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About Committee North-West Regions Projects Programme FOR RUSSIAN PARTNERS {News} Contacts
 

{News}

7 April 2022   

Newsletter "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N116)

On April 7, the "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N116) newsletter was placed on the website of the Leontief Center.

The main objective of the overviews is to monitor the most important events and decisions on EU regional policy. The   publications are prepared monthly on the basis of a review of the special-purpose websites of the European Union:

https://leontief-centre.ru/content270 

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10 March 2022   

Newsletter "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N115)

On March 10, the "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N115) newsletter was placed on the website of the Leontief Center.

The main objective of the overviews is to monitor the most important events and decisions on EU regional policy. The   publications are prepared monthly on the basis of a review of the special-purpose websites of the European Union:

https://leontief-centre.ru/content270 

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5 March 2022

Comment by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, M.V.Zakharova, in connection with the suspension by the European Commission of Russian participation in cross-border and cross-border cooperation programs between Russia and EU member states

On March 4, the European Commission learned from a press release about the decision to suspend cooperation with Russia within the framework of seven cross-border cooperation programs “Russia – Poland”, “Russia- Lithuania”, “Russia- Latvia”, “Russia- Estonia”, “Russia – Southeastern Finland”, “Karelia” and “Kolarctic”, as well as the multilateral cooperation program “Interreg. The Baltic Sea region”. At the same time, cooperation with our country in the preparation of programs for the new period until 2027 has been suspended. The Russian side has not received an official notification of this to date.

We note that regional cooperation has traditionally been viewed by both Russia and the EU member States as a depoliticized and mutually beneficial instrument of interaction that promotes confidence-building and the development of contacts between people. It could remain that way in the future. The refusal of our neighbors from cross-border cooperation is capable of breaking thousands of threads of contacts at the regional and local levels, which have been developed for many years and are the living tissue of our relations.

We would like to note that these programs are not the “property” of the European Union. They are implemented on the principles of equality and joint financing with Russia. The contribution of our country to the current programs is more than 90 million euros, it is fully transferred to the program budgets.

More

Source: Russian Foreign Ministry

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14 February 2022

Webinar for Russian applicants

We were happy to welcome you to our webinar and provide you with insights into the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027 and specific conditions of Russian participation in the first calls for applications.

Here you will find the webinar presentation

As highlighted during the webinar, welcome to join our matchmaking platform and start searching for the best partners for your project idea.

Please explore the video tutorials that will help you to get better prepared for the application process.

As we have launched the calls, please check the gateway for applicants and the guidance on the participation of the Russian organisations in the first calls, in particular.

Stay connected with us by signing up for the newsletter here.

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS 

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12 February 2022   

Newsletter "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N114)

On January 12, the "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N114) newsletter was placed on the website of the Leontief Center.

The main objective of the overviews is to monitor the most important events and decisions on EU regional policy. The   publications are prepared monthly on the basis of a review of the special-purpose websites of the European Union:

https://leontief-centre.ru/content270 

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11 February 2022

Calls for applications are open!

Starting on 8 February 2022, the Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 Programme officially opens new calls for project applications in all four Programme priorities to shape the future of the Baltic Sea region. These are the first calls in the Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 Programme.

Note that the applicants need to submit their Project Idea Forms before applying with a full application. For small projects, the deadline for submitting the Project Idea Form is 9 March 2022, whereas for the core projects – 12 April 2022. Based on your Project Idea Form, you can request a tailored individual consultation. Looking forward to receiving your full applications for small projects not later than 30 March and, for core projects – 26 April 2022.

More information about the types of projects, application process, guidance, documents for download and timelines you will find in the gateway for applicants.   

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS 

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12 January 2022

On February 11, 2022, a special webinar for potential applicants from Russian regions regarding the new Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 Programme will be held! 

Russian organizations are included in the first round of applications under the INTERREG BSR 2021-2027 Program in the status of “Partners on hold" and participate in the preparation of joint applications with the planning of budget funds necessary for the implementation of joint project activities by Russian partners.

Since the Financial Agreement has not yet been signed, a special partner status "Partners on hold» is provided for Russian organizations.

