We co-ordinate:
- appraisal of project applications
- physical and financial monitoring of the British side of project delivery
- financial information in compliance with European Regulations
- support in drafting the annual implementation and final reports
When an application has been approved by the Steering Committee, we issue letters to the British project leaders containing details of the grant offer. We also act on behalf of the Paying Authority in Britain (the Department for Communities and Local Government) to make ERDF payments to British project leaders.
Interreg IIIa encourages greater integration between the two countries by strengthening cross border co-operation, promoting balanced planning and infrastructure and through the promotion of an attractive and welcoming region.
The focus is very much on working together in terms of project development and delivery and learning from each other's experiences, their similarities and their differences.
What sort of projects are eligible for money
Each project must include two Project Leaders, one from the eligible area in the UK, and the other from the eligible area in France.
Eligible areas:
| UK Areas |
French Areas |
Kent
East Sussex
Brighton & Hove Unitary Authority
Medway Unitary Authority |
Départments of St Maritine – Upper Normandy
The Somme – Picardy
Whole region of Nord-Pas de Calais |
- adjoining areas of West Sussex and Surrey in the UK and surrounding areas in France may also participate if this helps to improve the projects
- a wide range of activities will be considered for funding, providing they fall within the Programme's aims and priorities
- projects are selected on the basis of meeting the programme criteria and assessed for their potential to contribute to the programme's aims and cross cutting themes of equal opportunities by gender, whether they are sustainable and information and communications technology
How much funding is available
- a joint UK/ French budget of €108 million (£67 million) has been made available for the duration of the programme (2000-2006)
- 134 projects have been approved so far, committing a total of €73 million (approximately £46 million) in grant
What proportion of project costs will be funded
- projects should be based on receiving 40% funding from European funds
- project partners must find the remaining 60% as match funding and must provide evidence of this before they can be approved
For an example project please use the 'Understanding Thiepval' document link below.
For a complete guide to Interreg IIIa, how to apply and who to contact please visit www.interreg3.com
For a full list of Interreg IIIa projects in the South East please use the 'Interreg3a Project List' document link below.
