Communication from the Commission to the Member states of 2 September 2004 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: 2004-09-02
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU financing, EU initiative, EU regional policy, cross-border cooperation, economic and social cohesion, frontier region, regional cooperation

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Official Journal of the European Union

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE MEMBER STATES

of 2 September 2004

laying down guidelines for a Community initiative concerning trans-European cooperation intended to encourage harmo-
nious and balanced development of the European territory

INTERREG III

(2004/C 226/02)

1.

2.

3.

referred to as

the European Communities
The Commission of
decided on 28 April 2000 to establish a Community
initiative concerning trans-European cooperation (here-
inafter called Interreg III) as set out in Article 20 of
Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June
down general provisions on the
1999 laying
Structural Funds (1), hereinafter
the
‘general Regulation’. The method of
implementing
cooperation activities under the interregional strand
was set out in the Communication of the Commission
to the Member States of 7 May 2001 ‘Interregional
cooperation’ strand C of the Interreg III Community
initiative (2001/C 141/02) (2)
(hereafter the Interre-
gional Cooperation Communication). The guidelines
were amended by the Communication from the
Commission of 23 August 2001 (3). The present conso-
lidated guidelines replace those decided on 28 April
2000, as amended by Communication of 23 August
2001. Annex A to this Communication replaces Annex
A to the Interregional Cooperation Communication.

Under Interreg III, Community funding is made avail-
able for measures and in areas which respect the guide-
lines laid down in this notice, and which are included
in Community initiative programmes presented by
authorities designated by Member States and approved
by the Commission.

I. GENERAL OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES

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 economically, 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

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by the 2003

Act of Accession (OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 33).

(2) OJ C 141, 15.5.2001, p. 2.
(3) Communication from the Commission amending the guidelines for
a Community initiative concerning trans-European cooperation
intended to encourage the harmonious and balanced development
of the European territory – Interreg III (2001/C 239/03) (OJ C 239,
25.8.2001, p. 4).

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
the greater
remains enormous. The challenge is all
when the enlargement of the Community is considered,
as this is increasing the number of its internal borders
and, progressively, is shifting the Community's external
borders eastwards.

4.

During the 1994 to 1999 programming period,
Interreg II continued and enlarged the scope of Interreg
and Regen of the earlier period. It was implemented
under three distinct headings: cross-border cooperation
(EUR 2 600 million),
transnational energy networks
(EUR 550 million) and joint action to tackle flooding
and drought problems and to develop spatial planning
for large groupings of geographical areas throughout
the Community, central and eastern Europe and the
Mediterranean (EUR 413 million). Moreover,
inter-
regional cooperation across the Community on ‘soft
issues’
to regional development had been
supported as part of the European Regional Develop-
ment Fund (ERDF) innovative measures under Article
10 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4254/88 laying
down provisions for implementing Regulation (EEC)
No 2052/88 as regards the European Regional Devel-
opment Fund (4) (EUR 200 million for 1994 to 1999).

relevant

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

(4) OJ L 374, 31.12.1988, p. 15.

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5.

takes place,

This experience shows that significant steps have been
made towards joint cross-border programming and
programme management in many cases. However, the
for
strong cooperation that
kind of
example,
in ‘Euroregions’ 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 gener-
to establish genuine
ally been much more difficult
cross-border activity jointly. In some cases, 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.

Interreg II C allowed the acquisition of some experi-
ence regarding cooperation over larger transnational
territories, involving national, regional and local autho-
rities, with a view to achieving a higher degree of terri-
torial integration of these territories. Nevertheless the
extent of cooperation was variable.

With regard to the external borders and cooperation
with third countries,
there have been additional
problems stemming in particular from weak adminis-
trative structures in those countries as well as from
difficulties in coordinating the Community's external
policy instruments such as Phare, Tacis, CARDS and
MEDA with Interreg programmes, because of differ-
ences in financial and operational rules.

the system of

topics. However,

Finally, interregional cooperation has been developed
funding
on several
under Article 10 of Regulation (EEC) No 4254/88 had
the disadvantage of centralising management of too
great a number of projects directly in the hands of the
Commission and of dissociating these efforts from
cross-border and transnational activity under Interreg.

6.

In this context, the objective of the new phase of
Interreg has been 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 is given to:

— the external borders of the Community in particu-

lar taking into account enlargement,

— cooperation concerning the outermost regions of

the Community,

— cooperation to further the stabilisation and associa-

tion process in the western Balkans, and

— cooperation concerning insular regions.

Building on the experience of the previous Interreg
Initiatives, this new phase of the initiative is being
implemented under three strands:

(a) promoting

regional

integrated

development
between neighbouring border regions,
including
external borders (neighbourhood programmes) and
certain maritime borders (strand A); the bulk of the
financial resources is devoted to this strand;

(b) contributing to harmonious territorial
across the Community (strand B);

integration

(c) improving regional development and cohesion
policies and techniques through transnational/inter-
regional cooperation (strand C); this is by far the
smallest strand financially.

The main challenge for the new phase of Interreg is,
to build on the positive experiences of
therefore,
genuine cooperation within current programmes and
progressively develop structures for such cooperation
across the Community and with neighbouring coun-
tries.

7.

To achieve these goals, the development of cooperation
under the Interreg III
initiative is governed by the
following principles:

— Joint

cross-border/transnational

strategy and develop-

ment programme

a

of

joint

strategy

development

The
and
programme laying down joint priorities is an essen-
the proposals
tial condition for acceptance of
the
submitted for Community financing. All
measures and operations must be based on this
joint programming for the regions or territories
concerned and demonstrate the value which it
adds.

The operations selected to implement the program-
ming must also be
clearly cross-border/trans-
national in nature. This means that they are not
eligible unless they were selected jointly and imple-
mented, either in two or more Member States or
third 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

Programming must
the general
guidelines of the Structural Funds and of Com-
munity legislation and policies. This means that
preference will be given in particular to operations
which help create jobs, improve the competitive-
ness of the areas concerned, develop and introduce
sustainable development policies
and promote
equal opportunities for men and women. All opera-
tions should be in conformity with Community
rules on competition, and with the rules on State
aid in particular.

