Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) is a European funding programme that supports cooperation in remote and sparsely populated areas. It helps communities work together to promote sustainability, innovation, and resilience across Europe’s northernmost regions.

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Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic 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 

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Aims & Objectives

Interreg NPA offers funding and support to organisations who have an idea for improving the quality of life in the NPA area.

The programme aims to:

• strengthen regional cooperation in line with EU goals for a Greener, Smarter Europe, and a Europe closer to its citizens
• support regional and national policies focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and innovation
• connect communities across Europe’s northern and Arctic regions to find shared solutions for local challenges

The Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic programme includes seven participating countries: Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden.

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Interreg NPA Programme Area‍

‍Ireland (Northern & Western Regions)

• Eligible counties: Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary

‍Finland (Northern & Eastern), Sweden (Northern), Norway (Northern), Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands

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What does it support?

The programme funds projects that advance its three main funding priorities:  

• Innovation Capacity
• Climate Change and Resource Sufficiency
• Cooperation Opportunities

Read about all funding priorities.

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Who can apply?

• Local, regional and national authorities  
• Research institutions and private entities
• Social enterprises
• Third sector organisations
• Nonprofit organisations  
• Local and regional SMEs, among these specifically micro enterprises in remote and sparsely populated areas

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Which regions are eligible?

‍Ireland (Northern & Western Regions)

• Cavan
• Clare
• Cork
• Donegal
• Galway
• Kerry
• Leitrim
• Limerick
• Mayo
• Monaghan
• Roscommon
• Sligo
• Tipperary

‍Finland (Northern & Eastern)

‍Sweden (Northern)

‍Norway (Northern)

‍Iceland (all regions)

Greenland (all regions)

Faroe Islands (all regions)

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Partnership requirement: Partnerships should include organisations from at least 3 programme partner countries, at least one of which is from an EU Member State.

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Budget

The total programme budget is €51.5 million for 2021-2027.

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Project Example

RETURN - Regenerative Economic Transfers for Universal Resilience in the North

Leave No Trace Ireland is a partner in the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic-funded project “RETURN - Regenerative Economic Transfers for Universal Resilience in the North.” Delivered by 7 partners in 6 EU countries, the RETURN project’s goal is to support decision-makers in creating sustainable tourism revenue models to strengthen local communities and protect natural environments. Visit the project website to learn more.

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‍National Contact Point in Ireland

The Northern & Western Regional Assembly is the Irish National Contact Point for Interreg Atlantic Area. Contact Dr Travis O Doherty at todoherty@nwra.ie.

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Open Calls

Find current open calls for Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic.

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Want to learn more?

Interreg NPA Website

Interreg NPA newsletter  

NPA 2021-2027 Programme Overview

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