Interreg NEXT MED Programme announces upcoming first call for proposals : over €100 million in EU funding to tackle shared Mediterranean challenges
Source: ENI CBCMED/ Interreg NEXT MED
The Managing Authority of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, in agreement with the representatives of the 15 participating countries, is pleased to announce the upcoming first call for proposals set to be launched by mid-November.
With a substantial budget of €103.6 million, this call represents a unique opportunity to fund transnational cooperation projects aimed at catalyzing positive transformations, nurturing collective progress, and encouraging sustainable and inclusive development throughout the Mediterranean area.
Following the broad ambition of making the region smarter and more competitive, greener and climate resilient, more social and inclusive, and better governed, the call focuses on pivotal themes for both shores of the Mediterranean: these encompass boosting research and innovation capacities, fostering SME growth, advancing renewable energy solutions, bolstering climate change adaptation measures, promoting educational opportunities, ensuring access to quality healthcare, and enhancing local governance processes, among others.
Geographical coverage of the call extends to over 90 territories from 7 EU and 8 partner countries, namely Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Tunisia and Türkiye.
Recognizing the unique added value of working together beyond borders for the development of the Mediterranean area, each project has to be submitted by a partnership representing a minimum of 3 organizations from 3 different eligible countries, including at least one Mediterranean Partner Country. A diverse array of stakeholders, including national and regional public authorities, municipalities, non-profit/civil society organizations, universities, research organizations, private companies and other relevant entities may participate in the call (specific eligibility rules for organizations to be confirmed in the Guidelines for Applicants).
Depending on the type of projects foreseen for this call – thematic, youth-oriented and governance – the EU financial support will range from €500,000 to €2.5 million. The EU contribution cannot exceed 89% of the project total eligible costs and the project co-financing must be at least 11% of the total eligible costs.
The call is expected to be launched by mid-November 2023, provided that the first Financing Agreement with a partner country has been signed (necessary condition for partner countries to receive EU funding under Interreg NEXT MED).
The launching of the call will be supported by a series of information events and other activities dedicated to interested organizations to be organized across the cooperation area and online.
Potential Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the documents below in order to understand the main features of the call and start developing project ideas:
- Interreg NEXT MED Programme Document, detailing the overall strategy, priorities, specific objectives and list of eligible territories (EN – FR);
- General PPT presentation about the Interreg NEXT MED Programme (EN – AR);
- Guide on project preparation with some tips and recommendations for drafting a competitive proposal, following the intervention logic set for Interreg NEXT MED Programme (EN – FR);
- Performance Framework Methodology Paper, containing the indicators, type of interventions, list of potential activities and target values;
- PPT presentation on the main features and rules of the call for proposals (EN – FR – AR).
Stay tuned on the website for further information and be ready to embark on an exciting collaborative journey toward mutual growth, sustainability, and prosperity throughout the Mediterranean region.