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— Partnership and a ‘bottom up’ approach

A wide partnership must be developed, including
not only institutional partners
from national,
regional and local authorities, but also economic
and social partners and other relevant competent
bodies (non-governmental organisations, represen-
tatives from the academic world, etc.) as provided
for in Article 8 of the general Regulation. The
Commission is particularly concerned that
this
partnership is developed from the outset, from the
phase of elaboration of 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.

— Complementarity with the ‘mainstream’ of the Structural

Funds

8.

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

Community are funded by other Community finan-
cial instruments such as Phare, ISPA, Tacis, MEDA,
CARDS, EDF or other Community programmes
with an external policy dimension, as appropriate.

The Commission Communication ‘Paving the way
for a new neighbourhood instrument’ (2) of 1 July
2003 (hereafter the neighbourhood Communica-
intends, by introducing the neighbourhood
tion)
programmes for the 2004 to 2006 period,
to
improve the coordination between Interreg III and
external Community policy
instruments. The
Communication is a follow-up to the communica-
tion ‘Wider Europe — Neighbourhood: A new
framework for
relations with our eastern and
southern neighbours (3)’.

the

structures
the

truly joint
involve

requires
programmes,

The implementation of cooperation on the basis of
to
these principles
prepare
parties
concerned, select the operations, manage the whole
and coordinate and monitor the implementation of
programming and,
if appropriate, the joint mechan-
isms for the management of measures and operations.
Interreg III and the neighbourhood
In any case,
in a significant
programme approach will
advance on the situation under the 1994 to 1999
programming period. The partners must state the
precise conditions, arrangements and resources for the
introduction and operation of the structures whose
operational costs may be financed by the programmes.

result

— A more integrated approach to the implementation of

the Community initiatives

In this context, the competent authorities may consider
whether it is possible to establish European economic
interest groupings (EEIGs) (4).

referred to as

the ‘ERDF Regulation’,

The ERDF, in accordance with Article 3(2) of Regu-
lation (EC) No 1783/1999 of the European Parlia-
ment and of the Council of 12 July 1999 on the
European Regional Development Fund (1) herein-
after
is
allowed to implement the Interreg III initiative by
financing measures for rural development eligible
under the EAGGF, for the development of human
resources eligible under the ESF and for the adjust-
ment of fisheries structures eligible under the FIFG.
This opportunity should be used to improve the
coordination and integration of measures and
operations which benefit from Community assis-
tance.

— Effective coordination between Interreg III and external
Community policy instruments, especially taking account
of enlargement

The implementation of
interreg III must ensure
coherence and synchronisation with the other
financial instruments concerned. Operations under-
taken within the Community are funded by the
ERDF whereas operations undertaken outside the

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

II. CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION (STRAND A)

9.

cross-border

Purpose:
cooperation between neigh-
bouring 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:

— all areas along the internal and external

land
borders of the Community delineated at administra-
the Nomenclature of Territorial
tive level
Statistical Units (NUTS III), as listed in Annex I,

III of

— certain maritime areas delineated at administrative
level III of the Nomenclature of Territorial Statis-
tical Units (NUTS III), as listed in Annex I.

(2) http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/sources/docoffic/official/

communic/wider/wider_en.pdf

(3) Commission Communication COM(2003) 104, 11 March 2003.
(4) Communication from the Commission 97/C 285/10 — Participa-
tion of European economic interest groupings (EEIGs)
in public
contracts and programmes financed by public funds (OJ C 285,
20.9.1997, p. 17).

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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 total expenditure of the programme concerned.
Areas where this flexibility is to be used must be indi-
cated in the relevant Community initiative programme.

11.

Priority topics:
with the following topics:

this strand is particularly concerned

— promoting urban, rural and coastal development,

— encouraging entrepreneurship and the development
firms (including those in the tourism

of small
sector) and local employment initiatives,

— promoting the integration of the labour market and

social inclusion,

— sharing human resources and facilities for research,
culture,
technological
communications and health to increase produc-
tivity and help create sustainable jobs,

development,

education,

— encouraging the protection of

the environment
(local, global), the increase of energy efficiency and
the promotion of renewable sources of energy,

— improving transport (particularly measures imple-
menting more environmentally-friendly forms of
transport),
communication
networks and services and water and energy
systems,

information

and

— developing cooperation in the legal and administra-
tive spheres to promote economic development
and social cohesion,

— 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 concentrated as far as practicable in adminis-
trative areas below NUTS III level, immediately adjacent
in accordance with point 10,
to borders. However,
when, within sparsely populated regions, it is observed
that development is held up by the absence of infra-
structure, such infrastructure can be taken into consid-
eration 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.

III. TRANSNATIONAL

COOPERATION

(STRAND B)

of European regions, with a view to achieving sustain-
able, harmonious and balanced development
in the
Community and better
integration with
candidate and other neighbouring countries.

territorial

13.

Eligible areas: for the purposes of transnational coop-
eration proposed eligible areas are made up of the
groupings of regions indicated in Annex III.

These groupings are based on the areas already
covered by 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 particular
taking
to cooperation
concerning the outermost regions of the Community,
to increasing cooperation across the Adriatic and the
southern Baltic and to cooperation concerning insular
regions. Consequently, proposed modifications should
seek to increase cooperation between the Adriatic and
the Balkan regions of the Community with the external
Balkan regions. Special attention will be given to the
four transnational regions implementing the neigh-
bourhood dimension.

enlargement,

account of

14.

transnational cooperation proposals
Priority Topics:
should build on the experience of Interreg II C and
take account of Community policy priorities such as
TENs and of the recommendations for territorial devel-
opment of the European spatial development perspec-
tive (ESDP). At the same time, given the limited finan-
cial
the territories
involved, it is important to avoid dispersal of efforts
and seek a strong focus. Support may be requested in
order to:

resources and the vastness of

— 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 sustain-
able development,

— promote efficient and sustainable transport systems
and improved access to the information society,

— promote the environment and the good manage-
ment of cultural heritage and of natural resources,
in particular water resources,

— promote integration between maritime regions, and
of insular regions, each through a specific priority
allocation. The
with an appropriate
promotion
between maritime
regions, and insular regions may include bilateral
cooperation actions,

integration

financial

of

12.

Objective: transnational cooperation between national,
regional and local authorities aims to promote a higher
degree of territorial integration across large groupings

— promote the integrated cooperation of the outer-

most regions.

