEDA, EDF, SAPARD and
ISPA, subject
to their respective regulations and oper-
this assistance may take
ational rules. Where possible,
the form of an indicative global grant under each of the
instruments involved.

Point 37 can, where appropriate, also be aplied to inter-
regional cooperation.

R e v i e w o f p r o g r e s s

46. In the course of 2000 the Commission will make appro-
priate proposals
strengthen coordination
between ERDF and Phare-CBC, Tacis, MEDA, EDF, Sapard
and ISPA funding for transnational cooperation.

to further

In particular, in the context of the review of the operation
of the Phare programme, envisaged for the year 2000, the
Commission will examine ways of reinforcing the link
between Phare-CBC and transnational and interregional
measures under strands B and C respectively of Interreg III.

indexed at 2 % a year up to 2003 and will be decided at
2003 prices for the years 2004 to 2006. By 31 December
2003 the Commission will determine
rate of
indexation applicable for
the period 2004 to 2006.
Without prejudice to the exceptions foreseen in Article
the ceiling on the ERDF
29(3)(a) of
contribution will be 75 % of
in the
Objective 1 regions and 50 % elsewhere.

that Regulation,

the total cost

the

their

The Commission will adopt indicative financial allocations
for each Member State. In breaking down this amount,
Member States will ensure that, on an indicative basis, at
is
least 50 % of
allocated to cross-border cooperation under strand A.
The Commission and the Member States will also ensure
that all borders are treated in an equitable manner. At least
14 % of the indicative allocation for each Member State
will be allocated to strand B and 6 % to strand C.

total allocation for Interreg III

49. For the period 2000 to 2002, for relevant third countries
participating in Interreg III, cooperation will be assisted by
Phare-CBC with up to EUR 480 million as well as by ISPA,
Sapard and Phare national programmes as appropriate. For
Tacis, MEDA and EDF, allocations for coordinated activities
will be determined in the course of the annual budgetary
procedures, and in accordance with existing operational
rules, with a view to maximising cross-border and trans-
national cooperation across
the Community’s external
borders.

Loans from the EIB may also be available.

50. In accordance with Article 3(2) of the ERDF regulation, to
implement the Interreg III initiative the ERDF will finance
measures for rural development eligible under the EAGGF,
for the development of human resources eligible under the
ESF and for the adaptation of fisheries structures eligible
under the FIFG.

any

Instrument

relevant Cooperation

or
Through
Agreement and following the
creation of any new
Community Instrument for peace and reconstruction in
the Balkans,
the Commission will, when appropriate,
examine the possibilities of promoting coordination of
Interreg III with such an instrument under arrangements
to be defined at
the time in particular for the Italian
Adriatic regions.

51. The Community

initiatives may

technical
assistance to the conception,
financing, and implemen-
tation of programmes under Article 2 and Article 20 of
the general Regulation.

provide

VIII. Financing

47. The Interreg III Community initiative will be jointly
financed by the Member States and the Community.

specific
technical assistance
52. Within the programmes,
measures may be foreseen,
in particular with a view to
the creation and development of common structures. In
this regard, in accordance with Article 29 of the general
Regulation, the normal co-financing rates will apply in all
cases where technical assistance is undertaken at
the
request of a Member State.

48. In conformity with Article 20(2) of the general Regulation,
the total contribution by the ERDF to Interreg III during
the period 2000 to 2006 is fixed at EUR 4 875 million, at
1999 prices. In accordance with Article 7(7) of the general
Regulation, the ERDF contribution to each CIP will be

if such a technical assistance measure is
Exceptionally,
taken at
the Commission because it
would be of benefit to more than one Member State, it
could be financed at up to 100 %.

the initiative of

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53. In order to further exchanges of experience and good
practice, in particular through networking actions linked
to experience gained under strands A, B and C of Interreg
III, a maximum of EUR 47 million may be used.

The normal co-financing rates will apply when such
measures are requested by the Member States.

If, however, such measures are taken on the initiative of
the Commission, they could be financed at up to 100 %.

context,

the Commission will

establish an
In this
transnational and inter-
Observatory for cross-border,
this Observatory,
regional cooperation. The tasks of
which will be fully funded by the Community, will include:

(cid:151) coordination and exchanges of experience and good
practice at Community level of actions undertaken
through Interreg III,

(cid:151) technical assistance and promotion of the creation and
for programming,

structures

consolidation of
monitoring and management,

joint

composition, how it will operate and its precise tasks.
This decision will be taken in the framework of
the
the Commission will
decisions on externalisation that
adopt
the reform process
currently underway. This decision will be communicated
to the Member States for information.

in the general context of

54. Funding at 100 % undertaken on the initiative of

the
Commission and falling within the definition of the two
types of technical assistance described in point 52 (second
paragraph) and point 53 (third paragraph), including the
funding of the Observatory, will account for no more than
2 % of the total ERDF contribution as set out in point 48.