The attached guide, related to the participation of Russian organizations in the first round, clearly sets out the main conditions that will allow Russian partners to promptly undergo the procedure of transfer from the category of "Partners on hold" to the category of standard partners within the approved projects of the first round, after signing a Financial Agreement between the EC and the Government of the Russian Federation.

To this end, the Joint Secretariat is conducting a special webinar on the new Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 Programme for potential applicants from Russian regions.

The webinar will be held online on February 11, 2022, 13.00-16.00 Moscow time. The programme of events is attached

Priorities, finances and new opportunities for cooperation with   the Baltic Sea region partners in the financial period 2021-2027 will be presented at the webinar. Special attention will be paid to the conditions of participation of Russian organizations in the first tenders of project applications.

Please note that most of the webinar sessions will be held in Russian. The finance session will be held in English.

Please register for the webinar using this address:  https://bsrprogramme.wufoo.com/forms/z1ylh2rm0br4r65/. 

Registration is open until February 8, 2022 (end of the day).

Before attending the webinar, we invite you to refer to the information on the first rounds on the Programme's website https://interreg-baltic.eu/gateway. You can also access to tutorials on Programme goals and budget planning:  https://interreg-baltic.eu/gateway/tutorials/. 

Please also note that the Secretariat conducts thematic and other webinars in English for applicants from all of the Programme countries. You will find information about them in the calendar on the Programme's website:  https://interreg-baltic.eu/calendar/. 

 

If you have any questions about the organization of the seminar, please contact Elena Kolosova Elena.Kolosova@interreg-baltic.eu 

News Source: RNSC secretariat

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12 January 2022   

Newsletter "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N113)

On January 12, the "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N113) newsletter was placed on the website of the Leontief Center.

The main objective of the overviews is to monitor the most important events and decisions on EU regional policy. The   publications are prepared monthly on the basis of a review of the special-purpose websites of the European Union:

https://leontief-centre.ru/content270 

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6 December 2021   

Newsletter "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N112)

On December 6, the "Overview of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N112) newsletter was placed on the website of the Leontief Center.

The main objective of the overviews is to monitor the most important events and decisions on EU regional policy. The   publications are prepared monthly on the basis of a review of the special-purpose websites of the European Union:

https://leontief-centre.ru/content270 

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2 December 2021

News of the Program “Interreg. Baltic Sea Region "2021-2027

Opening of a new portal for job seekers.

Visit the new Applicant Portal (Gateway) on the Interreg website, where you can find all the information you need as an applicant: application deadlines, program guide, upcoming events and many supporting materials. There are texts in Russian on the program's website.
Information on opening sections on the program website https://interreg-baltic.eu/gateway/

Consultations are open!
From now on you can submit a project idea form and request a personalized consultation for your project idea! There are texts in Russian on the program's website. More information for applicants can be found: https://interreg-baltic.eu/gateway/consultations/

Continuation of the series of thematic and special webinars.

Thematic webinars.

In these webinars, we will guide you through the priorities and objectives of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme.  

  • Innovative societies                   18 January 2022

  • Water-smart societies                25 January 2022

  • Climate-neutral societies          1 February 2022 

Special webinars

In order to explain the practical aspects of building a project, we invite you to the Good quality project webinars and Financial webinars for core and small projects´ applicants. 

  • Good quality project                      12 January and 8 February 2022

  • Financial aspects                             13 January and 9 February 2022

More details on the website: https://interreg-baltic.eu/

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16 November 2021

Information bulletin "Review of the main events and decisions on the regional policy of the European Union" (N111)

On November 16, the Leontief Center website posted an information bulletin “Review of the main events and decisions on the European Union's regional policy” (N111).

The main task of the reviews is to track the most important events and decisions on EU regional policy. Editions of the publication are prepared monthly based on a review of the profile sites of the European Community:

  • European Committee of the Regions - http://www.cor.europa.eu/
  • European Commission. EU Regional Policy - http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy
  • Assembly for European Regions - http://www.aer.eu/
  • Association of European Border Regions - http://www.aebr.eu/en/index.ph
  • European Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region - http://www.balticsea-region-strategy.eu

https://leontief-centre.ru/content270

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10-11 November 2021

15th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Program “Interreg. Baltic Sea Region "for 2014-2020 and the 9th meeting of the Joint Programming Committee 2021-2027 of the Program.

