Programme description
Main objectives
The programme addresses the most important cross-border challenges linked to the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy in the far North of Sweden, Finland and Norway. Strategically, the programme will contribute to a strengthened cross-border innovation system capacity as well as an increased cooperation of SMEs across borders. At the same time, it will prioritise environmental and cultural issues in order to preserve the specific bio-diversity and unique cultural heritage of the sensitive Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. This includes resource-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, which are necessary in the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas. It also includes targeted actions aiming at preserving and developing the culture, language and economic activities of the Sami, the only indigenous population in Europe. As the Sami have a traditionally ecological life-style, promoting Sami culture also means promoting sustainability. Finally, the programme will develop the cross-border labour market, which is a quite new challenge for this programming period.
Funding priorities
The Programme will focus on five main priorities:
- Strengthen cross-border business and research networks
- Increase the number of SMEs operating across borders
- Improve the conservation status of the environment
- Promote Sami culture and the use of Sami languages
- Contribute to increased mobility in the cross-border labour market
Some of the expected impacts
- 10 % increase in universities, research institutions, companies and other economic actors engaging in innovation
- 4 approved Horizon 2020 applications
- 10 % increase in SMEs cooperating across borders
- 10% increase in registered guest nights in hotel and other accommodation
- Increased number of Sami language courses and linguistic assistance activities for children and youth
- Improved conservation status of the environment, measured by better water quality
- 50% increase in inquiries about cross-border commuting submitted to the the two border service offices in Skibotn at the SE-NO border and in Haparanda/Tornio at the FI-SE border
- 3 new training measures in traditional Sami businesses
Funds
Regional Development Fund (ERDF): 60.413.727,00 €
Thematic priorities
View the dataFinancial information
Total OP budget: 94.617.296,00 €
Total EU contribution: 60.413.727,00 €
View the data