Interreg Atlantic Area is a European funding programme that supports cooperation between Atlantic regions, focussing on shared challenges and opportunities in areas like innovation, sustainability, and protecting cultural and natural heritage.
Interreg Atlantic Area at a Glance
The Interreg programmes are a good fit for organisations with previous EU funding experience who are looking to scale up their activities
Interreg projects focus on regional and economic development in specific geographical areas
The co-financing rate for Interreg projects is low and organisations typically need to cover 60% of the budget with match funding
Aims & Objectives
The programme helps regions work together to:
find solutions to shared regional challenges
support sustainable regional development
promote innovation, resource efficiency, and the preservation of natural and cultural assets
Funding Priorities for 2021–2027
Projects can focus on one or more of the following five priorities:
Stimulating Innovation & Competitiveness Helping regions build strong, innovative economies.
Strengthening Resilience to Risks Improving how regions prepare for and respond to natural, climate-related, and human-made risks.
Enhancing Biodiversity & Cultural Heritage Protecting natural environments and promoting shared cultural assets.
Technical Assistance Supporting the smooth delivery and administration of the programme.
The Interreg Atlantic Area includes five participating countries: France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and the UK (as a self-financed, associated partner.)
What does it support?
Interreg Atlantic Area funds projects in the following areas:
Innovation & Competitiveness
Efficient Use of Resources
Risk Management (climate, natural, or human-origin)
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection
Natural and Cultural Heritage
Who can apply?
Local and regional public authorities
Business support organisations
Social enterprises and third sector bodies
Universities and higher education institutions
Research and innovation centres
Environmental agencies
Education and training providers
Community and civil society organisations
Which regions are eligible?
The programme covers the Atlantic coastal regions of four countries:
Ireland (all regions)
Northern and Western
Southern
Eastern and Midland
Portugal
Norte, Algarve, Centro, Lisboa, Alentejo
Azores and Madeira (Autonomous Regions)
Spain
País Vasco, Navarra, La Rioja, Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia, Andalucía, Canary Islands
France
Normandy, Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Note: UK partners can participate in Interreg Atlantic Area projects, but as associated partners with their own financing.
Partnership requirement: Projects must involve partners from at least two different countries within the Atlantic Area.
Budget
The programme has a total budget of €113 million for 2021-2027.
Project Example
Free LitterAT
An Taisce is a partner in the Interreg Atlantic Area-fundd project “Free LitterAT.” Delivered by 14 partners in 4 EU countries, the Free Litter AT project’s goal is to protect the variety of life in the ocean by coming up with new and creative ways to stop and reduce marine litter. Visit the project website to learn more.
