Development programmes

1. Purpose and aim of the programme

The "Atlantic Area 2007-2013" programme is the fourth transnational cooperation programme in the area following the INTERREG Community Initiatives in the periods 1990-1993, 1994-1999 and 2000-2006.

Within the priorities set by the European territorial cooperation objective, the main goal of the Operational Programme is to contribute to the territorial cohesion of the Atlantic Area through the reinforcement of the cooperation between the participating Member States. In order to consolidate existing cooperation structures and to achieve tangible results in terms of development of the knowledge economy the "Atlantic Area 2007-2013" programme seeks to:

• enhance the Atlantic maritime heritage;
• valorise the maritime resources of the Atlantic area;
• contribute to the emergence of new economic activity clusters;
• promote accessibility and logistic conditions;
• contribute to the balanced and sustainable development of the Atlantic area.

This implies a substantial change in the overall programme objectives in comparison to the previous programmes, in which many projects were limited to studies or exchange of information. The new type of transnational cooperation in the framework of the "Atlantic Area 2007-2013" programme focuses on concrete achievements, a long term strategic approach, the exchange of experience as well as the transfer of know how and cross fertilisation between projects that address similar issues.

2. Expected impact of the investments

On the basis of the good results achieved by the previous INTERREG Community Initiatives regarding effective cooperation and project partnerships between the participating countries the "Atlantic Area 2007-2013" programme seeks a further intensification of the cooperation and the concentration on a few selected thematic priorities.

A series of indicators updated in 2011 at project and programme level is applicable to each of the programme priorities and will permit to monitor and quantify the programme performance and the accomplishment of its objectives.

3. Priorities

The "Atlantic Area 2007-2013" programme contains four thematic fields of intervention for the transnational strand of the European territorial cooperation objective:

• innovation (including knowledge economy) (1);
• environment (including maritime heritage) (2);
• accessibility (3);
• sustainable urban development (including intensification of interregional exchanges) (4).

The Operational Programme "Atlantic Area 2007-2013" is structured along the following priorities:

Priority 1: Promote transnational entrepreneurial and innovation networks

Specific objectives of this priority include:

• the development of knowledge transfers between companies and research centres;
• the enhancement of competitiveness and innovation capacities in the maritime economy of the Atlantic area;
• the stimulation of economic conversion and diversification by promoting regional potential.

Priority 2: Protect, secure and enhance the marine and coastal environment sustainably

Specific objectives of this priority include:

• the improvement of maritime safety;
• the sustainable management and protection of the resources of marine spaces;
• the exploitation of the renewable energy potential of the marine and coastal environment of the Atlantic area;
• the protection and promotion of natural spaces, water resources and coastal zones.

Priority 3: Improve accessibility and internal links

Specific objectives include:

• the promotion of the interoperability and continuity of existing transport networks as well as sea, road, rail and air intermodality;
• the promotion of short sea shipping (SSS) and cooperation between ports.

Priority 4: Promote transnational synergies in sustainable urban and regional development

Specific objectives of this priority include:

• the pooling of resources and skills in the field of sustainable urban and rural development in the Atlantic area;
• the increase of the influence of cities and regions and their attractiveness trough networking;
• the conservation and promotion of the Atlantic cultural heritage.

Priority 5: Technical assistance

The Operational Programme provides for technical assistance in order to implement the “Atlantic Area 2007-2013" programme. Financial support is available for administration, monitoring, evaluation and control of the programme.

4. Managing Authority