The Interreg III programmes

About the Programme

The Interreg III programmesare embedded in the European Regional Policyas one out of four Community Initiatives. They aim to stimulate intraregional, transnational and interregional cooperation in the EU and neighbouring countries between 2000 and 2006.

Interreg IIIB programmes cover larger transnational areas and the North Sea Regioncomprises areas of Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, The Flemish Region of Belgium, UK and Norway. The areas in the region share many of the same problems and challenges and by working together and sharing knowledge and experiences it is hoped that a sustainable and balanced future will be secured for the whole region.

The programme is financed through the European Regional Development Fund(ERDF), a Norwegian equivalent and contributions from all of the countries involved. Decisions are taken by committees made up of national and regional representatives from all seven countries and the day-to-day running of the programme is taken care of by the international staff of the Joint Secretariat in Viborg, Denmark. The Programme finances a wide range of projects concerned with spatial development. All projects involve the cooperation of two or more countries and every country in the North Sea region is participating.

Use the menus or the site map of the Interreg North Sea Programme to find your way around. The pages in this section will give you all the basics. You can read more about how the projects funded are spread across different priorities and measures. Under 'Four Basic Principles' you will also find brief descriptions of spatial development, cross-sectorality, transnationality and sustainability, which are the key themes all projects have to address.