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to

that

responds

approach

The measures selected must underpin an integrated
territorial
common
problems and opportunities and leads to genuine bene-
fits for the transnational area. Cooperation between
insular and maritime regions will be particularly
encouraged, as well as cooperation between regions
with common handicaps such as mountain zones. Key
areas for infrastructure investments must also be identi-
impact
fied. Only infrastructure with a transnational
can be taken into consideration. Motorway and main
road construction are excluded. The operations selected
must also demonstrate concrete, visible and innovative
In the case of problems of water resources
results.
management caused by flooding or drought, Interreg
III funding can be used for infrastructure investments.

15.

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

— promote better economic integration and coopera-
tion among these regions and between them and
other Member States,

— 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 prin-
cipal actions to be co-financed. They are set out in
greater detail in Annex IV.

IV. INTERREGIONAL

COOPERATION

(STRAND C)

17.

regional development

Objective:
interregional cooperation is intended to
improve the effectiveness of policies and instruments
for
and cohesion through
networking, particularly for regions whose develop-
ment is lagging behind and those undergoing conver-
sion.

18.

Eligible areas: the whole of the Community is eligible.

19.

Priority topics: this strand covers:

— cooperation actions

related to specific

topics
defined by the Commission in the Interregional
Cooperation Communication,
including research,
technological development and SMEs; the informa-
tourism, culture and employment;
tion society;
entrepreneurship and environment, etc.

20.

21.

22.

23.

V. PREPARATION,

PRESENTATION

AND

APPROVAL OF INTERVENTIONS

On the basis of
indicative financial allocations per
Member State established by the Commission speci-
fying the margins of flexibility between the strands
(see Chapter VIII), Member States will make a break-
down 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.

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, where appropriate, the relevant non-governmental
partners.

Proposals may be presented separately for each strand.
However,
if deemed appropriate by the partners,
programmes may cover all three strands A, B and C
whilst specifying the priorities, measures and joint
structures for each strand.

The programmes concerning cross-border cooperation
(strand A) will be drawn up in accordance with the
principles, 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
structure of each
institutional
Member State.

In general, each programme will be drawn up for a
border with ‘subprogrammes’
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 struc-
tures), the programme will be drawn up for one cross-
border region and may cover one or more borders.

The programmes covering transnational cooperation
(strand B) will be drawn up in accordance with the
principles, priorities and procedures set out in points
6, 7, 8 and 12 to 16 by the national authorities (or
other authorities designated by the Member States) in
close cooperation 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 preparatory
work at the request of the responsible authorities.

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

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 bilateral
level, between maritime regions will be
encouraged.

24.

The conditions concerning the implementation of
strand C programmes are set out in the Interregional
Cooperation Communication.

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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 general Regulation, adjusted to
meet the needs and circumstances peculiar to cross-
border,
transnational and interregional cooperation
and will include:

— an ex ante evaluation in accordance with Article
41(2) of the general Regulation analysing in par-
ticular the strengths and weaknesses as regards
cooperation of the area concerned and the expected
impact, including that on the environment (local,
global) and, where appropriate, equal opportunities
for men and women, and the improvements made
to cooperation structures,

— an account of the process of joint programming
(e.g. Joint Programming Committee) including the
arrangements made to consult partners,

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

— a summary description,

if necessary by sub-
programme for strand A, of the measures planned
to implement the priorities, including the informa-
tion 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 programme,

the

general Regulation,

— an indicative financing plan specifying for each
priority and each year, in accordance with Articles
28 and 29 of
the
financial allocation envisaged for the contribution
of the ERDF and for Phare, TACIS, MEDA, CARDS,
the Cohesion Fund and ISPA, the EIB, where appro-
priate, as well as the total amount of eligible public
or
and estimated private
funding relating to these contributions; the total
assistance
contribution of
planned for each year which will be compatible
with the relevant financial perspective;

the ERDF financial

equivalent

funding

— the provisions for implementing the programme

including:

— the designation by the competent authorities
participating in the programme of the common
structures for cooperation established on the
basis of specific agreements taking into account
national
legislation, which will be responsible
for the following functions:

— a managing authority within the meaning
of Article 9(n) and Article 34 of the general
Regulation,

— a paying authority within the meaning of
Article 9(o) and Article 32 of the general
Regulation at programme
level, and if
necessary subsidiary paying authorities,

— a joint technical secretariat for the opera-
in
tional management of the programme,
particular for the tasks set out in point 30
without prejudice to the global responsi-
bility of the managing authority laid down
by Article 34 of the general Regulation.

These three functions (managing authority,
paying authority, and joint technical secre-
tariat) are undertaken by these bodies either
separately or together, taking account of the
specificities
implementation of
Interreg III,

the

of

— 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 appro-
priate a number of them) (see point 29);

— a description of the arrangements for managing the
programme including those concerning a trans-
parent publicity phase allowing the widest possible
degree of participation by public and private actors
and the mechanisms for launching calls for propo-
sals and for the joint selection of the operations,
the Steering Committee (see
and the role of
point 29) and the various
for
finance and financial control, in accordance with
Articles 38 and 39 of the general Regulation; it will
include, where appropriate, use of a global grant as
provided for in point 26,

responsibilities

— a description of the systems for joint monitoring
including the role of the Moni-
and evaluation,
toring Committee (see point 28); as foreseen in
Article 36(1) of the general Regulation, the compe-
tent authorities will take into account the metho-
dology for defining monitoring indicators for the
collection of monitoring data and for the prepara-
tion of evaluations,

for

the

and

rapid

to a

account
and

— the definition of a system of financial management
permitting a transfer from the ERDF (and prefer-
ably 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 responsibilities,

for

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— a description of

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

mental organisations is desirable and applies according
to the requirements of Article 8 of the general Regu-
lation. The Commission and, where appropriate, the
EIB, will participate in the work of the Monitoring
Committee in an advisory capacity.

— information

on

the

resources

required

for

preparing, monitoring and evaluating assistance.

29.

26.

The programmes drawn up in this way will be
submitted to the Commission by the authorities desig-
nated by the Member States concerned and in agree-
ment 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 Commis-
sion may also make a global grant for all or part of the
programme in agreement with the Member States
concerned.

