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In the Baltic Sea Region, Interreg transnational cooperation began shortly before the end of the millennium and laid the foundation for a new chapter in the region’s history. Since then, partners from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, and non-EU member Norway have avidly experimented with cooperation – as if there were no borders. Interreg has also pioneered projects with neighbouring countries to the east of the EU territory.

Over the years, Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects have proven to be a very efficient EU instrument to build cohesion among regions and countries. The present sixth generation of the programme, endowed with EUR 232.4 million in EU funding for projects, builds on Interreg’s solid results and reputation. By now, 35 % of all organisations involved in ongoing projects are new to the Interreg Baltic Sea Region. They are eagerly working with more experienced partners on solutions for a green and resilient region.

The current political situation and striking environmental and societal crises prove that the Interreg idea of ‘stronger together’ is more relevant than ever, both in the region and throughout Europe.

You get connected: it’s about a common mindset

People who have accompanied us on our 25-year journey have said the following about Interreg: ‘It’s a ‘community in which cooperation plays a key role’, it’s about ‘people with the same vision’, ‘good friends’, ‘like a family’. It’s about ‘joint solutions to shared challenges’, ‘creating solutions that work’ while ‘sharing understanding, values and knowledge beyond borders and cultures’. It’s ‘learning from each other instead of competing’ and ‘it’s about trust’.

Interreg is a smart investment in the future of the region with an ‘amazing record of results’ when organisations from around the Baltic Sea work together. ‘The process of developing solutions and sharing them with others is as important as the solutions themselves. Project partnerships often evolve into lasting networks that trigger further initiatives. Interreg transnational programmes successfully bridge EU funding instruments and fill the gaps between sectors and governance levels to innovate our region in multiple ways,’ highlights Ronald Lieske, Director of the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat.

You get inspired: Interreg brings solutions that work

Our projects successfully connect practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to implement policies or to translate local needs into political acts. Interreg projects put visions of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region into practice, substantially contributing to building a safe, prosperous, and well-connected macro-region.

Within 25 years, a few thousand organisations have been involved in some 700 Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects. Together, they have found practical solutions to multiple challenges and shared best practices to protect the environment and improve people’s lives. We’ve shortlisted a few examples for you below. Interreg makes the Baltic Sea cleaner

The Baltic Sea has gained much attention over the years. Our projects have helped to smartly reduce nutrient discharges from wastewater treatment facilities and develop a new nutrient recycling strategy for the region. New technologies have improved the removal nutrients and have reduced energy consumption in cities including Daugavpils, Grevesmühlen, Gdańsk, Jūrmala, Kaunas, and Tartu. Documented best practices continue to inspire others in smart water and wastewater management.

Thanks to Interreg, cities around the Baltic Sea have action plans and green public procurement to reduce emissions and prevent chemicals from entering the sea. City residents have learned how to avoid using hazardous substances at home and work.

Other projects have helped cities to improve their drainage systems and so better control floods and more efficiently remove pharmaceuticals and microplastics from urban streams. By working together, project partners have found new ways to remove ghost nets and chemical munitions from the seabed.

Interreg boosts economic development  

New networks, new markets, advancing digitalisation, more efficient support schemes and access to world-leading research facilities – there is a long list of how Interreg has contributed to increasing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

Projects that have provided business consultancy and mentoring have helped SMEs avoid bankruptcy and job losses and ensured smooth handovers when businesses change owners.

Having the Baltic Sea at the heart of the region, entrepreneurs have learned how to more efficiently use marine resources. As a result, algae and mussel cultivation and reed harvesting have gained relevance, and multiple blue biotechnology ideas have been turned into marketable products, such as a sunscreen with seaweed, a moisturizer containing algae, and bone regeneration using mollusc shells.

Interreg improves transport and mobility

Projects have mobilised authorities and the transport industry to cooperatively plan transport corridors and turn towards more sustainable railway, inland waterway, and river-sea shipping. 

Interreg has played an important role in making Rail Baltica a reality. This multi-billion-euro infrastructure investment network is in full swing now. By 2030, new, fast electric railways will transport passengers and freight from Tallinn to Warsaw via Riga and Kaunas/Vilnius. 

Working beyond borders has helped Aarhus, Gdańsk, Guldborgsund, Karlskrona, Riga, Pskov, Rostock, Tartu and Vilnius become modern, multimodal cities. Some 20 000 passengers have travelled in autonomous minibuses, taking public transport to the next level. Projects have improved the use of e-bikes, scooters, and buses.

Interreg makes cities more inclusive

Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, migrants, and single parents, have received help in setting up multiple micro-projects and start-ups, and better integrating into their communities. SMEs and universities have used smart furniture design to enhance quality of life for seniors at home and in public spaces. In villages in Denmark, Finland, Germany, and Latvia, the elderly and young people now have access to new mobility solutions, such as transport-on-demand and rural car-sharing.

Urban managers and community activists, artists, and researchers have engaged residents to jointly develop visions for city spaces and people-friendly neighbourhoods. This is social innovation in urban development. In other projects, children and teenagers have learned about healthy lifestyles through eHealth apps and games. Cross-sectoral cooperation has enabled communities around the Baltic Sea to implement renewable energy projects.

You can join the community

Our programme celebrations are a good teaser for how we are building an innovative, water-smart and climate-neutral Baltic Sea Region. The next generation of almost 100 projects is motivated to continue the good work that has been done already. By cooperating as if there were no borders, and with the help of EU funds, our projects are building a resilient and green Baltic Sea region for everyone. A good future is possible only if we stick together.

You receive an all-in-one package

We invite you to celebrate 25 years of Interreg transnational cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region with us so you don’t miss good things happening around you! Would you like to get to know the people behind our projects and the programme? Read their inspiring testimonials and reflections.

Are you curious about the impact of Interreg projects in the Baltic Sea region? Open our time capsules on the anniversary page to discover more achievements in water management, the blue economy, clean shipping, renewable energy and energy efficiency, maritime spatial planning, marine safety, and more.

 

For more information about the Interreg Baltic Sea Region go here.

Find our project library here.