Deadline: 09-Oct-2026
The Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy 2021–2027 Programme is inviting proposals for Small Scale Projects that strengthen institutional capacity and cross-border cooperation between Greece and Italy. The call provides €500,000 to support collaborative initiatives that improve governance, enhance cooperation among public authorities and stakeholders, and contribute to the sustainable development of the Greece–Italy border region.
The Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy 2021–2027 Programme has launched a Small Scale Projects call under Specific Objectives 6.1 and 6.4 to strengthen institutional capacity and territorial cooperation. The programme provides €500,000, with the European Union covering 75% of eligible project costs, while beneficiaries contribute the remaining 25% through co-financing.
About the Small Scale Projects Call
The Small Scale Projects call aims to enhance cooperation between public institutions and key stakeholders across the Greece–Italy cooperation area. It supports projects that improve governance, strengthen institutional capacity, promote joint territorial strategies, and help border regions address common social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Projects should generate practical cross-border solutions, strengthen long-term partnerships, and contribute to the implementation of European territorial cooperation objectives.
Funding Information
- Total programme budget: €500,000
- EU funding contribution: 75% of eligible project costs
- Beneficiary co-financing: 25% of eligible project costs
- Funding source: European Union and national funds
Programme Objectives
The call supports projects under:
- Specific Objective 6.1 – Enhancing the institutional capacity of public authorities responsible for managing specific territories and strengthening the capacity of relevant stakeholders.
- Specific Objective 6.4 – Enhancing institutional capacity for implementing macro-regional strategies, sea-basin strategies, and other territorial development strategies.
Priority Areas Supported
Projects should contribute to:
- Strengthening institutional capacity.
- Improving cross-border governance.
- Building long-term cooperation between Greek and Italian institutions.
- Developing joint solutions to shared territorial challenges.
- Supporting integrated territorial development.
- Improving public sector cooperation.
- Enhancing implementation of European territorial strategies.
- Promoting sustainable development within the Greece–Italy cooperation area.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Regional public authorities.
- Local public authorities.
- Bodies governed by public law.
- Non-profit organisations established under private law.
- European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs).
Applicants must operate within one of the six eligible programme regions across Greece and Italy.
Why This Programme Matters
Cross-border cooperation enables neighbouring regions to jointly address common challenges that cannot be effectively solved by one country alone. Through stronger institutional partnerships, shared governance approaches, and coordinated planning, the programme supports more resilient public institutions and sustainable regional development.
The initiative also contributes to European Territorial Cooperation goals by encouraging knowledge sharing, policy coordination, and long-term collaboration between Greek and Italian partners.
Eligible Project Activities
Projects may include activities such as:
- Institutional cooperation initiatives.
- Joint governance frameworks.
- Capacity-building programmes.
- Cross-border planning and coordination.
- Development of shared territorial strategies.
- Exchange of knowledge and best practices.
- Pilot actions supporting territorial cooperation.
- Activities that strengthen implementation of macro-regional or sea-basin strategies.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility under the Interreg Greece–Italy Programme.
- Select one eligible Specific Objective and one intervention category.
- Develop a project aligned with programme priorities and cross-border cooperation objectives.
- Prepare a detailed application, including all mandatory supporting documents.
- Demonstrate the project’s expected contribution to programme indicators and territorial impact.
- Submit the complete application through the Management Information System (MIS) before the application deadline.
Application Tips
- Clearly explain the cross-border value of the proposed project.
- Demonstrate strong cooperation between Greek and Italian partners.
- Align activities with the selected Specific Objective and intervention category.
- Define measurable outputs and expected long-term impacts.
- Present a realistic implementation plan and budget.
- Ensure all mandatory documentation is complete before submission.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing activities that do not align with programme objectives.
- Weak justification for cross-border cooperation.
- Incomplete application documents.
- Insufficient explanation of expected programme impact.
- Poor alignment with programme indicators.
- Unrealistic budgets or implementation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for this funding?
Regional and local public authorities, public law bodies, eligible non-profit organisations, and European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) located within the eligible Greece–Italy programme area.
How much funding is available?
The call provides a total budget of €500,000.
What percentage of project costs does the EU fund?
The European Union finances 75% of eligible project costs, while beneficiaries must provide 25% co-financing.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that strengthen institutional capacity, improve governance, enhance cross-border cooperation, and support territorial development strategies within the Greece–Italy cooperation area.
How should applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Management Information System (MIS) together with all required supporting documents.
What are applications evaluated on?
Applications are assessed based on alignment with programme priorities, objectives, intervention logic, contribution to programme indicators, and expected impact on the Greece–Italy cooperation area.
Why is cross-border cooperation important?
Cross-border cooperation enables neighbouring regions to jointly solve shared challenges, improve public governance, strengthen institutional partnerships, and promote sustainable regional development.
Conclusion
The Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy Small Scale Projects call provides an important opportunity for public authorities, non-profit organisations, and territorial cooperation bodies to strengthen institutional capacity through cross-border collaboration. By supporting innovative partnerships and coordinated regional strategies, the programme contributes to stronger governance, improved public services, and sustainable development across the Greece–Italy cooperation area.
For more information, visit Interreg.
