Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic
A EU funding programme supporting cooperation between remote and sparely populated communities in the northernmost part of Europe on matters of shared interest. Together we turn ideas into sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life of people living in the NPA.
Who we are
The Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic 2021-2027 is a European Union funding programme for transnational cooperation. Our programme builds on the strengths of communities living in remote and sparsely populated areas in the northernmost part of Europe and the Arctic. We encourage effective cooperation, to maximise place-based development. Our projects find innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of people living in the area. By enabling communities to cooperate with each other across 7 countries they can together become more sustainable and resilient.
Who we are
Where we are
Our programme covers 7 programme partner countries; the Member States of Finland, Ireland, Sweden in cooperation with the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Norway. Organisations based in the NPA area may apply for funding. The Joint Secretariat takes care of the programme’s daily management and is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Learn where we areWhat we do
Interreg NPA offers funding and support to organisations who have an idea for improving the quality of life in the NPA area. In particular, we support cooperation projects making communities in the NPA area more sustainable and resilient in ways that recognise the demands of the geographical characteristics of the area.
Learn what we do
How does it work?
It all starts with a common interest and an idea how to address it. Then one organisation reaches the others across NPA countries. Together you develop your idea into a project. When the partnership is in place and you checked that your idea fits the programme priorities, you apply for a grant with us. If approved, the partnership works together on a joint solution. The results are available to everyone and for free.
Apply for fundingProgramme Funding
The Programme is financed through European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and ERDF equivalent funding from the Non-EU partner countries, supplemented by match funding from projects.
The final budget of the Interreg NPA Programme is 51,5 million euro.
Between 2021-2027, the Programme will allocate 46 833 778 Euros to projects, of which 39 978 162 EUR in European funding (ERDF) will be available to partners in Member States (Finland, Ireland, Sweden) and 6 855 616 EUR for partners in the Non-EU partner countries (Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Greenland). The remaining amount will cover programme administration costs, so called Technical Assistance.
Projects apply to the Programme for ERDF or ERDF equivalent co-financing and contribute to the project with public or private match funding.
Partners participating in approved projects will be granted up to 65% (50% if based in Norway) of their budget from the programme. The remaining 35% amount must be covered by own resources (staff costs) or by an external contribution.
Applicants from Non-Member states are strongly advised to check if there are any national restrictions to budget levels, for example by checking national information websites, or by contacting their Regional Contact Point.
The Programme will allocate 46 833 778 Euros to projects. The funding available for projects will be distributed as follows:
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Priority 1 Innovation capacity: 45% |
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Priority 2 Climate change and resource sufficiency: 45% |
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Priority 3 Cooperation opportunities: 10% |
A brief introduction to Interreg NPA
We work with joint challenges and joint opportunities that can best be overcome and realised by transnational cooperation. This brochure offers a short introduction to the Interreg NPA programme, its area and priorities as well as how it works to apply and participate in a project.
Read the documentWe are part of Interreg
Interreg NPA is part of the European Union's drive towards a greener and smarter Europe where no one is left behind. We are one of 79 Interreg programmes putting EU Cohesion Policy into practice. As such, we enable people to connect and cooperate across borders to solve the most pressing issues in our region. The total EU budget for all Interreg programmes is €8 billion in the period 2021-2027. While this may sound like a lot, it is in fact less than €2.5 per citizen a year.
Find out more about Interreg
Photo credit: Man pulling the fishing net, Circular Ocean project