Regionaal programma Duitsland, Frankrijk & Zwitserland: Interreg 4, Rijn regio 2007-2013 (en)

• 1. 

  Operational Programme "INTERREG IV - Upper Rhine" 2007-2013 - programme within the European territorial cooperation objective cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

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• 2. 

  General information

On 24 October 2007, the European Commission approved the "Operational Programme INTERREG IV - Upper Rhine" for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the European territorial cooperation objective in Germany and France, with cooperation from Switzerland. The total cost of the programme is approximately 132 million euro, plus the financial participation from Switzerland. The maximum ERDF contribution to the operational programme is 67 million euro, representing approximately 0.8% of total EU investment under the European territorial cooperation objective.

The programme involves western Baden-Württemberg and southern Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, together with Alsace in France. On the Swiss side, the cantons of Basel-Stadt (Basle-City), Basel-Land (Basle-Country), Jura, Solothurn and Aargau are involved.

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  Purpose and aim of the programme

The cross-border cooperation strategy for the Upper Rhine area for 2007-2013 is aimed at using cross-border potential and removing the obstacles linked to the border, so that the area develops in an integrated manner, taking account of sustainable development in the social and environmental field, and offers its inhabitants a diversified and attractive living environment.

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  Expected impact of the investment

Implementation of this cross-border cooperation programme should enable, among other things:

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  access for many institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to more effective research, development and innovation;
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  the creation of a number of new tourist products;
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  the protection of approximately 1 000 km² of cross-border natural areas;
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  development of the use of renewable energy;
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  the creation of an additional 10 or more cross-border links for individual or public transport;
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  initial or continuing training for over 20 000 people.

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  Priorities

The operational programme has four priorities:

Priority 1: Joint use of the potential of the Upper Rhine area [approximately 28% of total investment]

The aim is to improve the economic competitiveness of the Upper Rhine area by supporting applied research and technology transfer, SMUs and the development of the Upper Rhine area as a tourist destination.

Priority 2: Making the Upper Rhine area an integrated region in terms of training, work and habitat [approximately 28% of total investment]

There are four main objectives under this priority:

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  promoting cross-border networks in education and training by encouraging bilingualism;
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  promoting cross-border mobility of workers;
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  encouraging cooperation by cultural and social institutions;
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  strengthening cooperation by public services.

Priority 3: Ensuring sustainable development of the Upper Rhine area [approximately 40% of total investment]

The aim here is to encourage measures to protect and improve the quality of natural resources and promote their sustainable use; also to encourage the use of renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and promote the development and cross-border use of transport systems.

Priority 4: Technical assistance [approximately 4% of total investment]

This priority will provide support for the implementation of an effective management, monitoring and control system to evaluate the programme and projects, as well as to provide communication and publicise the programme.

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  Managing authority: Joint Technical Secretariat - Strasbourg, France

Contact details:

Joint Technical Secretariat

Mr Thomas Köhler

Région Alsace

1, Place du Wacken

BP 91006

F- 67070 Strasbourg Cedex

Tel.: +33 (0) 3 88 15 69 20

Fax: +33 (0) 3 88 15 68 49

Thomas.Koehler@region-alsace.eu

• 7. 

  Title: "Operational Programme INTERREG IV - Upper Rhine 2007-2013"

Type of intervention: Operational Programme

CCI No: 2007CB163PO039

Decision No: C/2007/5136

Approval date: 24/10/2007

• 8. 

  Breakdown of the financing by priority (in EUR)