Because neighbours ...

Neighbourhood external cooperation programmes

Tesim

Borders may be obstacles, but also opportunities. Borders may separate, but they can also connect. The external borders across the European Union are an inspiration for people to work together and make the territories on both sides greener, more prosperous, more connected, and more inclusive. The cooperation across the EU external borders aims at improving the living conditions of regional communities, by finding common solutions to common challenges.

INTERREG Next

  • 23 Member States and Partner Countries
  • 7 Interreg NEXT programmes
  • EUR 735 million EU funds (current allocation)
  • Over 2.000 km of 5 land borders
  • 2 sea basins
  • 1 sea crossing
Discover the Interreg NEXT programmes

Fresh from the field

Empowering youth and women with green jobs

Imagine turning everyday scraps into rich soil and new job opportunities. Composting does just that, transforming organic matter into valuable fertilizer and creating a virtuous cycle where training leads to employment and sustainable practices.

Balancing reiteration and innovation: one year in review

How to deal with the unexpected illustrates the diversity of human nature. Some of us would rather be prepared in advance and recognise it when it happens, while others prefer to be taken by surprise and enjoy navigating through it. After eight years supporting the neighbourhood territorial cooperation community, deep in TESIM hearts we expected our mandate to be continued as from 1 April 2023. One year later, can we conclude that everything that has happened since then was fully predictable?

The closure templates presented to 90 programme representatives

The meeting on closure organised by the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) and TESIM on 29 May 2024 marked a significant milestone in the closure process of the ENI Cross-Border Cooperation (ENI CBC) programmes for the 2014-2020 period. It gathered more than 90 programme representatives who learned about the templates for the final programme report and had the opportunity to receive answers to their questions submitted prior to the meeting, as well as those raised during the meeting.

Inside laboratories, turning crab shells into food additives

When research and innovation transform sources of pollution into sustainable opportunities! ARIBiotech, funded by the ENI CBC Italy-Tunisia programme, is converting seafood waste and dredging sediments into organic packaging and dietary supplements. But where does this begin? Fish processing industries generate significant waste — heads, tails, fins, scales, bones, etc. — making up to 60% of the fish’s weight. This waste is often discarded at sea, harming ecosystems and harbours. Research shows we can reduce these negative impacts by choosing better dumping sites, finding alternative disposal methods, or turning waste into useful products. ARIBiotech chose the latter by asking themselves: How can we turn marine waste into usable products and how can entrepreneurs benefit from such scientific findings to boost the region’s economy?

One week to build project development skills

External border regions hungry for cooperation; potential project applicants from Partner Countries are impatient to know more, to learn, to understand. TESIM’s first four Capacity Building Weeks have come to an end, but given the high number of requests for participation that could not be met, more are planned for the near future.  The sign comes straight from the regions: territorial cooperation is seen as a great way to exploit the untapped growth potential in border areas, with the view to achieving a higher degree of territorial integration.

Latvia: transforming handicrafts from hobby to source of income

LATVIA – Latgale, the easternmost region of Latvia, is known for its rich cultural heritage and the vibrancy of crafts tradition. Trades such as pottery, woodworking, stone-cutting, knitting, and weaving continue to flourish here alongside the new forms of craftsmanship, like glass decor, porcelain, production of cosmetic products, demonstrating the evolution of traditions in response to contemporary influences and market demands. The region, sharing borders with Russia and Belarus, has developed these trades through generations, making it an integral part of its cultural identity. Crafts in Latgale are not only a way of preserving traditional customs but also a means of fostering community engagement and socio-economic activity, contributing significantly to local development.

What to do with all that waste? From grapes to beauty products

TUNISIA – Grapes, the jewels of the vineyards, yield at global level approximately 74 million tons of wine each year. Yet, alongside the production of wine comes a significant by-product: pomace — a mix of peels, seeds, and stems. Typically, this pomace meets one of two fates: animal feed or open-air fertilizer at best. However, recent research reveals a hidden treasure trove within this waste. Bursting with bioactive substances like antioxidants, pomace possesses benefits ranging from anti-aging to anti-cancer properties. The ENI CBC BESTMEDGRAPE project, spanning the Mediterranean from north to south, capitalizes on this untapped resource, blending knowledge, tradition, and innovation to empower both the grape sector and creative entrepreneurs.

