INTERREG –Experiences and Challenges

- Sverre Mauritzen

- Norway’s role in transnational and interregional programmes (B and C)

- NIBR – report 2010:22, English Summary available

Challenges after the 1994 referendum

• Set the EEA Agreement to work• Participation in relevant EU -

initiatives• Cross – border co-operation

important ; nordic traditions. Norway partner from 1995

• EU introduced transnational programmes: Norway interested and was invited

Some issues in the report

• Tangible results from project activities ?

• Norwegian contributions to the development in European regions ?

• Main problems and challenges

The short story

• Results: Lead Beneficiary in more than 30 successful projects, participant in over 200.

• Norwegian contributions: Especially within maritime sector (Northern Maritime Corridor, Safety at Sea) and culture/tourism projects (North Sea Cycle Route, Nortrail).

• Challenge: Better information, simpler procedures

Development 1997 - 2011

• Programmes new both to EU and Norway

• From launch to ”EU main stream” policy

• A tool for practical implementation of EU policies

• Norwegians active partners also in the programming process

Dynamic Development

• Geography: from 12 to 27 Member States

• Themes: from planning to development, with emphasis on cohesion, innovation and sustainability

• New developments: Espon Interact og Urbact

INTERREG and EU policies

• Lisbon and Gøteborg Agendas• Northern Dimension• Maritime Policy• Macro Region: The Baltic Sea• Mountain Policy

Norwegian political participation

• Nordic Council of Ministers• Baltic Sea Council• Arctic Council• BSSSC• CPMR and its Commissions• The Barents Co-operation

SWOT – STRENGTH

- Puts visions in concrete terms- Stimulates strategic thinking and

actions- Stimulates development in rural

areas

SWOT - WEAKNESS

- Weak synergies with other EU programmes

- Complicated application procedures

- Not attractive for private partners

SWOT - OPPORTUNITIES

• Accomplishment of important tasks• Enforcement of international

contact network• Development of European

strategies

SWOT - THREATS

• Increasing level of ambitions compared to formal competence of the regions

• Weak links to regional strategies, food for consultants

• The initiative disappears after the project period

National Co-ordination

• Good co-ordination by the Ministry of Regional Development

• National Contact Points• Programme drafting activities• Political involvement• Norwegian Mission to the EU• Regional offices in Brussels

Conclusions (I)

• Territorial Cooperation – a flexible and useful instrument, now part of EU main stream policy

• Norway high level of activity, should be followed up

• Norway: serious and accountable partners producing project initiatives of high standard

• The best projects are built on solid regional strategies, important for Norway to act as Lead Beneficiaries.

Conclusions (II)

• Increased level of programme ambitions means need for a closer co-operation between domestic levels of administration

• Be aware of what can be achieved throughout a limited project period and establish procedures for implementation of and dissemination of results

• Be selective, don’t respond to all fancy project invitations !

• Thank you !