Interreg NPA – Call for Preparatory Projects Now Open
The first call for preparatory projects in the Interreg NPA 2021-2027 programme, opens on 29th August and closes on 19th September 2022 11:00am Irish Time.
The purpose of preparatory projects is to develop project ideas in a more specific and focused direction, to examine the need for the project outputs among end users and stakeholders and to build up transnational partnerships. This type of projects is also the opportunity for organisations new to the Interreg NPA programme, to become more experienced and build capacity in view of a prospective role as partners or Lead partners.
Ideally, preparatory projects conclude with the presentation of a main project application by the end date of a call for main project proposals.
The experience from previous years has shown that preparatory projects are an important tool for development of strong and well-balanced project partnership. Both, experienced and inexperienced project partners are encouraged to apply and use the preparatory projects for establishing new connections and discussing the project ideas.
The Monitoring Committee is looking to fund projects in the following Priorities:
- PRIORITY 1: Strengthening the innovation capacity for resilient and attractive NPA communities
- PRIORITY 2: Strengthening the capacity for climate change adaptation, and resource sufficiency in NPA communities
Project Structure
Interreg NPA is funding two types of preparatory projects:
- Up to 50.000 EUR for a 6-months preparatory project
- Up to 100.000 EUR for a 12-months preparatory project
The support to the beneficiaries will be handled as a lump sum based on a draft budget. In case of approval, the draft budget will be converted to a lump sum budget in Jems. The NPA eligibility rules and intervention rates outlined in the Programme Manual apply.
Minimum requirements
Preparatory projects involve partners from at least 2 programme partner countries, at least one of which from an EU Member States. Partnerships are recommended to include at least 2 of the 3 geographical zones of the programme area: Finland-Sweden-Norway; Ireland; Faroe Islands-Greenland-Iceland. Lead Partners must be public organisations based in the NPA Programme area (unless they have a national remit that covers the Programme area). Project partners can be either public or private.
Expected outcomes
Preparatory projects applicants are expected to address their chosen specific objective with actions such as:
- feasibility studies
- stakeholder mapping
- and recommendations with the purpose of developing project ideas.
Ideally, the projects will conclude with the presentation of a main project application addressing the Third or Fourth Call for main project proposals.
How to Apply
Project applicants intending to submit an application should visit the dedicated Preparatory Projects Call webpage to access the Terms of Reference, Application Pack and find all relevant guidance to submit an application.
Support and Advice
If you would like support or advice about applying for a Interreg NPA preparatory project or building a partnership for projects, contact the Regional Contact Point at the NWRA: Patrick Devine pdevine@nwra.ie
