The preparatory phase for the 1st call for proposals, concerning modular projects under the programme, has now opened.

The documentation for the call was published on the programme website (http://interreg-med.eu/) on 23 June, including the Terms of Reference, the Programme Manual, and the Application Form. These documents will allow potential applicants to begin working on their project proposals ahead of the official opening of the call on 1 September. The deadline for submissions is 2 November 2015.

The themes covered are:

• innovation (Blue Growth, Green Growth, Creative and Cultural Industries, Social Innovation);
• low-carbon economy (Energy efficiency in public buildings, Local renewable energy sources, Sustainable urban transport);
• natural and cultural resources (Sustainable coastal and maritime tourism; Management and networking of protected areas).

The Interreg MED 2014-2020 transnational cooperation programme was formally approved by the Commission on 3 June, with a total budget of over 275 million euros for an eligible area comprising 10 EU Member States (Cyprus, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom-Gibraltar) and 3 pre-accession states (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro) bordering the Mediterranean.

The Commission advises checking the programme website regularly for ongoing updates and specific information regarding the objectives of the call and the application submission process.

The current schedule for the first call is as follows:

• 1 September 2015: opening of the call for modular projects
• 2 November 2015: closing of the call for modular projects
• 11 November 2015 - 11 January 2016: preparatory phase for Horizontal projects
• January/February 2016: first phase of project evaluation
• March 2016: shortlist of modular projects and publication of conditions and recommendations for the submission of Horizontal projects
• April-May 2016: second phase of modular project evaluation and opening of the call for Horizontal projects
• June-July 2016: selection of modular projects and, potentially, horizontal projects
• July-August 2016: contract signing for modular projects
• September 2016: launch of modular projects.