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 three relevant Interreg programmes for Finnish applicants and their upcoming calls for 2024.
Central Baltic Programme promotes cooperation between regions in Finland (including Åland), Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden (see map of programme area). Funding is available for development 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.
Central Baltic Programme funds both small and regular projects. Small projects are shorter projects of maximum 18 months 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 for regular projects is between 213 551 and 4 million 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: Application open from 10 to 31 October 2024.
- Small projects are encouraged to develop a project idea for the themes related to Improved employment opportunities and Improved public services.
- Regular projects: First stage submission open from 9 to 30 April 2024 (Second stage submission for invited applicants: 10-31.10.2024)
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Aurora programme promotes cooperation between Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Sápmi (see map of programme area). 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. Better and more sustainable cross-border cooperation.
Aurora Programme funds small-scale and regular projects. For small-scale projects the maximum budget is 60 000 euros when partners from all three partner countries participate (40 000 with partners from two countries). Regular projects have a total budget higher than the limits for small-scale projects. The maximum funding from the ERDF possible to apply is 65% of Finnish costs (in addition, national co-funding to cover up to 70 % of the own funding can be applied for).
Upcoming calls
- Small-scale projects: Application open from 2 January to 2 February 2024, and from 12 August to 6 September 2024.
- Regular projects: Application open from 5 February to 5 March 2024, and from 9 September to 7 October.
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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 (see map of programme area). 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).
Baltic Sea Region Programme funds small and core projects. 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 projects (priority 1 and 3): Application open 17 January to 21 June 2024.
- Small projects: Deadlines for 2024/2025 under discussion.
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If you are interested applying for Interreg funding, please contact research@hanken.fi.