Towards a circular economy in the South

How can waste reprocessing favour a circular economy and a sustainable future? Environmental considerations are at the forefront of Interreg NEXT priorities: regulations ask all programmes to devote 30% of the budget to contribute to climate targets. But making use of waste to promote a green, circular economy was also high on the agenda of ENI CBC: at the end of the programming cycle, it turns out that research was key to waste reconditioning, and it has favoured innovative solutions which are now opening market opportunities and boosting employment. The idea of a system where materials never become waste, is gaining space.

How to change cooperation after 2027?

«Is living next to a border an opportunity or a disadvantage?», «What would be the cooperation project of your dreams?» These are some of the questions that citizens and organisations involved in cooperation across EU’s external borders will be invited to answer in the coming months. In preparing for the post-2027 Interreg programmes, the European Commission has launched a twofold consultation process, to gather suggestions as to what shape Interreg should take in the next programming cycle.

Next Programmes

Seven Interreg NEXT (Neighbourhood External) programmes have been approved in 2022, for a (current) envelope of 735 million EUR. Five of them involve Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, highlighting the key role of the Eastern partners in facing the consequences of the Russian aggression. Cooperation in the South remains also a priority for the Union.

ENI CBC Programmes

A total of 16 programmes will be implemented under ENI CBC. They cover 12 land borders, one sea crossing and three sea basins, stretching from Finland and Russia in the north, to countries like Hungary and the Ukraine in the east, and Italy, Northern Africa and the Middle East in the south.
Here you will find news and information on each programme, including the programme strategy and participating countries.

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4 days ago

Interreg TESIM NEXT
🎇𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 🇺🇦𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 #𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀! Over 8️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ participants from public authorities and civil society organisations gathered today at the first #interregcooperationday in Ukraine. Organised by the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers, bringing together also representatives of DG REGIO and of all #Interreg programmes involving Ukraine (Interreg NEXT Poland - Ukraine, Interreg VI A NEXT Hungary Slovakia Romania Ukraine, Interreg NEXT Romania-Ukraine, Black Sea Basin CBC, Interreg Europe and URBACT). 📥Ukrainian stakeholders received updated information on the funding opportunities still available to them during this programming period. #TESIM reminded that there is no magic formula allowing a proposal to be selected, but that the success revolves around the submission of a solid proposal in terms of strategic relevance, importance of cooperation, solid partnership, realistic workplan and value-for-money budget. 🔗In-depth information on all these topics can be found in TESIM’s capacity building platform 𝙂𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 👉https://goforcooperation.eu/EU REGIO InterregДолучайтеся до Дня співпраці Interreg в Україні! Разом із Секретаріатом Кабінету Міністрів України запрошуємо на онлайн-захід в рамках Interreg Cooperation Day. Цьогоріч Україна вперше долучається до Interreg Cooperation Day. Кожного року восени Європейська Комісія закликає демонструвати здобутки і переваги співпраці на місцевому рівні між різними країнами ЄС в рамках проєктів Interreg. Леймотив всіх заходів, а їх десятки по всьому ЄС, — європейські цінності, які долають кордони.Під час онлайн-заходу дізнаєтеся більше про Європейську міжтериторіальну співпрацю та як до неї можуть долучитися українські організації. Коли? 2 жовтня о 10:00Де? Платформа Zoom із синхронним англо-українським перекладомБільше деталей та реєстрація за посиланням: cities4cities.eu/interreg-cooperation-day/#Interreg #InterregDay2024 #EUValuesOvercomingBordersКабінет Міністрів України SALAR International.org.ua Interreg Департамент координації міжнародної технічної допомоги СКМУ ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Interreg TESIM NEXT
🎯The 2024 Conference for the #ENICBC and #InterregNEXT programmes is over! It was a long but fulfilling day yesterday.🤝The morning discussions on stronger partnerships gave a perspective on how cooperation between the EU, Partner Countries, and Member States is yielding tangible results. 🏙 The afternoon session allowed to take a closer look at how the programmes are making territories more attractive - economically, environmentally and culturally. It brought on stage a wide array of programme bodies and participants, who highlighted achievements of the ongoing work. 🤩The last session sparkled with emotions. The final project beneficiaries shared experiences of how an #ENICBC project transformed their own lives: from launching an own business in 🇹🇳Tunisia on turning grape waste into cosmetic products; from protecting 🇺🇦Ukrainian and 🇭🇺Hungarian inhabitants from floods on the Tisza River to empowering women in the agrifood business in 🇵🇸Palestine.🙏We thank all the speakers, moderators and participants for the valuable contributions throughout the day.EU REGIO Interreg Kolarctic CBC Karelia CBC Programme South-East Finland - Russia CBC Programme 2014-2020 Cross-border Cooperation Programme in Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 Estonian EU external border programme 2014-2020 Interreg NEXT Poland - Ukraine Poland-Russia CBC Programme 2014-2020 Interreg VI A NEXT Hungary Slovakia Romania Ukraine ENI CBC Programme 2014-2020 Black Sea Basin CBC Interreg NEXT Romania-Republica Moldova Interreg NEXT Romania-Ukraine Interreg NEXT MED Programme Programme Italie Tunisie IEV CT EU Neighbourhood & Enlargement European External Action Service - EEAS ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Interreg TESIM NEXT
𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫We are starting the 2024 Conference for the #enicbc and #InterregNEXT programmes!Over 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣ representatives of the Programme bodies, National Authorities, European Commission, embassies, missions, representations and projects have gathered today in Brussels to take stock of the impact, achievements and success of the Neighbourhood cooperation programEU REGIO Interregerreg KolarcticKarelia CBC ProgrammerSouth-East Finland - Russia CBC ProgrammerCross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020-2014-2020 Cross-border Cooperation Programme in LithuaniauEstonian EU external border programme 2014-2020-ENI CBC Programme 2014-2020-Poland-Russia CBC Programme 2014-2020-2Interreg NEXT Poland - UkrainerInterreg NEXT Romania-UkrainerInterreg NEXT Romania-Republica MoldovalInterreg VI A NEXT Hungary Slovakia Romania UkrainerBlack Sea Basin CBCnProgramme Italie Tunisie IEV CTEInterreg NEXT MED ProgrammeraDanube Region Programmeramme ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Interreg TESIM NEXT
1️⃣2️⃣ new #InterregNEXT projects will foster cultural exchange, preserve shared heritage and strengthen ties across Interreg VI A NEXT Hungary Slovakia Romania Ukraine border regions! Learn about the results of the Programme's first call for 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝟮.𝟮: 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 👇🎉 Announcement: Results for Objective 2.2 "Culture" of the HUSKROUA NEXT Call for Proposals 🎉We are excited to announce that 12 outstanding cultural projects have been approved under Objective 2.2: Culture, with a total allocation of over 4 million €! These projects will foster cultural exchange, preserve shared heritage, and strengthen ties across borders in the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine region. 🌍🎭📜 The full list of winners can be found on our Programme website - next.huskroua-cbc.eu/6015-2/Huge congratulations to the winning teams! 👏 We can’t wait to see your projects come to life and witness the positive impact on local communities.Stay tuned for more updates and future opportunities! 📅✨#HUSKROUA #culture #InterregNEXT #crossbordercooperation #WinningProjects #interregnexthuskroua ... See MoreSee Less
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3 weeks ago