On November 10-11, the 15th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Program “Interreg. Baltic Sea Region "for 2014-2020 and the 9th meeting of the Joint Programming Committee (JPC). The events were attended by the executive secretary of the RNSC, General Director of the Leontief Center I.A. Karelin. The meetings were held online.

More details: https://interreg-baltic.eu/all/joint-programming-committee-endorsed-rules-and-guidance-for-applicants-for-the-first-calls/

The JPC members have approved the Program Guide, which will soon be available to applicants on the program portal and will serve as the main document setting rules for future projects and other documents.

Pre-launch applications for major and minor projects, as well as two applications for EUSBSR management support, will begin in November. The official launch of the competition will take place on February 8, 2022 after the submission of the program to the EU Commission.

A financial agreement defining the rules for the participation of Russian organizations in projects is still under preparation at the EU Commission. However, the Program encourages partnerships with the involvement of Russian organizations in the preparation of the project from the outset. Additional guidance is under preparation and will clarify the terms of participation of Russian organizations in the first calls for proposals.

All jobseeker instructions will soon be available on the program portal through the new jobseeker portal. There is also access to the Matchmaking platform for finding partners. A series of jobseeker webinars is starting and MA / JS will be offering jobseeker advice from December.

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2 November 2021   

New series of webinars starts now!

Register now for the Interreg Baltic Sea Region webinars and find out more which project ideas will fit into the new Programme´s priorities.
 
At the webinars, you will get acquainted with three thematic priorities and learn the key aspects of the Programme objectives. You will also get to know members of the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat (MA/JS) and priority area coordinators of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. You will get your questions answered and make the first steps in turning your smart, innovative concepts into your next project idea.
Registration, agenda and more information:
17 Nov 2021 «New funding to build innovative societies»
25 Nov 2021 «New funding to build water-smart societies»
08 Dec 2021 «New funding to build climate-neutral societies»
 
News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS 

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19 October 2021

Join our upcoming webinars and learn more about Interreg Baltic Sea Region funding opportunities 

Get more information about Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027, its priorities and inspiration on what can be developed with new partnerships. We will guide you through the Programme objectives and answer your questions.

When:  November 17, November 25 and December 8

Stay tuned for more information!

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS 

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13 October 2021

Making circular production a reality in the Baltic Sea region and beyond

The #MadeWithInterreg project EcoDesign Circle has brought together design centres, professionals, companies, and lecturers from eight countries in the Baltic Sea Region to increase their understanding of and capacities in ecodesign.

To learn more about what ecodesign truly means and how the project contributed to it, don’t miss the video that the EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional Policy in cooperation with Euronews developed on the project within the ‘Smart Regions’ campaign.

Learn more

More information about the project

The project is being implemented with the participation of the Russian partner — Medina Art Ltd.

Lead partner — German Environment Agency.

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS

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12 October 2021

How school mayor of Pskov city made urban mobility greener

Lilia Gutsul is a girl who earned the title of school Mayor of Pskov Cycling City for her efforts in creating a sustainable urban infrastructure for schoolchildren. Listen to her personal experience from the Interreg project cities.multimodal.

As a representative of the school community of Pskov within the Interreg project cities.multimodal,  Lilia Gutsul  helped develop a safe urban infrastructure (pedestrian, bicycle, public transport systems) to make the students of Pskov feel safe in the city. For her work, the city administration awarded her a special cities.multimodal diploma and granted her the title of the first school Mayor of Pskov Cycling City.

Now Lilia, already in her new Mayor status, continues her work on the implementation actions as a part of the Pskov Sustainable Development Plan until 2030.

Learn more 

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS

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5 October 2021       

How Biobord network boosts rural bioeconomy through open innovation and co-creation

This story is about bioeconomy developers with a passion for building smart, viable rural economy in the Baltic Sea region. It is about open innovation developed in a dialogue and co-creation. It is also about connecting talented people living in small communities in the middle of fields and forests eager to find solutions for sustainable and healthy food production, natural resources management and development of new and improved technologies.

