(Interreg VI-A) Spain-Portugal (POCTEP)
Programme description
The programme is the largest cross-border cooperation programme in the European Union. It aims at reaching a smarter, greener, more competitive and more inclusive cross-border area. Through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the EU will support border regions between Spain and Portugal in tackling common challenges. Investments are targeted in line with seven priorities.
The programme will provide funding to projects in many cooperation areas, such as:
- Innovation and Smart Specialisation: the programme will provide funding to boost the competitiveness and innovation capacities of small businesses and to strengthen the cross-border networks for research and knowledge transfer.
- Energy and Climate adaptation: the programme will support the green transition improving energy efficiency in SMEs and public buildings. It will also boost the development of small-scale renewable energy projects, such as energy communities. Furthermore, the programme will ensure the resilience of the cross-border territory through nvestments in the prevention of natural disasters.
- Biodiversity: the programme will support the development of joint management plans and actions to protect cross-border natural habitats, biodiversity and to reduce pollution, among others.
- Employment, education, and healthcare: the programme will improve the life of citizens in the cross-border territory by enhancing equal access to employment, to inclusive and quality education, and to healthcare services.
- Tourism and culture: the programme will support sustainable tourism and the valorisation and preservation of cultural heritage.
The programme will contribute respectively to the climate objectives with 30% of allocated budget and to biodiversity with 13,4% of its total budget.
The programme will develop five territorial strategies linked to the specific necessities of five programme sub-areas, promoting an approach adapted to the territory. The strategies will be developed under different themes.
- The conservation and enhancement of the natural and environmental heritage in protected natural areas on the border,
- The socio-economic promotion of riparian areas (Bajo Guadiana),
- The application of the New European Bauhaus approach to the rural environment (villages in Euroregion EUROACE).
The programme area falls within the geographical scope of the Atlantic Strategy and contributes to its implementation mainly by focusing on cooperation for the green and blue economy.
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERDF | 356.680.483,00 | 118.893.496,00 | 475.573.979,00 |
| Total | 356.680.483,00 | 118.893.496,00 | 475.573.979,00 |