The overall aims are:
- to ensure that national borders are not a barrier to harmonious integration
- to strengthen co-operation in areas of mutual interest
The Initiative comprises of three strands:
Strand A
Strand A enables projects which address cross-border co-operation promoting integrated regional development between neighbouring border regions, including external borders and certain maritime borders. There are three Strand A programmes that involve areas of the UK. They are:
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Kent and East Sussex with North West France
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The Wales – Ireland programme
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The Northern Ireland – Ireland programme
Strand B
Strand B supports projects that promote transnational co-operation on spatial development between national, regional and local authorities and a wide range of non-governmental organisations. The strand is divided into three geographic zones. They are:
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The Atlantic
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The North West Europe
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The North Sea
All parts of the UK are eligible for funding from this stream under their relevant zone. The UK can also be involved in projects in other Zones if they are not the lead partner.
Strand C
Strand C addresses interregional co-operation throughout the EU. It is intended to improve the effectiveness of policies and instruments for regional development, mainly through large-scale exchange of information and experience. There are four programme Zones. They are:
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The North
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The East
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The South
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The West
All parts of the UK are eligible for funding from the West Zone.
For general information about INTERREG, including how to apply for Communities and Local Government matched funding and how to contact the national contact points for help and advice on the development of projects, see the UK website.
