Four forms of cooperation
A · Cross-border
Neighbouring territories working on challenges they share across a border.
B · Transnational
Partners across a larger area addressing shared territorial priorities.
C · Interregional
Exchange and learning among regions to improve policy and practice.
D · Outermost regions
Cooperation involving the EU’s outermost regions and their neighbouring areas.
Start with the geography
Interreg is a family of programmes for different cooperation areas. Map where your partners and activities are based and use the programme directory to identify the relevant strand and programme. For an Italy-based team, the appropriate route may depend on the region, the partner territories and whether the work needs cooperation across a shared border or a wider area.
What the programme can fund
Greece–Italy opportunities
The cooperation programme includes Lecce and other eligible areas in southern Italy and western Greece. Its priorities include competitiveness, the green transition, social inclusion and better governance. Check the programme documents to see which territories and actions match your idea.
From a shared challenge to joint work
A cross-border partnership might test an approach to coastal climate adaptation, help small firms adopt digital tools, or improve access to public services. The proposal should explain what the partners will do together and how each territory will apply the results.
Programme budget and co-financing
The Greece–Italy programme’s financing plan includes a 75% European Regional Development Fund contribution and a 25% national contribution. Other Interreg programmes have their own rates and arrangements. Read the applicable programme manual for eligible costs and how partners cover their share.
Make the case for cooperation
Explain what the territories can achieve together. For example, municipalities facing similar pressures could develop a shared approach and test it in different settings. Regional authorities could exchange practices and apply what they learn to their own policy instruments. Connect the shared need to a programme priority.
Who might take part
Local and regional authorities, universities, development agencies, civil society organisations and businesses may have roles, depending on the programme. Check where each partner must be based, who can lead, and how the programme defines eligible activities and costs.
What to prepare
Bring a map of territories and partners, a description of the shared problem, a proposal for joint work and a plan for using results in each territory. Check the cooperation programme, programme manual and application guidance for the rules that apply to your partnership.