This essay will focus on the Interreg programme (mainly cross border cooperation) of the European Union and in particular on the following question: How does the programme work and how can regions be supported to move regional development towards cross-border cohesion within Europe? The aim of this work is to highlight the role of cross-border cooperation in regional development. In addition, it will analyze to what extent the Interreg programme has developed and what future opportunities cross-border cooperation might have for regional development within the EU.
In the introductory chapter on regional development in the EU, the concept of the region and the role of regional development in the EU are highlighted. Subsequently and in preparation for the main chapter, the regional policy relevant basics of the EU are explained, as well as the European Regional Development Fund, as it finances the Interreg programme. The main part of the work is devoted to the Interreg Programme: First of all, the organisation, financing and objectives of the programme are examined, followed by the development and history of Interreg. Finally, an example of cross-border cooperation, within the framework of Interreg, namely between Germany and Denmark, and an example project "Undine II" which is part of the cooperation.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Regional development in the EU
2.1 Regional Policy
2.2 Funding
3. Interreg Programme
3.1 Development of the Interreg Programme
3.2 Interreg Germany-Denmark
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study explores the functionality and impact of the Interreg programme, specifically focusing on how cross-border cooperation fosters regional development and territorial cohesion within the European Union.
- The role of cross-border cooperation in European regional policy.
- Mechanisms and financial structures of the Interreg programme.
- Developmental history and phases of the Interreg initiative.
- Practical application through the Interreg Germany-Denmark case study.
- Strategic importance of sustainable growth and regional integration.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Development of the Interreg Programme
The programme has been supported by the European Union since 1990. In total there are around 90 Interreg programmes which pursue the Europe 2020 strategy. As I already mentioned, there has been a long history of territorial cross border, transnational and interregional cooperation in the European Union and now (2020) Interreg Europe celebrated their 30 years anniversary. The Interreg programmes have become more intensive and complex. Since 2007, European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) has been a genuine objective of cohesion policy. Since the foundation of the Interreg programme, in 1990, it has been one of the Community Initiative Programmes (CIP). Since 1990, there have been five phases of programmes, each lasting 4 to 7 years (Reitel and Wassenberg 2015). From 2000 to 2013 the Interreg programme was integrated into a structural fund regulation. Since 2014 the Interreg programme has its own regulation, which is the ERDF Regulation. Both the number of beneficiary Member States of the internal borders of the European Union and the commitment budget have increased since 1990. 28 beneficiary Member States are currently involved in the Interreg programme.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the context of regional disparities within the EU and introduces the Interreg programme as a vital instrument for cross-border cooperation and territorial cohesion.
2. Regional development in the EU: This section details the European framework for regional planning, including the NUTS classification methodology and the institutional mechanisms of EU regional policy.
2.1 Regional Policy: This chapter examines the evolution of EU regional policy since the 1970s and the involvement of various European institutions in managing regional development.
2.2 Funding: This section provides an overview of the European Structural and Investment Funds, with a specific focus on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as the primary financier of Interreg.
3. Interreg Programme: This chapter defines the structure of the Interreg programme, its three strands of cooperation, and its role in implementing the Europe 2020 strategy.
3.1 Development of the Interreg Programme: This chapter tracks the historical progression of Interreg since 1990, highlighting its increased complexity and the growth in its budgetary commitments over time.
3.2 Interreg Germany-Denmark: This chapter presents a specific case study of a cross-border programme, detailing its management structure and the integration of regional partners.
4. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, emphasizing the ongoing necessity of Interreg in mitigating regional disparities and promoting a more integrated and united European Union.
Keywords
Interreg, European Union, Regional Development, Cross-border cooperation, Cohesion Policy, ERDF, Territorial integration, Sustainable growth, NUTS classification, Regional policy, Germany-Denmark, Europe 2020, Structural Funds, Transnational cooperation, Border regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic work?
The work focuses on the Interreg programme of the European Union, investigating how it facilitates cross-border cooperation to overcome regional disparities and support territorial cohesion.
What are the central themes discussed in the paper?
Central themes include the evolution of EU regional policy, the financial mechanisms behind the Interreg programme, and the strategic importance of cross-border projects for regional growth.
What is the main research objective of the study?
The primary objective is to analyze how the Interreg programme functions and how it can effectively support regions in achieving sustainable development through cross-border collaboration.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, reviewing EU policy documents, institutional frameworks, and historical data related to the various phases of the Interreg programme.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the institutional background of EU regional policy, the financial funding streams (specifically ERDF), the historical development of Interreg, and a specific case study of the Germany-Denmark cooperation.
Which keywords characterize this research?
Key terms include Interreg, Cohesion Policy, Regional Development, European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), and cross-border cooperation.
What is the significance of the Undine II project mentioned in the text?
Undine II serves as a practical example of a cross-border project that combines environmental protection with the promotion of sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea region.
How is the Interreg Germany-Denmark programme managed?
It is managed by a Managing Authority based in Kiel, responsible for strategic direction, and an Interreg Secretariat in Kruså, which acts as the primary contact point for project support and implementation.
What role does the NUTS classification play in this study?
The NUTS classification is identified as the objective framework used by the European Commission to define statistical regions, which is essential for determining eligibility and comparability for regional development support.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2020, Interreg Programme of the European Union. Regional Development Across Borders, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/951461