27.

programme will

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

supplemented

by

be

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.
as
an observer.

Commission may

attend

The

Optionally, the duties of the Steering Committee may
be carried out by the Monitoring Committee acting
also as a Steering Committee.

to the
This programme complement will be sent
Commission no later than three months after the
Commission decision approving the programme. The
programme complement will be prepared in accord-
ance with the same arrangements for cooperation and
partnership as those governing the programme.

30.

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

its tasks,

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:

— to confirm or approve the programme comple-

31.

ment,

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

— to make later amendments to the programme or

the programme complement,

— to monitor and evaluate the programme as a whole
and approve the terms of reference of calls for
proposals.

The Monitoring Committee comprises representatives
of the regional and local authorities and the national
authorities if the latter so wish. The participation of
the economic and social partners and of non-govern-

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

In particular,

then according

The ERDF contribution will be paid to a single bank
account in the name of 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 participation will
to
Article 32(1), last subparagraph, of the general Regu-
lation be paid by the paying authority to the final
beneficiaries or, as appropriate, to the authorities or
bodies designated to implement
sub-
programmes and measures. In this case, these authori-
ties will then make the payments to the final benefici-
aries. 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 financial management and coordinate 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 estab-
lish with these partners, possibly in the form of an
agreement, the division of the mutual responsibilities.

the various

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32.

Chapter III of the general Regulation (Contributions
and financial management by the Funds) and the provi-
sions on monitoring, evaluation and financial control,
with the exception of Article 44, will apply to the
programmes. In accordance with Article 21(4) of that
Regulation, the programmes 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.

[deleted]

VII. COORDINATION BETWEEN ERDF, PHARE,
SAPARD

EDF,

TACIS, MEDA, CARDS,
AND ISPA

34.

For the purposes of Article 20(2), first subparagraph,
of the general Regulation, coordination between the
assistance under the ERDF and the other instruments
contributing to the financing of the Interreg III Initia-
eligibility, multi-annual
tive concerns geographical
programming,
the eligibility of operations and the
mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, evalua-
tion and control.

The significant improvement of the common structures
in relation to the situation in the previous program-
ming period as mentioned in point 8 will continue to
be
cooperation
programmes described in this chapter, according to the
rate of progress made with regard to coordination
between the ERDF and the other financial instruments.

carried out, with regard to the

The Commission commits itself to presenting to the
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.

34.a

the

introduced

neighbourhood

In the Neighbourhood Communication the Commis-
sion
programme
approach for 2004 to 2006. The neighbourhood
programmes will support cross-border and transna-
tional cooperation along the external border of the
Union with non-candidate countries and will be build
on the existing or planned Interreg programmes and
structures. The establishment of
the neighbourhood
programmes will make it possible to set out the new
systems to allow for joint project preparation, submis-
sion and selection procedures, thus increasing the level
of involvement and ownership of beneficiaries on the
external side of the border. On 23 October 2003 the
Commission presented the Guidance Note (1) on the
preparation of neighbourhood programmes describing
the
a neighbourhood
to create
programme and advising how to amend existing docu-
ments, structures and working methods.

required

steps

(1) http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/interreg3/doc/pdf/neigh-

bour_guidance.pdf

35.

36.

37.

38.

Cross-border cooperation (strand A)

countries will be

For the purposes of cross-border cooperation across
the Community's external borders, border areas in
neighbouring
included in the
programme proposals presented to the Commission by
the designated 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. With regard to a NUTS
III zone listed in Annex I participating in several cross-
border cooperation programmes involving countries
benefiting from Phare-CBC, or the participation of
NUTS III zones covered by point 10, paragraph 2, in
such programmes, the details of this participation will
be agreed between the Commission and the designated
in agreement with
authorities in the Member States,
the bordering countries concerned.

The Interreg III programme for cross-border coopera-
tion (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 on the Phare-CBC
programme (2), hereinafter described as the 'Phare-CBC
Regulation'. In the case of financing by the ERDF, the
Commission will decide on the contribution by the
Fund when it approves the programme. The contribu-
tions of Phare-CBC, Tacis, MEDA, CARDS, Sapard or
these
ISPA will respect
instruments and the amounts introduced in the finan-
cing plan will be 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 level of economic develop-
ment and absorption capacities.

the principles and rules of

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 Instru-
ment of Structural Policies for Pre-accession (3), excep-
tions to the application of a minimum size (EUR 5
million) required in principle for the measures under
this instrument may be allowed, taking account of the
particular conditions decided by the Commission on
the basis of specific recommendations made by the
Monitoring Committee.

The Monitoring Committee, the Steering Committee(s),
the joint technical secretariat and, where appropriate,
the managing authority (see point 25) will be set up
with the participation of representatives of the third
countries participating in the programme.

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.

(2) OJ L 345, 19.12.1998, p. 49. Regulation as last amended by Regu-
lation (EC) No 1822/2003 of 16 October 2003 (OJ L 267,
17.10.2003, p. 9).

(3) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 73.

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39.

40.

41.

42.

In the case of programmes financed by the ERDF and
the Monitoring Committee for the
by PHARE-CBC,
programme
as described in point 28 and the
Joint Cooperation Committee as described in Article 7
of
single
Committee, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Interreg/
Phare-CBC Monitoring Committee’.

PHARE-CBC Regulation

form a

the

The Interreg/Phare-CBC Monitoring Committee will
decide upon internal rules of procedure, taking account
of the institutional, legal and financial systems of the
countries concerned. These rules will, where appro-
priate, give details on the application of point 28 and
Article 7 of the Phare-CBC Regulation.

The Interreg/Phare-CBC Monitoring Committee will
include representatives of the competent authorities 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 co-financed by the ERDF,
in an advisory
capacity. It is the responsibility of this Committee to
to
confirm the programme complement pursuant
Article 15 of the general Regulation or to approve
modifications to it.

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
Steering
Committee (see point 29).

acting

as

Approval of the operations or projects to be financed
under the programme will follow the specific rules of
the ERDF and of any other financial instrument contri-
buting to the programme.

Approval of the projects to be financed by Phare-CBC
will follow the procedure laid down by Articles 7(3)
and 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 not exceeding EUR 50,000
(Community contribution) to be financed by PHARE-
CBC will be approved by the Joint Cooperation
Committee or by a specific Steering Committee respon-
sible for such small projects.