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS

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1 October 2021       

Joint Programming Committee approved the New Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme

The 8th meeting of the Joint Programming Committee (JPC), chaired by the Lithuanian Ministry of Interiors, was held on 29-30 September 2021 right after the Kick-off event of the New Programme 2021-2027. The core decision at the meeting was the approval of the Programme Document. The Committee agreed on details for Programme implementation which all pave the way for launching the new Programme.

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS

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30 September 2021

With high expectations to bring smart project ideas into practice for the benefit of citizens, the new Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027 has officially kicked off!

The Kick-off event of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027 took place on 28 September 2021. In a virtual framework of the 12th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), it brought inspiration for applicants for the years to come.

More than 500 participants from the whole region and beyond attended the Kick-off event to discover the thematic objectives for funding. In short presentations, the Programme experts explained the thematic foundations of the new Programme that shape innovative, water-smart and climate neutral societies across the region.

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS

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31 August 2021

We invite everyone to visit the updated website and register for the Kick-off event of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021 - 2027

When: September 28, 15: 00-17: 00 CET
Where: Online within the framework of the 12th Annual EU Strategy Forum for the Baltic Sea Region
Please check the agenda and register!

Agenda and registration form 

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18 June 2021

PROGRAMMING FUTURE: Towards innovative, water-smart and climate-neutral societies 

The seventh meeting of the Joint Programming Committee, held on 16-17 June 2021, advanced the preparations for building an environment for cooperation across borders on innovative, water-smart and climate-neutral topics for years 2021-2027. 

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS

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31 May 2021

Extended Meeting of the Russian National Sub-Committee at the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme

On May 31, the extraordinary extended meeting the Russian National Sub-Committee (RNSC) was held as part of the national consultations on the Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 Programme document.

The meeting was attended by the RNSC members and observers, representatives of federal ministries and authorities of the regions of the North-West Russia, Russian project partners of the Programme 2014-2020, representatives of relevant organizations and companies of the regions of the North-West Russia, associations, unions, councils, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, experts (about 50 people).

Opening remarks were made by Anna Popova, Deputy Director of Department of Development of Integration Projects and the CIS countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

The Programme Managing Authority / Joint Secretariat (Elena Kolosova, Advisor for External Cooperation; Elea Nova and Marina Kislyak, Project Officers) provided information on the Programme document 2021-2027 and on the timeline to develop the Programme.

Representatives of federal ministries (Igor Kapyrin, Deputy Director of European Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; Vsevolod Vovchenko, Head of Cross-Border Cooperation Development Unit at Department of Development of Integration Projects and the CIS countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation) spoke about the conditions for participation of Russian partners in the Programme 2021-2027 and about the outcomes of participation in the projects of the current Programme.

During the discussion, the speakers responded to questions raised by the participants.

In conclusion, Irina Karelina, RNSC Executive Secretary, recalled the RNSC previous events within the national consultations of the Programme documents and invited all participants to take part in the XVI session “Interreg Baltic Sea Region Dialogues: Results, Challenges and Joint Priorities” to be held on October 25 as part of the Strategic Planning Leaders Forum 2020-2021.

Materials:

  1. Presentation of the Programme Managing Authority / Joint Secretariat “Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027”
  2. Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 Programme document summary in Russian and English
  3. Presentation of the RNSC Executive Secretary “Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 21+: Public Consultations, RNSC Events at the Major Discussion Platforms of Russia”
  4. Photo report

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5 May 2021

The Nordic Council of Ministers Has Opened a Call for Projects Involving Co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region and North-West Russia

The Nordic Council of Ministers has opened a call for projects involving co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region and North-West Russia. Information was published on the website of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region on May 5.

Projects should contribute to prosperous and peaceful development in the region by fostering close relationships between Nordic organizations and partners in North-West Russia and the Baltic Sea Region.

The deadline for applications is 15 June 2021.

