On 1 December, the European Commission adopted the new "Interreg" programme to promote cross-border cooperation between Italy and Austria, worth over €98 million, of which more than €82 million is provided by the European Regional Development Fund.

The programme, which will specifically support cross-border cooperation between research and innovation institutions in the region, also aims to protect and preserve the shared cultural and natural heritage.

The programme involves 6 regions across Italy and Austria: the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol, parts of the Veneto Region and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the states of Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol.

The programme will fund activities within the following strategic priorities:

1) Economic relations, competitiveness and diversification, namely projects aimed at supporting SMEs, initiatives relating to tourism, marketing and cooperation, research, innovation and the information society, human resources and the labour market.

2) Territory and Sustainability, namely projects dedicated to the themes of protected areas, natural and cultural landscapes, environmental and biodiversity protection; prevention of natural and technological risks and civil protection; renewable energy, water resources and supply and disposal systems; cross-border development organisations, partnerships, networks, urban and rural systems; access to transport, telecommunications and other services; culture, health and social affairs.

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