Grant schemes in the field of Economic and Social
Cohesion can finance projects
range of
EUR 50,000 to EUR 2 million (Community contribu-
tion). Individual projects under grant schemes will be
identified through a call for proposals and approved by
the Joint Cooperation Committee.

in the

to

specific

otherwise

exceptions

cross-border

programming

the projects which do not belong to grant
For
schemes,
required
the
minimum size of projects (EUR 2 million) will be
allowed only on the basis of a case-by-case assessment
and under the circumstances of genuine cross-border
cooperation falling within the priorities defined in the
joint
documents.
The Interreg/Phare-CBC Monitoring Committee (see
recommendations
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. On the basis of a case-by-case
areas which meet
assessment,
the conditions of Article 12 of Council Regulation (EC)
No 1266/99 of 21 June 1999 on coordinating aid to
the applicant countries in the framework of the pre-
accession strategy (1) concerning the coordination of
the pre-accession instruments, the ex-ante control by
the Commission may be replaced by the ‘extended
decentralised implementation system’ with Commission
ex post control.

in those border

Transnational cooperation (strand B)

43.

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

Projects in countries benefiting from support through
Phare linked with transnational 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, CARDS, EDF, Sapard and ISPA, the approval of
the projects to be financed by these programmes will
follow the procedures laid down in their respective
including where
regulations and operational
appropriate the procedures set out in the Neighbour-
hood Communication.

rules

Point 37 can, where appropriate, also be applied to
transnational cooperation.

44.

The Commission will ensure the application of points
38 to 42 to transnational cooperation.

Interregional cooperation (strand C)

45.

The coordination between ERDF and external financial
instruments concerning the strand C is dealt with in
the Interregional Cooperation Communication.

46.

[deleted].

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

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VIII. FINANCING

resources eligible under the ESF and for the adaptation
of fisheries structures eligible under the FIFG.

47.

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

48.

In conformity with Article 20(2) of the general Regu-
lation, the total contribution by the ERDF to Interreg
fixed at
III during the period 2000 to 2006 is
EUR 4 875 million, at 1999 prices. In accordance with
Article 7(7) of the general Regulation, the ERDF contri-
bution was indexed at 2 % a year up to 2003 and was
decided at 2003 prices for the years 2004 to 2006.
The Commission has now also determined the rate of
indexation applicable for the period 2004 to 2006.
Without prejudice to the exceptions provided for in
Article 29(3)(a) of that Regulation, the ceiling on the
ERDF contribution will be 75 % of the total cost in
the Objective 1 regions and 50 % elsewhere.

51.

52.

The Community Initiatives may provide technical assis-
tance to the conception, financing, and implementation
of programmes under Article 20 of the general Regu-
lation.

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

the general Regulation,

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

In conformity with the conclusions of the accession
negotiations, the total contribution by the ERDF to the
new Member States to Interreg III during the period
2004 to 2006 is fixed at EUR 425 million, at 1999
prices.

53.

in particular

In order to further exchanges of experience and good
practice,
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 Commission will adopt indicative financial alloca-
tions for each Member State. In breaking down this
amount, Member States will ensure that, on an indica-
tive basis, at least 50 % of their total allocation for
Interreg III
is 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 allo-
cation for each Member State will be allocated to
strand B and 6 % to strand C.

49.

For relevant third countries participating in Interreg III,
cooperation will be assisted by Phare-CBC as well as by
ISPA, Sapard and Phare national programmes as appro-
priate. For Tacis, MEDA, CARDS and EDF, allocations
for coordinated activities are determined, and in
accordance with existing operational rules and where
appropriate in conformity with the Neighbourhood
Communication, with a view to maximising cross-
the
border
Community's external borders.

cooperation across

and transnational

Loans from the EIB may also be available.

50.

In accordance with Article 3(2) of the ERDF Regu-
lation, to implement the Interreg III initiative the ERDF
will finance measures for rural development eligible
for the development of human
under the EAGGF,

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 %.

The Commission has approved the Interact Support
Programme for cross-border, transnational and interre-
Interact
gional
programme include:

cooperation. The

tasks

the

of

— coordination and exchanges of experience and
good practice at Community level of actions under-
taken through Interreg III,

— technical assistance and promotion of the creation
and consolidation of joint structures for program-
ming, monitoring and management,

— coordination of interregional cooperation. Collec-
tion of information on projects approved (in order
to avoid double financing of projects and to
promote
and
their implementation,

synergies)

further

— publications, databases and web sites.

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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) will
account for no more than 2 % of the total ERDF
contribution as set out in point 48.

IX. CORRESPONDENCE

55.

The Commission invites Member States and the desig-
nated regional authorities, where applicable in agree-

the

ment with
to
present detailed proposals for Community Initiative
programmes under the Interreg III Initiative.

concerned,

countries

third

56.

All correspondence relating to this notice should be
addressed to:

Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Commission of the European Communities
B-1049 Brussels.

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ANNEX I

STRAND A: ELIGIBLE AREAS

BELGIË/BELGIQUE

BR DEUTSCHLAND

Antwerpen (Arr)

Arlon
Ath

Bastogne
Brugge

Dinant

Eeklo
Gent (Arr)