IX. Timing

third countries

55. The Commission invites Member States and the designated
regional authorities, where applicable in agreement with
detailed
concerned,
the
proposals for Community initiative programmes under
the Interreg III initiative within six months of the date
of publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the
European Communities. The Commission will not be obliged
to consider proposals received after that time-limit.

to present

(cid:151) coordination by the Commission of calls for proposals
regarding interregional
cooperation. Collection of
information on projects approved (in order to avoid
double financing of projects and to further synergies)
and their implementation,

(cid:151) publications, databases and websites.

56. All correspondence relating to this notice should be

addressed to:

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Regional Policy,
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 200,
B-1049 Brussels.

A detailed decision of
the Commission will define the
work of the Observatory and will specify its structure,

Done at Brussels, 28 April 2000.

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ANNEX I

STRAND A: ELIGIBLE AREAS

BELGIQUE/BELGI¸

Antwerpen (Arr.)
Arlon
Ath
Bastogne
Brugge
Dinant
Eeklo
Gent (Arr.)
Ieper
Kortrijk
LiŁge (Arr.)
Maaseik
Mons
Mouscron
Neufcha(cid:136)teau
Philippeville
Sint-Niklaas
Thuin
Tongeren
Tournai
Turnhout
Verviers
Veurne
Virton

DANMARK

Bornholms Amtskommune
Frederiksborg Amtskommune
Fyns Amtskommune
Kłbenhavn og Frederiksberg Kommuner
Kłbenhavns Amtskommune
Roskilde Amtskommune
Słnderjyllands Amtskommune
Stłrstrłms Amtskommune

DEUTSCHLAND

Aachen, Kreisfreie Stadt
Aachen, Landkreis
Alt(cid:246)tting
Annaberg
Aue-Schwarzenberg
Aurich
Bad T(cid:246)lz-Wolfratshausen
Baden-Baden, Stadtkreis
Barnim
Bautzen
Berchtesgadener Land
Bitburg-Pr(cid:252)m
Bodenseekreis
Borken
Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
Cham
Cottbus, Kreisfreie Stadt
Daun

D(cid:252)ren
Emden, Kreisfreie Stadt
Emmendingen
Emsland
Euskirchen
Flensburg, Kreisfreie Stadt
Frankfurt (Oder), Kreisfreie Stadt
Freiberg
Freiburg im Breisgau, Stadtkreis
Freyung-Grafenau
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Germersheim
G(cid:246)rlitz, Kreisfreie Stadt
Grafschaft Bentheim
Greifswald, Kreisfreie Stadt
Heinsberg
Hof, Kreisfreie Stadt
Hof, Landkreis
Karlsruhe, Landkreis
Karlsruhe, Stadtkreis
Kaufbeuren, Kreisfreie Stadt
Kempten (Allg(cid:228)u), Kreisfreie Stadt
Kiel, Kreisfreie Stadt
Kleve
Konstanz
Landau in der Pfalz
Leer
Lindau-Bodensee
L(cid:246)bau-Zittau
L(cid:246)rrach
L(cid:252)beck, Kreisfreie Stadt
M(cid:228)rkisch-Oderland
Merzig-Wadern
Miesbach
Mittlerer Erzgebirgskreis
M(cid:246)nchengladbach, Kreisfreie Stadt
Neustadt an der Waldnaab
Niederschlesischer Oberlausitzkreis
Nordfriesland
Oberallg(cid:228)u
Oder-Spree
Ortenaukreis
Ostallg(cid:228)u
Ostholstein
Ostvorpommern
Passau, Kreisfreie Stadt
Passau, Landkreis
Pirmasens, Kreisfreie Stadt
Plauen, Kreisfreie Stadt
Pl(cid:246)n
Rastatt
Regen
Rendsburg-Eckernf(cid:246)rde
Rosenheim, Kreisfreie Stadt
Rosenheim, Landkreis
Rottal-Inn

