Deadline: 02-Mar-2026
The Interreg Greece–Italy Programme 6th Call for Common Project Proposals supports cross-border cooperation between Greek and Italian institutions in SMEs competitiveness, climate change, and healthcare. With a total budget of €9 million and an EU co-financing rate of 75%, the call funds projects that deliver measurable impact and sustainable regional development. Projects must be completed within 24 months and directly contribute to Programme objectives in the Greece–Italy border area.
Program Overview
The Interreg Greece–Italy Programme has launched its 6th Call for Common Project Proposals to strengthen cross-border cooperation and regional development between Greece and Italy.
The call supports collaborative projects that address shared challenges, develop innovative solutions, and enhance economic, social, and territorial cohesion in the Greece–Italy border regions, in line with EU cohesion policy and territorial cooperation objectives.
Strategic Objectives of the Call
Projects funded under this call are expected to:
- Address common cross-border challenges in Greece and Italy
- Generate measurable and sustainable impact in the Programme area
- Contribute directly to Programme indicators and specific objectives
- Support sustainable development and EU strategic priorities
- Exploit untapped growth potential in border regions
Core Priorities and Specific Objectives
The call focuses on three core thematic priorities structured under specific objectives (SOs).
Part A: Growth and Competitiveness of SMEs (SO1.3)
Total budget: €2,500,000
Part A supports projects that:
- Stimulate entrepreneurship and business creation
- Enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of SMEs
- Promote innovative business models, processes, and practices
- Strengthen cross-border SME ecosystems
Part B: Climate Change and Healthcare (SO2.4 and SO4.5)
Total budget: €6,500,000
Part B supports projects that:
- Address climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges
- Improve environmental resilience in cross-border regions
- Strengthen healthcare systems and service delivery
- Enhance preparedness and cooperation in public health
Projects under Part B must demonstrate clear cross-border added value and tangible benefits for communities.
Funding Amount and Co-Financing Rate
Key funding conditions include:
- Total call budget: €9,000,000
- EU co-financing rate: 75%
- Beneficiary co-financing: 25% (public or private)
- Project duration: Maximum of 24 months from the signing of the Subsidy Contract
Projects must be financially and operationally realistic within the given timeframe.
Project Eligibility and Implementation Rules
Project Timing
- Projects that started after January 1, 2021, are eligible
- Projects must not have been completed before the application submission
This ensures funding supports ongoing or future activities rather than completed initiatives.
Cross-Border Requirement
All projects must:
- Involve eligible partners from both Greece and Italy
- Demonstrate genuine cross-border cooperation
- Deliver benefits to the Greece–Italy Programme area
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include organizations established in Greece or Italy that meet non-profit criteria.
Eligible entities are:
- National, regional, or local public authorities
- Bodies governed by public law
- Non-profit organizations founded under private law
- Registered international organizations that meet non-profit requirements
- European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) registered in participating countries
Private, profit-generating companies are not eligible under this call.
Application Limits
- Each beneficiary may submit up to two project proposals across both Part A and Part B
- Proposals must clearly align with the selected specific objective and intervention field
How the Application Process Works
- Identify the appropriate Part (A or B) and Specific Objective
- Build a cross-border partnership with eligible Greek and Italian institutions
- Design a project that addresses Programme priorities and delivers measurable impact
- Prepare a budget respecting the 75% EU contribution and 25% co-financing requirement
- Ensure project duration does not exceed 24 months
- Submit the proposal according to the Programme’s application guidelines
Strong proposals clearly demonstrate cross-border added value and alignment with Programme indicators.
Why This Call Matters
The 6th Call represents a strategic opportunity to:
- Strengthen Greece–Italy cross-border cooperation
- Promote innovation and competitiveness in SMEs
- Address urgent climate and healthcare challenges
- Improve resilience and quality of life in border regions
- Contribute to long-term, sustainable regional development
Participation reinforces institutional collaboration and shared European goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects without clear cross-border relevance
- Weak alignment with the selected Specific Objective
- Underestimating co-financing requirements
- Proposing unrealistic timelines or budgets
- Failing to define measurable outputs and impacts
Clear strategic focus and compliance with Programme rules are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total budget of the 6th Call?
The total budget is €9 million, split between Part A (€2.5 million) and Part B (€6.5 million).
What is the EU co-financing rate?
The EU covers 75% of eligible project costs, with beneficiaries providing 25% co-financing.
Who can apply under this call?
Public bodies, bodies governed by public law, non-profit organizations, eligible international organizations, and EGTCs from Greece and Italy.
Are private companies eligible?
No. Private companies aiming to generate profit are not eligible.
How long can projects last?
Projects must be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the signing of the Subsidy Contract.
Can one organization submit multiple proposals?
Yes. Each beneficiary may submit up to two proposals across both Part A and Part B.
What themes are supported?
SME growth and competitiveness, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and healthcare systems improvement.
Conclusion
The Interreg Greece–Italy Programme 6th Call for Common Project Proposals offers significant funding and strategic support for cross-border initiatives addressing economic competitiveness, climate resilience, and healthcare. By fostering collaboration between Greek and Italian institutions, the call contributes to sustainable development, shared innovation, and stronger regional cohesion across the Greece–Italy border area.
For more information, visit Interreg.