Source: https://www.balticsea-region-strategy.eu/news-room/news/591241-call-for-projects-by-the-nordic-council-of-ministers
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23 March 2021

Meeting of the Russian National Sub-Committee (RNSC) at the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme

On March 23, the meeting of RNSC was held in St. Petersburg as part of the XXI International Environmental Forum “Baltic Sea Day”. The meeting took place in a hybrid format.

The RNSC members, representing regional authorities of the North-West Russia, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the expert community, discussed the progress in preparing documents for the Programme 2021-2027, the Programme priorities and goals, and the possibility of Russian partners to participate in the Programme projects. The information was provided by the Interreg BSR Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat. The latest information about the Programme can be found on its website.

The RNSC members also discussed plans to hold international round tables and other events in October 2021 as part of the in-person stage of the Strategic Planning Leaders Forum 2020-2021.

Opening remarks were made by Anna Popova, Deputy Director of Department of Development of Integration Projects and the CIS countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Member of the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme.

Igor Kapyrin, Deputy Director of European Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Member of the Monitoring Committee of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, spoke about the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme.

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2 March 2021

5 questions to EcoDesign Circle: RegioStars finalist 2020

One of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects, EcoDesign Circle, reached the finals of the RegioStars Awards last year in the category of circular economy.

The project is being implemented with the participation of the Russian partner — Medina Art Ltd.

Lead partner — German Environment Agency.

What did the process look like? What did the project like most? And, most importantly, what was the gain for the project?

Read the interview

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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25 February 2021

Project Snapshots to Better Showcase Interesting Developments in Interreg Baltic Sea Region Projects

Project snapshots is a new format with fresh design to better showcase interesting developments in Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects. Below you can see the latest compilation of snapshots:

Project DIGINNO

Project BEST

Project GreenSAM

Source: Interreg Baltic Sea Region Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat
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22 February 2021

BalticSatApps paved the way for Earth Observation-based innovations in the region

The project is being implemented with the participation of the Russian partner — Non-commercial Partnership “European-Russian Partnership”.

Lead partner — University of Turku.

The Interreg project BalticSatApps successfully improved access to EU-based satellite data for entrepreneurs and helped drive new businesses in the Baltic Sea region. Thanks to EU funding, people with smart ideas received support that enables them to further shape our region into a better place to live and work in.

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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8 February 2021

Cities.Multimodal: Encounters with passionate mobility managers

The project is being implemented with the participation of the Russian partner — Pskov City Administration.

Lead partner — Hanseatic City of Rostock.

There's a story behind every project: a story of people from countries around the Baltic Sea who team up to exchange good practices or find a new way to tackle a joint challenge - together. In Interreg Baltic Sea Region, there are 140 such stories. And for the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat staff, it is very rewarding to assist project partners from the moment their project idea starts to sprout to harvesting the achievements. Like in the case of the project cities.multimodal.

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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5 February 2021

Preparations for Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 at full speed

The fourth meeting of the Joint Programming Committee held on 3-4 February 2021 focused on finalising the topics of the new Programme and agreeing on concrete steps to simplify funding procedures in the future.

Learn more

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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28 January 2021

Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2014-2020 Presented to the Committees of St. Petersburg City Administration

On 28 January 2021, the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg together with representatives of the South-East Finland ­– Russia, Russia – Estonia and Russia – Latvia CBC Programmes 2014-2020, as well as the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2014-2020 held a presentation on the participation of St. Petersburg in implementing Russia – EU Programmes. The Programmes are funded from the budget of the Russian Federation, the European Union and the EU member states.

The event aimed to acquaint the St. Petersburg committees and subordinate organizations with the achievements and opportunities of the Programmes, as well as invite for discussion and cooperation within the framework of the new programme period 2021-2027.

The presentation was attended by members of the Russian National Sub-Committee of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Alla Agapova, Advisor of the Department for Development of Integration Projects and the CIS Countries, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and Igor Kapyrin, Deputy Director of European Cooperation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, spoke about the results and prospects of Russia-EU cooperation, as well as the role of the relevant ministries in preparing and implementing the Programmes.