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Saarbr(cid:252)cken, Stadtverband
Saarlouis
Saar-Pfalz-Kreis
S(cid:228)chsische Schweiz
Schleswig-Flensburg
Schwandorf
Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis
Spree-Nei(cid:223)e
Steinfurt
S(cid:252)dliche Weinstra(cid:223)e
S(cid:252)dwestpfalz
Tirschenreuth
Traunstein
Trier Kreisfreie Stadt
Trier-Saarburg
Uckermark
(cid:220)cker-Randow
Viersen
Vogtlandkreis
Waldshut
Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Kreisfreie Stadt
Wei(cid:223)eritzkreis
Wesel
Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge
Zweibr(cid:252)cken, Kreisfreie Stadt

ELLADA

Achaia
Aitoloakarnania
Chania
Chios
Dodekanisos
Drama
Evros
Florina
Ioannina
Irakleio
Kastoria
Kavala
Kefallinia
Kerkyra
Kilkis
Lasithi
Lefkada
Lesvos
Pella
Preveza
Rethymni
Rodopi
Samos
Serres
Thesprotia
Thessaloniki
Xanthi
Zakinthos

ESPA(cid:209)A

Badajoz
CÆceres
CÆdiz

Ceuta
Girona
Guipœzcoa
Huelva
Huesca
Lleida
MÆlaga
Melilla
Navarra
Ourense
Pontevedra
Salamanca
Zamora

FRANCE

Ain
Aisne
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Alpes-Maritimes
Ardennes
AriŁge
Bas-Rhin
Corse du Sud
Doubs
Haut-Rhin
Haute-Corse
Haute-Garonne
Hautes-PyrØnØes
Haute-Savoie
Hautes-Alpes
Jura
Meurthe-et-Moselle
Meuse
Moselle
Nord
Pas-de-Calais
PyrØnØes-Atlantiques
PyrØnØes-Orientales
Savoie
Seine-Maritime
Somme
Territoire de Belfort

IRELAND

Border
Dublin
Mid-east
South-east

ITALIA

Bari
Belluno
Biella
Bolzano-Bozen
Brindisi
Como
Cuneo
Gorizia
Imperia
Lecce

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Lecco
Livorno
Novara
Sassari
Sondrio
Torino
Trieste
Udine
Valle d’Aosta
Varese
Venezia
Verbano-Lusio-Ossola
Vercelli

LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg (Storhertugdłmmet)

NEDERLAND

Achterhoek
Arnhem-Nijmegen
Delfzijl en omgeving
Midden-Limburg
Midden-Noord-Brabant
Noord-Limburg
Noord-Overijssel
Oost-Groningen
Overig Groningen
Overig Zeeland
Twente
West-Noord-Brabant
Zeeuwesch-Vlaanderen
Zuid-Limburg
Zuidoost-Drenthe
Zuidoost-Noord-Brabant

(cid:214)STERREICH

Au(cid:223)erfern
Bludenz-Bregenzer Wald
Innsbruck
Innviertel
Klagenfurt-Villach
Mittelburgenland
M(cid:252)hlviertel
Nordburgenland
Oberk(cid:228)rnten
Oststeiermark
Osttirol
Pinzgau-Pongau
Rheintal-Bodenseegebiet
Salzburg und Umgebung
S(cid:252)dburgenland
Tiroler Oberland
Tiroler Unterland
Unterk(cid:228)rnten
Waldviertel
Weinviertel
West- und S(cid:252)dsteiermark

Wien
Wiener Umland/Nordteil
Wiener Umland/S(cid:252)dteil

PORTUGAL

Alentejo Central
Algarve
Alto Alentejo
Alto TrÆs-os-Montes
Baixo Alentejo
Beira Interior Norte
Beira Interior Sul
CÆvado
Douro
Minho-Lima

SUOMI/FINLAND

Ahvenanmaa/¯land
Etel(cid:228)-Karjala
Etel(cid:228)-Savo
It(cid:228)-Uusimaa
Kainuu
Keski-Pohjanmaa
Kymenlaakso
Lappi
Pohjanmaa
Pohjois-Karjala
Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Uusimaa
Varsinais-Suomi

SVERIGE

Dalarnas l(cid:228)n
J(cid:228)mtlands l(cid:228)n
Norrbottens l(cid:228)n
Sk(cid:229)ne l(cid:228)n
Stockholms l(cid:228)n
V(cid:228)rmlands l(cid:228)n
V(cid:228)sterbottens l(cid:228)n
V(cid:228)stra G(cid:246)talands l(cid:228)n

