Interreg Europe Programme Manual
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Sharing solutions for European Union | European Regional Development Fund better regional policies Interreg Europe Programme Manual 24 February 2021 (version 9) 1 How to use this publication This programme manual is designed to accompany those involved in all aspects of the programme implementation, from applicants through to project partners, financial managers and controllers. It is organised around in three main parts: one on the programme in general and two covering the two actions the programme supports – Policy Learning Platform and projects. It is designed to have a clear structure, key phrases are in bold, and further definitions may be provided in footnotes. Throughout the publication, examples, definitions or case studies are presented in grey boxes. The document is complete without reading these grey boxes, however they provide very useful context, explanation or demonstrations. They should aid the readers understanding of key points. The Interreg Europe website has a comprehensive glossary should any terms not be understood: http://www.interregeurope.eu/help/glossary/ Note for project applicants Applicants should read the entire manual carefully, as relevant and useful information for preparing a relevant project is provided throughout. As a guide, however, the information in part A will help you decide if the programme is right for your needs, in terms of who can apply for funding, which topics of cooperation are supported, what the programme expects to change and so on. Section C follows the project cycle, from its development through the application process to implementation. While sections 4 and 5 are specifically dedicated to project development, the information provided in the rest of the document is also crucial for the preparation of a good application. Instructions on how to apply are found in section 5.2. Refer to section 5.3.1 for the list of eligibility requirements to make sure your application would not be rejected for technical reasons. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS HOW TO USE THIS PUBLICATION ........................................................................................................ 2 NOTE FOR PROJECT APPLICANTS ................................................................................................................... 2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 6 A) PROGRAMME ................................................................................................................................ 6 1. PROGRAMME SUMMARY ............................................................................................................... 6 1.1 WHAT IS THE PROGRAMME’S OBJECTIVE? ................................................................................................. 6 1.2 HOW DOES THE PROGRAMME WORK? ..................................................................................................... 7 1.3 WHO CAN ACCESS FUNDING? ................................................................................................................. 7 1.4 WHO ARE THE PROGRAMME’S ULTIMATE BENEFICIARIES? ............................................................................ 7 1.5 WHAT EXACTLY WILL THE PROGRAMME CHANGE? ...................................................................................... 8 1.6 WHAT IS NEW IN THE PROGRAMME? ....................................................................................................... 8 2. GENERAL PROGRAMME INFORMATION ......................................................................................... 9 2.1 INTERREG EUROPE WITHIN THE EU COHESION POLICY AND WITHIN EUROPEAN TERRITORIAL COOPERATION PROGRAMMES......................................................................................................................................................... 9 2.2 PROGRAMME AREA AND FUNDING ........................................................................................................ 10 2.3 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE AND ACTIONS SUPPORTED .................................................................................. 11 2.4 PROGRAMME GENERIC INTERVENTION LOGIC........................................................................................... 12 2.5 PRIORITY AXES .................................................................................................................................. 13 2.5.1 Overview and general considerations ................................................................................... 13 2.5.2 Priority axis 1: ‘Strengthening research, technological development and innovation’ ......... 17 2.5.3 Priority axis 2: ‘Competitiveness of SMEs’ ............................................................................. 19 2.5.4 Priority axis 3: ‘Low-carbon economy’ ................................................................................... 20 2.5.5 Priority axis 4: ‘Environment and resource efficiency’ ........................................................... 21 2.6 PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................... 24 2.7 GENERAL PRINCIPLES .......................................................................................................................... 24 2.7.1 Sustainable development ...................................................................................................... 24 2.7.2 Equal opportunities and non-discrimination ......................................................................... 25 2.7.3 Equality between women and men ....................................................................................... 25 2.7.4 Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE) ........................................................................................... 26 2.7.5 State aid................................................................................................................................. 26 B) PLATFORM ................................................................................................................................... 28 3. POLICY LEARNING PLATFORM ...................................................................................................... 28 3.1 CONTEXT ......................................................................................................................................... 28 3.2 MAIN FEATURES ................................................................................................................................ 29 What is the Policy Learning Platform? Definition ........................................................................... 29 Why having a Platform? Objectives ............................................................................................... 29 Who can benefit from the Platform? Users .................................................................................... 30 C) PROJECTS ..................................................................................................................................... 37 4. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT .............................................................................................................. 37 4.1 INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION PROJECTS: MAIN FEATURES ........................................................................ 37 4.2 WHAT ACTIVITIES MAY TAKE PLACE UNDER EACH PHASE? ........................................................................... 40 4.2.1 Phase 1 – Focus on the interregional learning process.......................................................... 40 4.2.2 Phase 2 – monitoring of the action plan implementation ..................................................... 48 4.2.3 Costs financed for each phase ............................................................................................... 52 4.2.4 Service to projects and activities at programme level ........................................................... 54 4.3. MONITORING PROJECTS’ RESULTS AND ACTIVITIES: DEMONSTRATE YOUR SUCCESS ......................................... 54 4.3.1 Improving policy instruments/ Structural Funds programmes .............................................. 55 4.3.2 Result and output indicators ................................................................................................. 58 3 4.3.3 Innovative character of project results .................................................................................. 62 4.3.4 Durability of the project’s results........................................................................................... 62 4.4. PARTNERSHIP ................................................................................................................................... 63 4.4.1 Partnership composition ........................................................................................................ 63 4.4.2 Eligible project partners and legal status .............................................................................. 69 4.4.3 The “contributing partner” principle ..................................................................................... 70 4.4.4 Project partner co-financing rates ......................................................................................... 70 4.4.5 Funding for partners outside the programme area ............................................................... 72 4.4.6 The role of the lead partner ..................................................................................................