The task of the Committee for External Relations of St. Petersburg is coordination at the regional level. As part of this activity, the Committee takes an active part in the work of the Russian National Sub-Committee of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme.

Elena Belova, Russian National Sub-Committee Member, Russia’s Expert at Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, introduced the meeting participants to the projects that are being implemented jointly with partner organizations of St. Petersburg, noting the positive results and leading positions of the city in implementing transnational cooperation projects. The St. Petersburg’s relevant committees and subordinate organizations have also been informed about the new programme period 2021-2027.

Learn more about cross-border and transnational cooperation programmes and ongoing projects on the official websites:

Programmes Presentation
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14 December 2020

News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS

Funding for years 2021–2027 under four priorities!

The Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027 will offer funding under four priorities: Innovative Societies, Water-Smart Societies, Climate-Neutral Societies and Cooperation Governance, covering nine Programme objectives altogether. Members of the Joint Programming Committee agreed on the thematic priorities and Programme objectives at the meeting held on 2-3 December 2020.

Preparations for Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 on track

Delegations of eleven countries: EU members states and neighbouring partner countries from around the Baltic Sea, took several decisions to advance the preparations of Interreg Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027. Representatives of the European Commission and the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat (MA/JS) held the observers' position. The online meeting was chaired by Ms Iruma Kravale from the Latvian Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development.

Progress in shaping the future Programme coincides with the very recent agreement on the Commission’s proposal for post-2020 European Territorial Cooperation programmes (Interreg) reached by the European Parliament and EU Member States.

The Programme’s priorities and objectives approved

After several months of work dedicated to reviewing strategic documents, consulting potential beneficiaries and discussing in the framework of the Joint Programming Committee, the Committee members reviewed the first comprehensive Programme draft document and agreed on the future Programme priorities and objectives. The Programme priorities will be aligned with two EU policy objectives for 2021–2027: a smarter Europe and a greener Europe as well as to the objective on cooperation governance.


New funding opportunities with simplified procedures

Cooperation in Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects is a unique opportunity to build on experiences of others in various fields, and to make great solutions become common practice across the region.

In order to reduce the administrative burden and increase the attractiveness of this funding scheme, the Joint Programming Committee members and the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat plan simplification as a horizonal principle to be applied.

In practice, the Joint Programming Committee members agreed that the future Programme will offer several types of projects. This includes a new type of small projects that appear to be attractive to new beneficiaries who only enter the Interreg transnational setting with their smart ideas of how to shape the region.

Moreover, the Joint Programming Committee members discussed simplifications in procedures, for example the provisions for State Aid as well as for planning and reporting costs.

Next steps

Considering comments by Joint Programming committee members, the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat, with support of the external consultancy company Ramboll, will prepare an updated draft of the Programme document for the next meeting of the Joint Programming Committee in February 2021.

After a very successful programming year under Latvian chairmanship, during which in particular the Programme content was discussed and agreed, the main open point related to the Programme document is the budget, which will be developed under Lithuanian chairmanship in 2021. The aim is to finalise the Programme document by mid of 2021 and to get it approved by the Commission until the end of 2021. At this time, also the launch of the first application round could be expected, if everything works out as planned.

Review of the current Programme’s implementation

Back-to-back with the meeting of the Joint Programming Committee, the Monitoring Committee meeting took place. The members reviewed the Programme implementation status, discussed the follow-up of audit results and the approach towards negative interests paid on Programme accounts.

Learn more on the Programme website
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19 November 2020

The Online Seminar “Meeting of the Seas” Was Held

On November 19, the online seminar “Meeting of the Seas” was held.

The seminar was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation supported by the Russian National Sub-Committee at Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme and ICSER Leontief Centre.

The seminar focused on the experience of working in various Interreg programmes, including the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, in order to prepare Russia’s participation in the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021-2027. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, as well as representatives of ICSER Leontief Centre, Kaliningrad Region, Rostov Region, Krasnodar Region, St. Petersburg.
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26 October 2020

Join a Live Broadcast of the XV Session of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme Dialogue: Joint Actions and Priorities 2021+ (15:00–17:00, CET+2/Moscow Time) As Part of the Strategic Planning Leaders Forum 2020-2021

We invite everyone to join the live broadcast of the XV Session of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme Dialogue: Joint Actions and Priorities 2021+ (15:00–17:00, CET+2/Moscow Time). The session is going to be held as part of the Strategic Planning Leaders Forum 2020-2021.