UNITED KINGDOM

Brighton and Hove
Conwy and Denbighshire
(only that part eligible under Interreg II A)
East of Northern Ireland
East Sussex CC
Gibraltar
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey
Kent CC
Medways Towns
North of Northern Ireland
South West Wales
West and South of Northern Ireland

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STRAND A: INDICATIVE LIST OF PRIORITY TOPICS AND ELIGIBLE MEASURES

ANNEX II

As provided for in the general Regulation, all the operations part-financed by the ERDF must comply with the scope of
the Structural Funds and the rules on the eligibility of expenditure. They must equally be in conformity with other
Community policies, including rules on competition.

1. Promotion of urban, rural and coastal development

Analysis of cross-border area.

Preparation of guidelines and joint planning for management of the area including the cross-border areas as an
integrated geographical unit (including the prevention of natural and technological disasters).

Promotion of multisectoral frameworks for land use.

Planning and protection of cross-border areas, in particular sites of Community importance such as Natura 2000
sites.

Urban development

Preparation of joint guidelines for the planning and management of areas between agglomerations close to borders,
paying particular attention to the principles and guidelines of (cid:145)Sustainable urban development: a framework for
action(cid:146) (COM(1998) 605 final).

Cooperation between urban and rural areas to promote sustainable development.

Renovation and development of historic urban centres using a joint cross-border strategy (excluding housing).

Planning of cross-border industrial areas.

Rural development

Cross-border planning of agricultural land and other cross-border improvements to land tenure.

Diversification of activities to promote new employment opportunities or generate supplementary incomes for the
rural population.

Cross-border rural development, principally through the marketing and promotion of quality products, the encour-
agement of tourist and craft activities, improvements to living conditions and the renovation and development of
villages and preservation of the rural heritage; development and maintenance of certain protected cross-border areas.

Improvement, sustainable development and conservation of cross-border forestry resources and the extension of
cross-border wooded areas, subject to compliance with Chapter VIII of the EAGGF Regulation on rural development
(including the prevention of natural disasters in mountain areas).

Coastal development

Preparation of joint guidelines for the planning and management of coastal areas.

Protection of the coastal environment through prevention, control, and the restoration of environmentally rundown
areas, the removal of waste and the creation and/or joint use of resources and infrastructure (including for the
treatment of waste water).

Protection of the quality of water resources on land and at sea in coastal areas.

2. Development of business spirit and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tourism and local devel-

opment and employment initiatives (LDEI)

Business spririt and SMEs

Development of cross-border networks of economic relations between SMEs for the creation or development of
commercial, professional or cross-border development organisations to improve cooperation,
the
transfer of management skills and technology and studies and market research.

information,

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Support and encouragement for the development of SMEs through investment aid.

Improving cross-border access to finance, credit and business services.

Development of appropriate cross-border financial instruments.

Operational expenditure by the organisations mentioned above may be part-financed only during a start-up phase
not exceeding three years, and on a sliding scale.

Tourism

Development of quality and environmentally friendly tourism (including farm tourism)
investment, design and introduction of new tourist products (cultural
create sustainable jobs.

tourism, environmental

through projects for
tourism) which

Promotional measures, market studies and establishment of shared reservation systems.

Local development and employment initiatives (LDEI)

Establishment of networks of neighbourhood services or services on other topics under the LDEI (1).

3. Integration of the labour market and promotion of social inclusion

Creation and/or development of an integrated labour market on both sides of the border in accordance with the tasks
of the ESF (Article 1 of the ESF Regulation), while taking due account of the obligation to help promote equal
opportunities for men and women, and involving the social partners.

In the areas where there is a EURES cross-border partnership, particular attention will be paid to the implementation
of operations complementary to or supportive of this partnership which help improve operation of the cross-border
labour market. These operations will be defined in agreement with the EURES local partners.

Encouraging cooperation in vocational training, the mutual recognition of diplomas and systems for the transfer of
pension rights.

Development of cross-border territorial pacts for employment.

Cross-border social integration.

4. Cooperation on research, technological development, education, culture, communications, health and civil

protection

Encouraging cooperation between research, technology and development centres, in the areas of education (school,
higher and university and vocational training), culture (including the media and sport), communications, health and
civil protection through the creation and/or joint use of resources and institutions and facilities to promote
employment and raise competitiveness in cross-border areas.

Improved access for the local population to cross-border facilities in these fields.

