Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic

An EU funding programme supporting cooperation between remote and sparely populated communities in the northernmost part of Europe on matters of shared interest. Together we turn ideas into sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life of people living in the NPA.

Priority 1 - INNOVATION CAPACITY

Strengthening the innovation capacity for resilient and attractive NPA communities

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Priority 2 - CLIMATE CHANGE and RESOURCE SUFFICIENCY

Strengthening the capacity for climate change adaptation, and resource sufficiency in NPA communities

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Priority 3 - COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES

Strengthening the organisational capacity among NPA communities to make use of cooperation opportunities

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Priorities to achieve the programme vision

The development needs and potentials of the programme area, together with the EU policy goals and local context, have resulted in three priorities to achieve the programme vision. Each priority then has specific objectives that are in line with the overarching goals outlined by the European Commission.

Matching projects and priorities

Applicants are free to develop their own ideas, as long as they address one of the priorities and inside this, one specific objective of the Programme. The 3 priorities contain 7 specific objectives.

For each specific objective, the Programme has provided an indicative list of project actions, examples of target groups, and project partners. You can find the descriptions in the Brief introduction to the Interreg NPA, view it here.

Priority 1 - INNOVATION CAPACITY

Priority 1 is about making remote areas more attractive to businesses, and becoming a role model for sustainable living conditions in the northern periphery. Projects in this priority help small companies become greener and more innovative, and develop digital solutions to simplify the life of citizens, organisations, and SMEs. Projects in this priority contribute to the broader goal of a SMARTER Europe.

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1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Enhancing research and innovation capacity is vital for SMEs in the NPA area. Innovation and higher value-added processes diversify and expand activities and this capacity is crucial for adaptation. This is also why SMEs should be involved in developing and applying innovations.
1.2. Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities

Digitalisation is crucial for addressing challenges in the programme area. It creates links between the public sector, SMEs, and education providers and helps mitigate issues like long distances and access to markets and key services. Digitisation especially benefits remote and peripheral communities, where, for example, it can offer opportunities for remote healthcare and smart mobility.
1.3. Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

The programme encourages transnational cooperation to enhance the entrepreneurial climate in the NPA area. Building networks and clusters helps tackle the issue of long distances to markets. Overcoming these challenges benefits nontraditional sectors and promotes a dynamic business sector. Economic diversification and resilience are necessary for traditional businesses. Engaging indigenous groups and local communities is also an important part of this objective.

Priority 2 - CLIMATE CHANGE and RESOURCE SUFFICIENCY

Priority 2 focuses on addressing climate change and resource efficiency as the region strives to bring leading ideas together for more sustainable communities adopting low-carbon solutions. Projects in this priority help improving the way people use energy and reduce greenhouse gasses, prepare communities better for climate change and disasters, and find new ways to reuse waste. There are vast opportunities in small communities for using local and indigenous knowledge that can be brought together in transnational cooperation. Projects in this priority contribute to the broader goal of a GREENER Europe.

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2.1. Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

The cold and extreme climates of the programme area result in high energy needs. To meet these needs, smart energy solutions and storage, including community-based systems for remote areas, are crucial. The region holds significant potential for renewable energy resources. With existing expertise and a willingness to adopt new technologies, the aim is to achieve net energy savings while prioritising biodiversity and habitat preservation.
2.2. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience taking into account ecosystem-based approaches

The vulnerability of NPA regions, characterised by sparsely populated coastal, mountain, and island areas, presents significant challenges for climate change mitigation and resilience. To address these challenges, it is essential to involve specialists and local stakeholders with in-depth knowledge of the unique and fragile natural environments.
2.3. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

New solutions and innovations are needed to achieve a circular economy, transform production processes, and change consumer behaviour. This includes addressing territorial challenges in waste management and promoting resource efficiency in various sectors. Remote communities already excel in circular, green, and bio-economy due to their tradition of self-reliance and reusing. Further development in these sectors is crucial due to environmental sensitivity.

Priority 3 - COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES

Priority 3 aims to strengthen cooperation skills in the NPA programme area and foster collaboration across communities, small organisations, projects and programmes, promoting shared knowledge, strategies, and local empowerment. Projects in this priority make more organisations work together across countries. Projects in this priority contribute to the broader goal of a BETTER GOVERNANCE in Europe.

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Explore Funding

Learn more about funding opportunities

Check out our quick start guide and find out if your project idea can be funded by Interreg NPA, what types of projects are funded and when the Call for projects are opening.

Go to funding

A brief introduction

Turning ideas into sustainable solutions

Get to know the Interreg NPA programme, its area and priorities as well as how it works to apply and participate in a project.

Interreg NPA in brief