Ieper
Kortrijk

Liège (Arr)
Maaseik

Mons
Mouscron

Neufchâteau
Philippeville

Sint-Niklaas
Thuin

Tongeren
Tournai

Turnhout
Verviers

Veurne
Virton

ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA

Jihočeský
Plzeňsky

Karlovarský
Ústecký

Liberecký
Královehradecký

Pardubický
Vysočina

Jihomoravský
Olomoucký

Zlínský
Moravskoslezský

DANMARK

Bornholms Amtskommune
Frederiksborg Amtskommune

Fyns Amtskommune
København
Kommuner
Københavns Amtskommune

og

Frederiksberg

Roskilde Amtskommune
Sønderjyllands Amtskommune

Aachen, Kreisfreie Stadt

Aachen, Landkreis

Altötting

Annaberg

Aue-Schwarzenberg

Aurich

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen

Baden-Baden, Stadtkreis

Barnim

Bautzen

Berchtesgadener Land

Bitburg-Prüm

Bodenseekreis

Borken

Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald

Cham

Cottbus, Kreisfreie Stadt

Daun

Düren

Emden, Kreisfreie Stadt

Emmendingen

Emsland

Euskirchen

Flensburg, Kreisfreie Stadt

Frankfurt (Oder), Kreisfreie Stadt

Freiberg

Freiburg im Breisgau, Stadtkreis

Freyung-Grafenau

Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Germersheim

Görlitz, Kreisfreie Stadt

Grafschaft Bentheim

Greifswald, Kreisfreie Stadt

Heinsberg

Hof, Kreisfreie Stadt

Hof, Landkreis

Karlsruhe, Landkreis

Karlsruhe, Stadtkreis

Kaufbeuren, Kreisfreie Stadt

Kempten (Allgäu), Kreisfreie Stadt

Kiel, Kreisfreie Stadt

Kleve

Konstanz

Landau in der Pfalz

Leer

Lindau-Bodensee

Löbau-Zittau

Lörrach

Storstrøms Amtskommune

Lübeck, Kreisfreie Stadt

Märkisch-Oderland

Merzig-Wadern

Miesbach

Mittlerer Erzgebirgskreis

Mönchengladbach, Kreisfreie Stadt

Neustadt an der Waldnaab

Niederschlesischer Oberlausitzkreis

Nordfriesland

Oberallgäu

Oder-Spree

Ortenaukreis

Ostallgäu

Ostholstein

Ostvorpommern

Passau, Kreisfreie Stadt

Passau, Landkreis

Pirmasens, Kreisfreie Stadt

Plauen, Kreisfreie Stadt

Plön

Rastatt

Regen

Rendsburg-Eckernförde

Rosenheim, Kreisfreie Stadt

Rosenheim, Landkreis

Rottal-Inn

Saarbrücken, Stadtverband

Saarlouis

Saar-Pfalz-Kreis

Sächsische Schweiz

Schleswig-Flensburg

Schwandorf

Schwarzwald-Baar-Kreis

Spree-Neiße

Steinfurt

Südliche Weinstraße

Südwestpfalz

Tirschenreuth

Traunstein

Trier, Kreisfreie Stadt

Trier-Saarburg

Uckermark

Ücker-Randow

Viersen

Vogtlandkreis

Waldshut

Weiden in der Opf, Kreisfreie Stadt

Weißeritzkreis

Wesel

Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge

Zweibrücken, Kreisfreie Stadt

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ELLAS

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

ESPAÑA

Badajoz

Cáceres

Cádiz

Ceuta

Girona

Guipúzcoa

Huelva

Huesca

Lleida

Málaga

Melilla

Navarra

Ourense

Pontevedra

Salamanca

Zamora

EESTI

Kirde-Eesti

Kesk-Eesti

Lääne-Eesti

Lõuna-Eesti

Põhja-Eesti

FRANCE

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

MAGYARORSZAG

Bács-Kiskun
Békés
Baranya
Budapest
Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Csongrád
Győr-Moson-Sopron
Hajdú-Bihar
Heves
Komárom-Esztergom
Pest
Nógrád
Somogy
Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg
Vas
Zala

IRELAND

Border
Dublin
Mid-East
South-East

ITALIA

Agrigento
Ancona
Ascoli Piceno
Bari
Belluno

Biella
Bolzano-Bozen
Brindisi
Campobasso
Caltanisetta
Chieti
Como
Cuneo
Ferrara
Foggia
Forli - Cesena
Gorizia
Imperia
Lecce
Lecco
Livorno
Macerata
Novara
Pesaro e Urbino
Pescara
Ravenna
Ragusa
Rimini
Rovigo
Sassari
Siracusa
Sondrio
Teramo
Torino
Trieste
Trapani
Udine
Valle d'Aosta
Varese
Venezia
Verbano-Cusio-Ossola
Vercelli

LUXEMBOURG (G.D.)

Luxembourg (Grand-Duché)

LATVIJA

Kurzeme
Latgale
Rīga
Vidzeme
Zemgale

LIETUVA

Alytaus
Klaipédos
Marijampolės
Panevéžio
Šiaulių
Tauragés
Telšių
Utenos
Vilniaus

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KYPROS

Kypros

MALTA

Malta
Gozo - Comino

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
Zeeuwsch-Vlaanderen
Zuid-Limburg
Zuidoost-Drenthe
Zuidoost-Noord-Brabant

ÖSTERREICH

Außerfern
Bludenz-Bregenzer Wald
Innsbruck
Innviertel
Klagenfurt-Villach
Mittelburgenland
Mühlviertel
Nordburgenland
Oberkärnten
Oststeiermark
Osttirol
Pinzgau-Pongau
Rheintal-Bodenseegebiet
Salzburg und Umgebung
Südburgenland
Tiroler Oberland
Tiroler Unterland
Unterkärnten
Waldviertel
Weinviertel
West- und Südsteiermark
Wien (cooperation with the Czech
Republic, Slovakia and Hungary)

Wiener Umland/Nordteil (coopera-
tion with the Czech Republic and
Slovakia)
Wiener Umland/Südteil
tion with Slovakia and Hungary)

(coopera-

POLSKA

Jeleniogórsko-wałbrzyski
Bialskopodlaski
Chełmsko-zamojski Gorzowski
Zielonogórski
Nowosądecki
Ostrolecko-siedlecki
Opolski
Krośnieńsko-przemyski
Białostocko-suwalski
Łomżyński
Gdański
Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot
Bielsko-bialski
Rybnicko – Jastrzębski
Elbląski
Olsztyński
Ełcki
Szczeciński

PORTUGAL

Alentejo Central
Algarve
Alto Alentejo
Alto Tras-Os-Montes
Baixo Alentejo
Beira Interior Norte
Beira Interior Sud
Cavado
Douro
Minho-Lima

SLOVENIJA

Pomurska
Podravska
Koroška
Savinjska
Spodnjeposavska
Gorenjska
Notranjsko-kraška Goriška
Obalno- kraška
Jugovzhodna Slovenija
Osrednjeslovenska

SLOVENSKÁ

Bratislavský kraj
Trnavský kraj
Trenčanský kraj
Nitrianský kraj
Žilinský kraj
Banskobystrický kraj
Prešovský kraj
Košický kraj