Investments in education and health which have a local and job-creating dimension.

Cultural events (exhibitions, festivals) are not eligible unless they generate lasting cooperation and employment. As a
rule, therefore, one-off events cannot be financed. Regular events can be supported only during the start-up phase.
The aspects supported will be mainly organisational rather than artistic (production, purchase of works, payments to
artists).

The projects selected for co-financing through other Community financial instruments in these areas such as the fifth
framework programme for research and technological development, Culture 2000, MEDIA II, Socrates, Leonardo da
Vinci, Tempus, etc. are not eligible for assistance under this initiative.

5. Protection of the environment, energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy

Protection of the environment through prevention (including natural and technological disasters), monitoring, the
restoration of a rundown environment, the rational use of energy, recycling and waste disposal and the creation
and/or joint use of resources and infrastructure (including waste-water treatment).

(1) A European strategy for encouraging local development and employment initiatives; Commission communication COM(95) 273 (OJ

C 265, 12.10.1995).

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Efficient energy management, alternative and renewable sources of energy.

Management for tourism of natural sites straddling a border, in particular those of Community interest.

6. Basic infrastructure of cross-border importance

Improvements in transport

Removing obstacles to public transport, particularly between towns near borders.

Promoting environmentally friendly means of transport including,
(cycling, walking) with their respective infrastructure.

in particular, alternative modes of transport

Eliminating bottlenecks (including at sea).

Connections to the trans-European networks; the completion of these networks in itself is eligible only in duly
justified cases, and then only at external borders.

Improvements to other infrastructure

Development and improvement of cross-border infrastructure on a scale appropriate to local and employment
development.

Provision of cross-border facilities in telecommunications and water and energy systems.

Improvements of information and communcation networks and services.

Operating costs for the actions described in point 6 are excluded.

7. Cooperation in the legal and administrative fields

Preparatory work (pilot projects, studies) to reduce the problems posed by the remaining obstacles to the single
market under the (cid:145)Action plan for single market (cid:146) (e.g. protection of consumers’ rights, financial services, public
procurement, regional aid) or by the existence of different legal systems (e.g. social security, taxation) and adminis-
trative systems (e.g. illicit trafficking, immigration and asylum, civil protection, creation of cross-border industrial
areas).

Improving security at external borders, through joint training of the staff involved and better mutual information
systems.

Projects selected for co-financing by other Community Financial Instruments in these fields such as Falcone, Grotius,
Odysseus, Oisin, STOP, the Robert Schuman measure and the Council action plan adopted on 3 December 1998 are
not eligible for assistance under this initiative.

The normal administrative costs of the public administrations concerned are excluded.

8. Cooperation between citizens and institutions

Increased communication and cooperation between citizens, private or voluntary organisations and administrations
and institutions to develop the relations and institutional basis underlying cross-border integration in border areas,
and the introduction of general and targeted language training to that end to promote employment.

Creation of Funds with limited resources (micro project facility) to implement small projects promoting cross-border
integration of people (people-to-people type) whose management will be directly entrusted to the cross-border
cooperation initiatives (e.g. the Euregios).

One-off events will not be eligible under these Funds unless they form part of a joint strategy for the development or
improvement of cross-border integration.

9. Technical assistance

Studies and technical support for the preparation of cross-border strategies.

Technical support to establish cross-border partnerships through the creation or development of joint structures for
implementation of the cross-border cooperation programme.

The contribution by the ERDF to technical assistance may be up to 100 % and will be reduced to take account of
assistance already granted under Interreg I and II.

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ANNEX III

STRAND B: ELIGIBLE AREAS

Programme

Member States

Eligible areas (not necessarily all NUTS II areas)

Western Mediterranean

Alpine space

Atlantic area

South-west Europe

Italy

Spain

France

Portugal

United Kingdom

Greece (1)

Austria

Germany

France

Italy

Ireland

United Kingdom

France

Spain

Portugal

Portugal

Spain

France

Piemonte, Lombardia, Liguria, Toscana, Umbria, Lazio, Campania,
Sardegna, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicilia, Valle d’Aosta, Emilia-Romagna

Andalucia, Murcia, C. Valenciana, Cataluæa, Baleares, Aragon, Ceuta,
Melilla

Languedoc-Roussillon, PACA, Rh(cid:244)ne-Alpes, Corse

Algarve

Gibraltar

Whole country

Whole country

Oberbayern and Schwaben (in Bayern), T(cid:252)bingen and Freiburg im
Breisgau
(in Baden-W(cid:252)rttemberg)

