The EU cohesion and regional policy supports exchange and cooperation between European regions since several years. For this purpose, the European Commission introduced specific instruments such as the cooperation programmes under the objective “European Territorial Cooperation” (ETC) and the macro-regional strategies (MRS). Since Austria is a country with long borders, a high number of border regions and strong international linkages, these cooperation approaches are of high importance.

ETC programmes

In the current EU funding period (2014-2020), there are three types of programmes under the objective of ETC fostering cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation:

Cross-border cooperation (CBC) programmes which cover border regions among EU member states and beyond (Austria participates in seven cross-border programmes

Transnational cooperation programmes which are aimed at larger geographical areas of cooperation defined by the European Commission (There are three transnational programmes with Austrian participation: ALPINE SPACE, CENTRAL EUROPE, DANUBE TRANSNATIONAL)

Four Interregional cooperation and networking programmes which cover all 28 EU member states (INTERREG EUROPE, URBACT III, ESPON III, INTERACT III)

For further information in English, please visit the programme websites (see above).

Macro-regional strategies

Macro-regional strategies are strategic frameworks for European cooperation endorsed by the European Council. It is their objective to better coordinate policies, strategies and instruments in defined macro-regions and foster cross-national cooperation. With their detailed action plans, macro-regional strategies also provide scopes of actions for programmes of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds and in particular for the cross-border and transnational ETC programmes. Austria is currently involved in two macro-regional strategies: the already existing EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) and the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) which is currently under preparation. For further information in English on the specific macro-regional strategies, please visit the respective websites (see above).

National Contact Point Austria

The National Contact Point Austria (NCP), financed by the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism, provides support and information services for the transnational and interregional programmes in which Austria is directly involved. This task encompasses dissemination of information, advisory services to project applicants, support of beneficiaries, facilitation of networking opportunities, etc. Furthermore, the NCP provides an information portal on macro-regional strategies with Austrian participation on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Sustainablity and Tourism.