SUOMI/FINLAND

Åland
Etelä-Karjala
Etelä-Savo
Itä-Uusimaa
Kainuu
Keski-Pohjanmaa
Kymenlaakso
Lappi
Pohjanmaa
Pohjois-Karjala
Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Uusimaa
Varsinais-Suomi

SVERIGE

Dalarnas Län
Jämtlands Län
Norrbottens Län
Skåne Län
Stockholms Län
Värmlands Län
Västerbottens Län
Västra Götalands Län

UNITED KINGDOM

(only that part eligible under

Brighton and Hove
Conwy and Denbighshire
-
Interreg IIA)
East of Northern Ireland
East Sussex CC
Gibraltar
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey
Kent CC
Medway Towns
North of Northern Ireland
South-west Wales
West
and
Ireland

south of Northern

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10.9.2004

ANNEX II

STRAND A:

INDICATIVE LIST OF PRIORITY TOPICS AND ELIGIBLE MEASURES

As provided for in the general Regulation, all the operations part-financed by the ERDF must come within the scope of
the Structural Funds and comply with the rules on the eligibility of expenditure. They must equally be in conformity
with other Community legislation and 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 inte-
grated geographical unit (including the prevention of natural and technological disasters).

Promotion of multi-sectoral 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 ‘Sustainable urban development: a framework for action’
(COM(98) 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 encourage-
ment 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 run-down
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 firms (SMEs), tourism and local development

and employment initiatives (LDEI)

— Business spirit 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, information, the transfer
of management skills and technology and studies and market research.

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

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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) through projects for investment,
design and introduction of new tourist products (cultural tourism, environmental tourism) which create sustainable jobs.

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 frame-
work programmes 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 run-down 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).

Efficient energy management, alternative and renewable sources of energy.

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

(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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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, in particular, alternative modes of transport (cycling,
walking) with their respective infrastructure.

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.

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

Improvement of information and communication 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 ‘Action plan for single market’ (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 administrative 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
systems.

information

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 coopera-
tion 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.

8.a. Neighbourhood programme priority topics:

To promote sustainable economic and social development in the border areas,

To contribute to working together to address common challenges, in fields such as environment, public health, and the
prevention of and fight against organised crime,

To ensure efficient and secure borders,

To promote local, people-to-people type actions.

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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 assis-
tance 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

Italy

Lombardy,

Lazio,
Piedmont,
Campania, Sardinia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Valle d'Aosta,
Emilia-Romagna

Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria,

ALPINE SPACE

Spain

France

Andalusia, Murcia, C. Valenciana, Catalonia, Balearic Islands,
Aragon, Ceuta, Melilla

Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur, Rhône-
Alpes, Corsica

Portugal

Algarve, Alentejo

United Kingdom

Gibraltar

Malta

Greece

Austria

Germany

France

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Upper Bavaria and Schwabia (in Bavaria), Tübingen and Frei-
burg im Breisgau (in Baden-Württemberg)

Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Franche-Comté,
Alsace

Slovenia

Whole country

Italy

Lombardy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige,
Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont, Liguria

ATLANTIC AREA

Ireland

Whole country

United Kingdom

Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Mersey-
side, Worcestershire and Warwickshire, Avon, Gloucestershire
and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset, Cornwall and Devon, Staf-
fordshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, West Midlands, Clwyd,
Dyfed, Gwynedd and Powys, Gwent, Mid-Glamorgan, South
Glamorgan and West Glamorgan, Northern Ireland, Highlands
and Islands, South Western Scotland

France

Spain

Aquitaine, Poitou-Charentes, Loire Region, Brittany, Lower
Normandy, Upper Normandy, Limousin, Centre, Midi-Pyrénées

Galicia, Asturias, Cadiz, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Navarre,
Basque Country, Seville, Rioja, Castilla-Léon, Huelva

Portugal

Whole country

SOUTH-WEST EUROPE

Portugal

Whole country

Spain

France

Whole country

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

United Kingdom

Gibraltar

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Programme

Member States

Eligible areas - (not necessarily all NUTS II areas)

NORTH-WEST EUROPE

France

Nord/Pas-de-Calais, Picardy, Upper Normandy,
Île-de-France,
Lower Normandy, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine,
Burgundy, Alsace, Franche-Comté, Brittany, Loire Region

Belgium

Whole country

Netherlands

Overijssel, Gelderland, Flevoland, Utrecht, North Holland,
South Holland, Zeeland, North-Brabant, Limburg

Luxembourg

Whole country

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia, Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland,
Baden-Württemberg, Schwabia, Unter-, Mittel- and Ober-
franken (in Bavaria)

United Kingdom

Whole country

Ireland

Whole country

NORTH SEA AREA

United Kingdom

North-east Scotland, eastern Scotland, Highlands and Islands
(except Comhairle Nan Eilean and Lochaber, Skye and
Lochalsh and Argyll), Tees Valley and Durham, Northumber-
land 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, North
Holland, South Holland, Zeeland

Belgium

Antwerp, East Flanders, West Flanders

Germany

Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Bremen

Denmark

Whole country

Sweden

Västra Götalands, Hallands, Värmlands, Kronobergs län, Skåne
län

BALTIC SEA AREA

Denmark

Whole country

Sweden

Whole country

Latvia

Whole country

Lithuania

Whole country

Estonia

Whole country

Finland

Whole country

Poland

Whole country

Germany

Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Pomerania, Berlin, Branden-
burg, Bremen, Hamburg, Regierungsbezirk Lüneburg (in
Lower Saxony)

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Programme

Member States

Eligible areas - (not necessarily all NUTS II areas)

CADSES

Austria

Germany

Italy

Whole country

Baden-Württemberg, Bayern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin,
Brandenburg, Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Pomerania

Apulia, Molise, Abruzzo, Marche,
Friuli-Venezia Giulia,
Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige,
Umbria

Czech Republic

Whole country

Hungary

Poland

Slovakia

Slovenia

Greece

Finland

Sweden

NORTHERN PERIPHERY

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

All Objective 1 regions and adjacent areas
Pohjanmaa, Keski – Suomi and Keski-Pohjanmaa

in Pohjois-

All Objective 1 regions, adjacent coastal areas and Gävleborgs
län

United Kingdom

Scotland, with particular emphasis on the Highlands and
Islands

ARCHIMED

CARIBBEAN AREA

Greece

Italy

Cyprus

Malta

France

Whole country

Sicily, Calabria, Basilicata, Apulia, Campania

Whole country

Whole country

French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique

AÇORES-MADEIRA-CANARIAS
AREA

Portugal

Azores, Madeira

INDIAN OCEAN AREA

Spain

France

Canary Islands

Réunion

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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 legislation and 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

— Drawing up of spatial development perspectives for the transnational territory.