Rh(cid:244)ne-Alpes, PACA, Franche-ComtØ, Alsace

Lombardia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle
d’Aosta, Piemonte, Liguria

Whole country

Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Worces-
tershire and Warwickshire, Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, Dorset
and Devon, Staffordshire, Herefordshire,
and Somerset, Cornwall
Shropshire, West Midlands, Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwynedd and Powys,
Gwent, Mid-Glamorgan, South Glamorgan and West Glamorgan,
Northern Ireland, Highlands and Islands, South western Scotland

Aquitaine,
Bretagne,
Normandie, Haute-Normandie, Limousin, Centre, Midi-PyrØnØes

Poitou-Charentes,

Pays-de-la-Loire,

Basse-

Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Navarra, Pais Vasco, La Rioja, Castilla-LØon,
Huelva

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Midi-PyrØnØes, Limousin, Auvergne, Aquitaine, Languedoc-Roussillon,
Poitou-Charentes

United Kingdom

Gibraltar

North-west Europe

France

Belgium

Netherlands

Luxembourg

Germany

˛le-de-France, Basse-
Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Picardie, Haute-Normandie,
Normandie, Centre, Champagne-Ardennes, Lorraine, Bourgogne, Alsace,
Franche-ComtØ, Bretagne, Pays-de-la-Loire

Whole country

Overijssel, Gelderland, Flevoland, Utrecht, Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland,
Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, Limburg

Whole country

Nordrhein-Westfalen, Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Baden-W(cid:252)rt-
temberg, Schwaben, Unter-, Mittel- and Oberfranken (in Bavaria)

United Kingdom

Whole country

Ireland

Whole country

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Programme

Member States

Eligible areas (not necessarily all NUTS II areas)

North Sea area

United Kingdom

North-Eastern Scotland, Eastern Scotland, Highlands
and (except
Comhairle Nan Eilean and Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh and Argyll),
Tees Valley and Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear,
Humberside, North Yorkshire,
South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire,
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland
and Northamptonshire, East Anglia, Essex

Netherlands

Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Noord-Holland,
Zuid-Holland, Zeeland

Belgium

Germany

Denmark

Sweden

Denmark

Sweden

Finland

Germany

Austria

Germany

Italy

Greece

Finland

Sweden

Antwerpen, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen

Niedersachsen, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Bremen

Whole country

V(cid:228)stra G(cid:246)talands, Hallands, V(cid:228)rmlands

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin, Brandenburg,
Bremen, Hamburg, Regierungsbezirk L(cid:252)neburg (in Niedersachsen)

Whole country

Baden-W(cid:252)rttemberg, Bayern, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Berlin, Bran-
denburg, Th(cid:252)ringen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Puglia, Molise, Abruzzo, Marche, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Emilia-
Romagna, Lombardia, Trentino-Alto Adige, Umbria

Whole country

All Objective 1 regions and adjacent areas in Pohjois-Pohjanmaa and
Keski-Pohjanmaa

All Objective 1 regions and adjacent coastal areas

United Kingdom

Scotland, with particular emphasis on the Highlands and Islands

Greece

Italy

France

Portugal

Spain

France

Whole country

Sicilia, Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia, Campania

Guyane, Guadeloupe, Martinique

A(cid:231)ores, Madeira

Canarias

RØunion

Baltic Sea area

Cadses

Northern periphery

Archimed

Caribbean area

A(cid:231)ores-Madeira-Canarias area

Indian Ocean area

(1) In this area, it is understood that Greece will be able to participate in the priority covering the definition of the strategy for the area.

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ANNEX IV

STRAND B: PRIORITIES AND MEASURES

As indicated in the general Regulation, all operations co-financed by the Structural Funds must be in conformity with
other Community policies, including rules of competition.

In the context of the promotion of harmonious, balanced and sustainable development, the measures of this strand will
contribute to economic and social integration and to the development of the cooperation areas concerned.

1. Spatial development strategies including cooperation among cities and between rural and urban areas with a

view to promoting polycentric and sustainable development

(cid:151) drawing up of spatial development perspectives for the transnational territory,

(cid:151) territorial impact assessment of policies and projects affecting the transnational territory,

(cid:151) development of cooperation beween metropolitan areas and (cid:145)gateway cities(cid:146) in order to develop larger zones of

global economic integration, especially in the Community periphery,

(cid:151) development of strategic aliances and networking among small and medium-sized towns and cities, including

measures to strengthen the role of smaller towns in the development of rural regions,

(cid:151) cooperation on research and development matters and access to innovation, especially with regard to city

networks,

(cid:151) awareness raising on long-term spatial perspectives and to promote networking of planning and research

institutions for developing joint observation and monitoring.

