Interreg is one of the key instruments of the EU supporting cooperation across borders through project funding. Its aim is to jointly tackle common challenges and find shared solutions in diverse fields.
Below we list the upcoming funding opportunities with the Interreg programmes relevant for Finnish applicants.
The Central Baltic Programme promotes cooperation between Finland (including Åland), Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden. Funding is available for projects with partners from at least two countries in the programme area, and under seven thematic objectives connected to innovative business development, environment and resource use, employment opportunities, and public service.
The Central Baltic Programme funds both small and regular projects. Small projects are shorter projects of maximum 18 months and with a total budget under 200 000 euros. Regular projects are larger in scope and their duration is generally longer compared to small projects. The budget can be between 213 551 and 4 000 000 euros. For both project types the funding consists of ERDF co-financing (up to 80 %) and the partners’ contribution (at least 20 %).
Upcoming calls
- Small projects, Call 3: Applications can be submitted 25 September to 16 October 2023.
- Programme objectives Improved Employment Opportunities on Labour Market (6) and Improved Public Services and Solutions for the Citizens (7) are open for application.
- Call 4: Applications to be submitted late 2024. Exact dates to be announced.
- Call 5: Applications can be submitted early 2026. Exact dates to be announced.
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The Aurora programme promotes cooperation between Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Sápmi. Funding is available for projects within the following priorities; 1. Smart and sustainable growth, 2. Green and sustainable transition, 3. Education, culture and sustainable tourism, and 4. A better Interreg governance. Sustainable development is an overarching goal in Interreg Aurora.
The Aurora Programme funds small-scale and regular projects. A small-scale project could be defined as a preparatory project or a pre-study but can also be a normal implementation project but with a limited size of the budget compared to a regular project. For small-scale projects the maximum budget is 60 000 euros when partners from all three partner countries participate (40 000 when only two countries participate). Regular projects have a total budget higher than the limits for small-scale projects.
Upcoming calls
- Small-scale projects: Applications can be submitted anytime.
- Regular projects, Call 3: Applications can be submitted from 5 September to 10 October 2023.
- Project ideas templates may be submitted to the secretary for feedback until 1 September.
- Regular projects, Call 4: Applications can be submitted from 5 February to 5 March 2024.
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The Baltic Sea Region programme help organisations from countries around the Baltic Sea to cooperate and put their ideas into practice. The countries included in the programme are Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Germany. Funding is available for projects including at least 3 partners from three countries in the programme area. Project ideas need to fit into one of four thematic priorities and help build Innovative societies (priority 1), Water-smart societies (priority 2), Climate-neutral societies (priority 3) or Cooperation governance (priority 4).
Core projects are the main tool to deliver the change Interreg Baltic Sea Region aims at. Core projects can be up to 36 months and there is no set limit for the budget. Small projects have a maximum budget of 500 000 euros and a maximum duration of 24 months. Activities are financed up to 80 % for EU partners.
Upcoming calls
- Core and small projects, Call 3: Under discussion for 2024.
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If you are interested in Interreg funding, please contact research@hanken.fi.
