Interreg NWE call 3 for small-scale projects is now open!

February 23, 2023 2:23 PM

The Interreg North-West Europe call 3 for small-scale projects is now open until Wednesday, 12 July 2023.

The main objective of the small-scale project call is to allow project applications with a reduced scope, partnership size, and duration to apply to the NWE Programme.

Through a simpler project application and implementation process, Interreg NWE is interested in improving its accessibility to stakeholders that may be unfamiliar with our Programme or that lack capacity to apply for regular calls. Small-scale projects can also support project ideas that envisage results with shorter timeframes.

Features of small-scale projects

Small-scale project applications may be steppingstones or follow-up actions to regular projects. They may be designed as laboratories for future regular projects, or they may complement regular NWE projects and / or reinforce their impact by making their outputs accessible to a wider group of stakeholders or to other regions.

As with regular calls, all types of target groups from the quadruple helix are welcome to participate. The Programme specifically encourages the following ones to join small-scale project applications:

Local, regional and national public authorities
NGOs and interest groups such as international organisations, trade unions, foundations, charities, voluntary associations, clubs etc.

Over the lifetime of the Programme, € 287 million of ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) will be allocated to projects. No ceiling is set for this call.

We look for transnational cooperation initiatives that can deliver concrete results for the North-West Europe area. If you have an idea that could make one of our programme objectives a reality, get in touch with one of our contact points and start developing your proposal now!

The call for small-scale projects (call 3) will be open for all 9 Programme Specific Objectives. As for regular projects, the partnership must involve at least three partners from three different countries. At least two of these partners must be from a region within the NWE Programme area. However, the call for small-scale projects (call 3) will differ from regular calls for proposals in several aspects:

Project specific objectives & work packages

1 project specific objective addressed by 1 work package

Types of project outputs

Only 1 out of 3 types of project outputs addressed

Joint strategy (ies) and action plan (s) or
Pilot action (s) leading to solutions or
Capacity building and awareness raising outputs

Call procedure

1 step

Project duration

Maximum 18 months

Budget

200,000 – 800,000 € total eligible cost

60% co-financing

Partner budgeting

A 40% flat rate will be applied on staff costs as Simplified Cost Option (SCO). Please see partner budget option 2, Programme Manual

Preparation costs granted

6,000€ total eligible costs

Investments

Not possible

Terms of reference

The Terms of reference aim at defining the framework and conditions of call 3 for small-scale projects launched by the NWE Programme. They notably define the opening and closing dates, the way applicants should submit their application, the themes covered, and the budget allocated. The document also explains where applicants can potentially get help and support for the development of their project idea.

The Terms of reference for call 3 for small-scale projects are available here.

Programme manual addendum call 3

A Programme Manual addendum has been elaborated to describe all the specificities related to the application and implementation process of call 3 on small-scale projects. We invite all applicants to read it carefully when preparing their application.

It replaces some sections and chapters of the Programme Manual - as described on page 1 of the addendum. All other chapters of the Programme Manual remain valid as reference for project implementation and closure.

The Programme Manual addendum call 3 in EN is available here.

The Programme Manual in the four programme languages is available here.

Guidance documents

Using its transnational cooperation expertise, the 2021-2027 Programme wants to jointly:

‘Promote a green, smart and just transition for all NWE territories with the aim to support a balanced development and make all regions more resilient’.

To deliver this ambition, the Programme has identified five thematic priorities, each of which is divided into Specific Objectives (SO).

Factsheets

The Programme developed factsheets for each SO with a summary of the territorial challenges and opportunities, objectives, target groups, activities, and results. These are designed to help potential applicants understand what is expected from projects under each topic.

The content of these factsheets applies both to the regular calls and the call for small-scale projects. Applicants should however keep in mind that for small-scale projects, only one type of activity (as listed on page 2 of the fact sheets) needs to be addressed.

The comprehensive description of each SO, which contains detailed explanations and further examples should be consulted for a full understanding of the SO in Chapter 2.1 of the NWE Interreg Programme (NWE IP).

Application process

Access here the infographic explaining our application process.

Application form

The application form is a word version of what applicants will find on the Interreg NWE Joint electronic submission system (Jems) and need to fill in to submit a application.

Please note that this document is made available for demonstration and information purposes only.

Eligibility criteria

The eligibility criteria, which are the list of criteria each project must comply with to be declared eligible.

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria against which every project application will be assessed to establish its relevance and feasibility. Decisions on whether to grant funding will be based on this document.

How to apply

Project proposals must be submitted in English and only through the Interreg NWE Joint electronic monitoring system (Jems).

Project applications sent via any other means will not be considered.

Further information on Jems is available here.

How to get support?

NWE Contact Points network

Continuous assistance will be provided by the Interreg NWE network of Contact Points during the phase of project development. They are available to respond to any queries including tailored advice on your project idea.

All contact details can be found here.

Watch the recording our 'Small projects, new opportunities!' online event

Access the videos here.

NWE online community

Join the NWE community! Register to our online community to network, find potential partners and get in touch with them, add your project idea or browse those in the pipeline.

Sign up for updates

Receive the latest information on call 2 and other Programme news by signing up for updates here.

Any other questions?

Check out the FAQ on call 3 for small-scale projects here.