Interreg TESIM NEXT
🎉Don't miss#Interregerreg Cooperation Day celebrations in 🇷🇴 Iași, together withInterreg NEXT Romania-Republica Moldovaldova Programme! 👇🌟 Ziua Cooperării INTERREG la Bojdeuca lui Creangă – O zi de neuitat! 🌟Un eveniment plin de energie, inovație și colaborare, într-un loc încărcat de istorie și povești – Bojdeuca lui Ion Creangă! 🏡📅 Când: 21.09.2024 📍 Unde: Bojdeuca lui Creangă, locul unde trecutul și viitorul se întâlnesc pentru a crea povești noi prin cooperare!Ce vom face?✨ Ateliere creative și interactive: Copiii vor explora arta colaborării prin activități captivante! 🎤 Conversații inspiraționale: Află cum proiectele INTERREG unesc comunități din România și Republica Moldova și contribuie la un viitor mai bun pentru toți! 🎭 Spectacol de teatru captivant: Atmosferă plină de culoare, aventuri și o poveste care aduce oamenii împreună cu multă voie bună!💡 Descoperă cum cooperarea poate schimba lumea! Aici, la Bojdeuca lui Creangă, tradiția întâlnește inovația, iar tu poți fi parte din această poveste! 🎁 Surprize pentru participanți și multe alte activități care te vor face să zâmbești și să te bucuri de ziua dedicată cooperării!Nu rata ocazia de a trăi o experiență unică într-un loc de poveste! Hai să cooperăm pentru un viitor mai bun! 🇹🇩🤝 🇲🇩Biroul Regional de Cooperare Transfrontalieră Iasi#InterregNEXT#cooperationday ... See MoreSee Less
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