Deadline: 09-Oct-2026
The Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy 2021–2027 Programme is inviting proposals for Small Scale Projects that strengthen cross-border cooperation between Greece and Italy. The call supports initiatives in the circular economy and culture and sustainable tourism, helping organizations develop joint solutions, improve regional resilience, and promote sustainable development across the eligible cooperation area.
The Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy Programme offers a total budget of €4,458,437.87 for small-scale cross-border cooperation projects. Eligible public bodies, non-profit organizations, and European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) can receive 75% EU co-financing, while applicants provide the remaining 25% through national or other eligible funding sources.
About the Programme
The Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy 2021–2027 Programme promotes cooperation between eligible regions in Greece and Italy by supporting projects that address common challenges and create shared opportunities.
This Small Scale Projects Call focuses on strengthening partnerships that improve environmental sustainability, enhance cultural cooperation, promote sustainable tourism, and encourage innovative approaches to regional development. Projects should demonstrate clear cross-border value and contribute to long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Programme Objectives
Projects must align with one of the following programme objectives:
- Specific Objective 2.6: Promoting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy.
- Specific Objective 4.6: Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion, and social innovation.
Each proposal must correspond to one specific objective and one intervention field defined under the programme.
Priority Areas
Circular Economy
Projects may focus on:
- Resource efficiency.
- Waste reduction and recycling.
- Circular business models.
- Sustainable production and consumption.
- Environmental innovation.
- Green economic development.
Culture and Sustainable Tourism
Projects may include:
- Sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Cultural heritage preservation.
- Cross-border cultural cooperation.
- Tourism innovation.
- Community-based tourism.
- Social inclusion through cultural activities.
- Promotion of regional cultural assets.
Funding Information
The programme provides:
- Total available budget: €4,458,437.87
- EU contribution: Up to 75% of eligible project costs.
- Applicant co-financing: Minimum 25% of eligible costs.
Funding is provided through a combination of European Union and national resources.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Regional public authorities.
- Local public authorities.
- Bodies governed by public law.
- Non-profit organizations governed by private law.
- European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs).
Applicants must be located within the eligible Greece–Italy cooperation area.
Eligible Regions
The call supports organizations operating within the six eligible regions covered by the Greece–Italy Interreg Programme.
Applicants should ensure their proposed activities directly benefit the eligible cross-border cooperation area.
Eligible Projects
Projects should:
- Strengthen cross-border cooperation.
- Address shared regional challenges.
- Develop joint solutions.
- Promote sustainable regional development.
- Enhance resilience in border regions.
- Support innovation and knowledge exchange.
- Deliver measurable results aligned with programme indicators.
All activities must clearly contribute to the selected programme objective.
Why This Programme Matters
The programme supports stronger cooperation between Greece and Italy by:
- Promoting sustainable economic growth.
- Encouraging environmental sustainability.
- Supporting circular economy practices.
- Preserving cultural heritage.
- Expanding sustainable tourism opportunities.
- Strengthening regional partnerships.
- Improving social inclusion and innovation.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Identify the appropriate programme objective.
- Develop a cross-border partnership involving eligible organizations.
- Design activities aligned with one intervention field.
- Prepare the complete application form.
- Gather all mandatory supporting documents.
- Submit the application through the Management Information System (MIS) before the deadline.
Applications must be complete and comply with all programme requirements.
Application Assessment
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Alignment with programme objectives.
- Consistency with programme priorities.
- Quality of the intervention logic.
- Expected contribution to programme indicators.
- Cross-border cooperation value.
- Overall project relevance and expected impact.
Projects demonstrating strong strategic alignment and measurable outcomes will receive higher consideration.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Build a strong cross-border partnership.
- Clearly demonstrate joint benefits for Greece and Italy.
- Align activities with one specific programme objective.
- Develop measurable outcomes and indicators.
- Prepare a realistic implementation plan.
- Ensure all supporting documents are complete.
- Present a clear and sustainable project methodology.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Proposing activities that do not demonstrate cross-border cooperation.
- Aligning the project with multiple specific objectives instead of one.
- Submitting incomplete documentation.
- Failing to explain expected regional impact.
- Providing weak links to programme priorities.
- Preparing unrealistic budgets or implementation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy Small Scale Projects Call?
Regional and local public authorities, public law bodies, eligible non-profit organizations, and European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTCs) located within the eligible programme area.
How much funding is available?
The call has a total budget of €4,458,437.87.
What percentage of project costs does the programme fund?
The European Union finances 75% of eligible project costs, while beneficiaries provide the remaining 25% as co-financing.
Which thematic areas are supported?
Projects must focus on either the circular economy or culture and sustainable tourism.
Where must projects be implemented?
Projects must benefit the eligible cross-border regions within the Greece–Italy cooperation area.
How are applications submitted?
Applications must be submitted electronically through the Management Information System (MIS) together with all required supporting documents.
How will proposals be evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on alignment with programme objectives, priorities, intervention logic, and expected contribution to programme indicators.
Conclusion
The Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy Small Scale Projects Call provides an important opportunity for organizations to strengthen cross-border cooperation through innovative projects in the circular economy and sustainable tourism sectors. With more than €4.45 million available and 75% EU co-financing, the programme supports collaborative initiatives that promote sustainable development, regional resilience, cultural cooperation, and long-term economic and social benefits across the Greece–Italy border region.
For more information, visit Interreg.