2. Development of efficient and sustainable transport systems and improved access to information society

(cid:151) improving local and regional access to national and transnational transport networks and hubs, especially
through connections of the secondary networks; motorway, main road construction and other similar infra-
structure is excluded,

(cid:151) promoting intermodality and modal shift

in
particular maritime transport, inland waterway transport and rail transport as well as non-motorised modes
of transport,

towards more environmentally compatible transport modes,

(cid:151) favouring the use of information and communication technologies for developing networking and (cid:145)virtual(cid:146)
clustering especially for supporting joint business and marketing strategies and with a view to providing
SMEs with better access to innovation, particularly technological innovation,

(cid:151) favouring the use of information and communication technologies for improving public services, including the
transfer of know-how and technologies among local administrations and the development of applications of
public interest (education and training, health care, etc.),

(cid:151) development of telematic services and applications based on the possibilities offered by the information society of
in particular in sectors such as

overcoming distances and promoting access to knowledge and innovation,
electronic commerce, training, research and teleworking.

3. Promotion of the environment and good managment cultural heritage and of natural resources, in particular

water resources

(cid:151) contributing to the further development of a European ecological network (Natura 2000), linking protected sites

of regional, national, transnational and Community importance,

(cid:151) creative rehabilitation of cultural landscapes degraded by human activities, including areas threatened or degraded

by agricultural abandonment, in the framework of integrated spatial development strategies,

(cid:151) innovative promotion of natural and cultural assets in rural regions as potential for development of sustainable

tourism, in particular in sparsely populated areas,

(cid:151) promotion of cooperation for the protection and creative development of cultural heritage,

(cid:151) formulation of joint strategies for risk management in areas prone to natural disasters,

(cid:151) drawing up and implementation of integrated strategies and actions for the prevention of flooding in trans-

national river-catchment areas,

(cid:151) drawing up and implementation of integrated strategies and actions relating to the transnational cooperation

territory for the prevention of drought,

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(cid:151) concerted management of coastal waters,

(cid:151) promotion of renewable energies.

4. Specific priorities

(cid:151) promotion of integrated cooperation of maritime regions and of insular regions,

(cid:151) promotion of integrated cooperation of ultraperipheral regions.

5. Technical assistance

(cid:151) technical support for the establishment of transnational partnerships through the creation or development of
joint structures for implementation of the transnational cooperation programme. Assistance will take account of
that already received under Interreg II.

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IMPLEMENTATION CONDITIONS FOR STRAND C (cid:151) INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION

ANNEX V

Interregional cooperation,
management under the responsible Member State authorities.

like the other Interreg III strands, will be the subject of decentralised programming and

Interregional cooperation concerns cooperation actions throughout
the Union and neighbouring
countries. To guarantee similar conditions of competition for all European regions, the terms of reference of the
calls for proposals will be the same for the whole Union. These standard terms of reference will be agreed by all
the Member States within the management committee referred to in paragraph 2(c) of Article 48 of the general
Regulation and will be approved by the Commission.

the territory of

On the basis of the cooperation areas established for strand B, the Member States concerned draw up jointly a
programme of
interregional cooperation by area (while avoiding overlapping between areas). Two programming
methods will be possible:

(cid:151) either, the establishment of a specific programme with a single priority,

(cid:151) or, integration of interregional cooperation in the form of a priority within the relevant strand B programme.

In both cases, the steering committee (which selects the projects) and the managing authority (which makes the formal
grant of the Community subsidy to each project) can either be the same as those of the strand B programme or
different.

The managing authorities launch simultaneously the call for proposals with the same terms of reference mentioned in
the second indent. To facilitate its dissemination at Community level, the Commission could also publish the call in the
Official Journal of the European Communities. The interregional cooperation projects are presented by the project leaders to
the managing authorities responsible for the geographical areas where the project leader is based.

As in all Structural Funds programmes, the managing authorities ensure the selection, approval, and granting of subsidy
to projects. They also ensure the monitoring of the implementation of the projects and the financial control.

The Commission assists the managing authorities with a view to facilitating coordination between them and thus
guaranteeing a homogeneous approach to the whole process.