— Territorial impact assessment of policies and projects affecting the transnational territory.

— Development of cooperation between metropolitan areas and ‘gateway cities’ in order to develop larger zones of

global economic integration, especially in the Community periphery.

— Development of strategic alliances 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.

— Cooperation on research and development matters and access to innovation, especially with regard to city

networks.

— Awareness raising on long-term spatial perspectives and to promote networking of planning and research institu-

tions for developing joint observation and monitoring.

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

— Improving access to national and transnational transport networks and hubs, especially through connections of

the secondary networks; motorway and main road construction are excluded.

— Promoting inter-modality and modal shift towards more environmentally compatible transport modes, in particu-
lar maritime transport, inland waterway transport and rail transport as well as non-motorised modes of transport.

— Favouring the use of information and communication technologies for developing networking and ‘virtual’ clus-
tering especially for supporting joint business and marketing strategies and with a view to providing SMEs with
better access to innovation, particularly technological innovation.

— Favouring the use of information and communication technologies for improving public services, including the
transfer of know-how and technologies amongst local administrations and the development of applications of
public interest (education and training, health care, etc.)

— Development of telematic services and applications based on the possibilities offered by the information society
of overcoming distances and promoting access to knowledge and innovation, in particular in sectors such as elec-
tronic commerce, training, research and teleworking.

3. Promotion of the environment and good management cultural heritage and of natural resources, in particu-

lar water resources

— Contributing to the further development of a European ecological network (Natura 2000), linking protected sites

of regional, national, transnational and Community importance.

— 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.

— Innovative promotion of natural and cultural assets in rural regions as potential for development of sustainable

tourism, in particular in sparsely populated areas.

— Promotion of cooperation for the protection and creative development of cultural heritage.

— Drawing up and implementing joint strategies and actions for risk management in areas prone to natural disasters.

— Drawing up and implementation of integrated strategies and actions for the prevention of flooding in transna-

tional river-catchment areas.

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— Drawing up and implementation of integrated strategies and actions relating to the transnational cooperation

territory for the prevention of drought.

— Concerted management of coastal waters.

— Promotion of renewable energies.

4. Specific priorities

— Promotion of integrated cooperation of maritime regions and of insular regions. The cooperation may include

bilateral cooperation actions.

— Promotion of integrated cooperation of ultraperipheral regions.

— Neighbourhood Programme priority topics:

— to promote sustainable economic and social development in the border areas,

— to contribute to working together to address common challenges,

in fields such as environment, public

health, and the prevention of and fight against organised crime,

— to ensure efficient and secure borders,

— to promote local, people-to-people type actions.

5. Technical assistance

Technical support for the establishment of transnational partnerships through the creation or development of joint
structures for implementation of the transnational cooperation programme.

GENERAL STATEMENTS

As established in the Communication of 28 April 2000 (included here for completeness)

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

When the political conditions to encourage cooperation under 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 upon 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.

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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, the Federal Republic of Germany,
the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg 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.

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 Commis-
sion 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) subparagraph 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 framework of cooperation between the Interreg III Community Initiative and the Tacis instrument, the Commission
declares its readiness to seek effective coordination and a consistency between Interreg III programmes and Tacis assis-
tance through i.a. 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 i.a. 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 develop-
ment institutes (Espon), including a financial mechanism and in relation to the observation and analysis of spatial devel-
opment tendencies in Europe, the Commission is disposed to co-finance this cooperation through the ‘networks’ budget
heading provided for in point 53 of the Interreg III guidelines.

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(THIS ANNEX REPLACES ANNEX A TO THE INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION COMMUNICATION)

ANNEX A

PROGRAMMING AREAS

Programme

Member States

Eligible areas

SOUTH ZONE

Italy

Piedmont,
Campania, Sardinia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily, Valle d'Aosta

Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria,

Lombardy,

Lazio,

Greece

Eastern Greece, Peloponnese, North Aegean, South Aegean,
Crete, Ionian Islands, western Greece, Attica

Portugal

Whole country

Spain

France

Whole country

Midi-Pyrénées, Limousin, Auvergne, Aquitaine, Languedoc-
Roussillon, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur,
Rhône-Alpes, Corsica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique,
Réunion

United Kingdom

Gibraltar

Cyprus

Malta

France

WEST ZONE

Whole country

Whole country

Île-de-France,
Nord/Pas-de-Calais, Picardy, Upper Normandy,
Lower Normandy, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Lorraine,
Burgundy, Alsace, Franche-Comté, Brittany, Loire Region

Belgium

Whole country

Netherlands

Whole country

Luxembourg

Whole country

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia, Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland,
Baden-Württemberg

United Kingdom

Whole country (except Gibraltar)

Ireland

Whole country

NORTH ZONE

Denmark

Whole country

Germany

Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Bremen, Meck-
lenburg-Pommerania

Sweden

Finland

Estonia

Latvia

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Lithuania

Whole country

Poland

Zachodniopomorskie,
Podlaskie, Kujawo-Pomorskie

Pomorskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie,

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Programme

Member States

Eligible areas

EAST ZONE

Austria

Germany

Italy

Greece

Whole country

Bavaria, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin, Brandenburg, Thur-
ingia,

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Emilia-
Romagna, Apulia, Molise, Abruzzo, Marche

Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, western Macedonia, central Mace-
donia, Thessaly, Ipeiros

Czech Republic

Whole country

Hungary

Slovakia

Slovenia

Poland

Whole country

Whole country

Whole country

Dolnośląskie, Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Lodzkie, Małopolskie, Mazo-
wieckie, Opolskie, Podkarpackie, Slaskie, Świętokrzyskie,
Wielkopolskie