Third Call: The next steps

52 project applications submitted, with a funding volume of almost 33 million Euros

The third and final call for cooperation projects under the 2021-2027 programming period closed at 12:00 p.m. on July 1, 2025. A total of 52 project applications were submitted, with a requested funding volume of €32.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Funding of €16.5 million is available for this call.

The project applications reflect the diversity and potential of the programme area. All four programme priorities were open in this call:

• Priority 1 (Innovation and Enterprises): With 26 projects and a requested sum of €17.3 million, this priority received the most applications. This is due to the great interest in the topic, but also because this priority was closed during the 2nd Call.
• Priority 2 (Climate Change and Biodiversity): 18 projects with a volume of almost €11 million were submitted, including 10 projects on adaptation to climate change (SO 2.4) and 8 projects on the protection of biodiversity (SO 2.7).
• Priority 3 (Sustainable and Cultural Tourism): 2 projects were submitted. According to the call a single strategic project involving all programme regions will be approved.
• Priority 5 (Reducing cross-border obstacles): 6 projects with a requested funding amount of €3.8 million were submitted.

The projects were submitted by various stakeholders, such as companies, cooperatives, public or private bodies, local authorities, associations or research institutes.

The submitted projects will now undergo a two-stage evaluation procedure: Following a formal eligibility check, a detailed strategic-operational assessment will be carried out. This will examine the expected impact of the projects on the programme area and their contribution to the programme’s specific objectives. The Joint Secretariat will be supported in this process by the Regional Coordination Bodies and, where necessary, by external experts. The final announcement of the projects approved by the Steering Committee is expected in early 2026.

For more details on the evaluation methodology and the criteria for project selection: Calls Interreg Italy Austria 2021 2027 | Interreg Italy Austria.