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GENERAL STATEMENTS

Statement of the Commission concerning the Italian regions and those of the third countries of
the Adriatic

When the political conditions to encourage cooperation unter Interreg III between the Italian regions and
those of the third countries of the Adriatic are met, the Commission will examine the most suitable
methods of encouraging this cooperation with the other Cooperation Instruments.

Statement of the Commission concerning the particular commitment taken by the European
Council of Berlin

The Commission confirms that all the particular commitments taken by the European Council of Berlin
relating to the Community initiatives in favour of Austria and the Netherlands will be respected,
in
particular in the framework of Interreg III.

Statement of the Commission concerning cooperation between Interreg III and the Balkans

When the political conditions to encourage cooperation under Interreg III between those Member States
most concerned, notably Austria, Greece and Italy, and those of third countries in the Balkans are met, the
Commission will examine the most suitable methods of encouraging this cooperation with the other
Cooperation Instruments.

STATEMENTS CONCERNING STRAND A

Statement by the Commission relating to Belfast

The Commission welcomes the positive results obtained under the Special Programme for Peace and
Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and under the Northern Ireland-
Ireland Interreg II A programme.

In order to ensure that the successes of these two programmes can be built on in the future, the
Commission considers that Belfast (both Outer Belfast and Belfast at Nuts III level) should participate in
the new Interreg III strand A programme for 2000 to 2006 in the framework of the 20 % flexibility rule
for adjacent areas, point 10 of the Interreg III guidelines.

Statement by the Commission relating to the application of Interreg III strand A on Belgium

In order
to guarantee fruitful use of cross-border programmes with the Netherlands, Germany,
Luxembourg and France, the Commission considers that the arrondissements of Hasselt, Huy, Waremme
et Marche-en-Famenne should, as a priority, participate in the new Interreg III strand A programme for
2000 to 2006 in the framework of the 20 % flexibility rule for adjacent areas, point 10 of the Interreg III
guidelines, taking account of, in particular, the necessary coherence of the projects presented under the
programmes concerned.

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STATEMENTS CONCERNING STRAND B

Statement by the Commission on cooperation in the Barents Sea area

In the framework of the future Interreg III B transnational cooperation programme for the Baltic Sea area,
the Commission takes particular note of the request expressed by Sweden and Finland to be able to
develop a priority to further the cooperation of
these two Member States with their neighbours
(Norway and Russia) in the Barents Sea area.

Statement by the Commission on cooperation in the Southern Baltic

The Commission considers that the cooperation currently supported under the SWEBALTCOP Article 10
project should continue under the new Interreg III initiative. Given the nature of this cooperation, future
activities should be organised within the framework of the strand B Baltic Sea programme. In case of
difficulties concerning coordination between Interreg III and Phare the Commission is ready to examine
other possibilities for encouraging this cooperation.

STATEMENTS ON CHAPTER VII

Statement of the Commission concerning the implementation of Chapter VII

The automatic decommitment deadlines set out in Article 31(2)(2), of the general Regulation, could be
extended, on the basis of an examination on a case-by-case basis, to take account of the delays due to the
decision-making procedures of the external Financial Instruments.

Statement of the Commission on Interreg III and Tacis

Being aware of the importance of the northern dimension and of the current difficulties in taking it into
account within the framwork of cooperation between the Interreg III Community initiative and the Tacis
Instrument, the Comission declares its readiness to seek effective coordination and a consistency between
Interreg III programmes and Tacis assistance through, inter alia, operational guidelines, in order to improve
the conditions necessary for this cooperation, without prejudice to political conditions which could
possibly be attached to the implementation of Tacis.

Statement of the Commission on Interreg III and MEDA

Being aware of the importance of the Mediterranean dimension and of the current difficulties in taking it
into account within the framework of cooperation between the Interreg III Community initiative and the
MEDA Instrument, the Commission declares its readiness to seek effective coordination and a consistency
between Interreg III programmes and MEDA assistance through, inter alia, operational guidelines, in order
to improve the conditions necessary for this cooperation.

Statement by the Commission on ESPON

If the 15 Member States are prepared to present jointly a proposal for a cooperation network among the
spatial development institutes (ESPON), including a financial mechanism and in relation to the observation
and analysis of spatial development tendencies in Europe, the Commission is disposed to co-finance this
cooperation through the (cid:145)networks(cid:146) budget line foreseen in point 53 of the Interreg III guidelines.