The XV session of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme Stakeholder Dialogue marks the 30th anniversary of the Interreg – the main EU regions’ cooperation instrument both within the EU and beyond. This year the session participants look back on how the cooperation between Russian regions and BSR EU partners started more than 20 years ago and how it has evolved, what the current results are and what we can expect from the upcoming programme period.

Organizers: Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Russian National Sub-Committee of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2014-2020, St. Petersburg Committee for External Relations, Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat, ICSER Leontief Centre.

Broadcast Link

Session programme and presentations
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13 October 2020

New Concept of Cross-Border Cooperation in the Russian Federation Approved

The Concept envisages cross-border cooperation (CBC) goals, types and directions in the Russian Federation, measures to foster CBC, areas of activity that can be recommended for CBC development.

CBC can be carried out though, inter alia: holding meetings, consultations and CBC events; concluding contracts on CBC between the Russian Federation and foreign states in due course; concluding contracts on CBC between regional governments of CBC regions in the Russian Federation and State territorial, administrative territorial units of neighboring states, and also State authorities of neighboring states.

The Order of the Government of the Russian Federation of February 9, 2001 № 196 is no longer valid.

The Order of the Government of the Russian Federation of October 7, 2020 № 2577 “On Approval of the Concept of Cross-Border Cooperation in the Russian Federation” (rus)
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30 September 2020

Great project pictures that tell great Interreg stories!

More than seventy pictures competed in the Interreg Baltic Sea Region photo competition. Which projects were the best in illustrating transnational cooperation, grasping the essence of a project and its result, and presenting the 30th anniversary of Interreg? Congratulations to the teams of BalticRIM, RESQU2, Baltic Game Industry, EcoDesign Circle and GoSmart BSR!

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News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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28 September 2020

Next steps taken to develop the future Programme

More than 40 representatives of the EU Member States, neighbouring partner countries, European Commission and the Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat convened online at the Joint Programming Committee Task Force meeting last week. Together they examined to-date developments in the programming of the future Interreg Baltic Sea Region, and agreed on subsequent steps.

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News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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23 September 2020

Interreg projects from the region gain EU wide visibility

Two Interreg Baltic Sea Region projects - EcoDesign Circle and NonHazCity - have reached the finals of two EU wide campaigns: RegioStars Awards 2020 and the Interact Project Slam. Both projects showcase how cooperation in an Interreg project actively contributes to a greener Europe.

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News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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3 September 2020

“We want all citizens in Europe to become tox-free”

The NonHazCity projects are a great example of how Europeans with smart ideas successfully cooperate to turn good solutions into common practice. Environmentalists, public officials and researchers from eight countries demonstrate how we can reduce the amounts of hazardous substances that enter the environment from sources that cannot be controlled by traditional water treatment, e.g. offices, schools, recreational facilities and businesses. Read here about the household check — a unique tool to reach out to private households and to initiate better consumption decisions. The concerted approach of NonHazCity is innovative and far-reaching which is why the projects are flagships of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

The project is being implemented with the participation of the Russian partner — Saint Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation.

Lead partner — Riga City.

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News Source: Interreg BSR MA/JS
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20 July 2020

Take Part in the Public Consultation on the Thematic Framework of the Future Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027!

Anyone interested in the thematic framework of the future Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme is invited to take part in the public consultation. Public consultation is open from 13 July to 4 September 2020.

Learn more
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13 July 2020

Shape the Programme: Public Consultation Is Open!

The next Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027 is taking shape. It will be built upon knowledge and experience of people who think that cooperation is the right way to make our region a better place to work and live in.

All EU Member States and neighbouring partner countries around the Baltic Sea have agreed on the seven topics for the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. We open public consultation to hear about your comments on the selection of topics and your proposals for improvements.

Your opinion matters. We are waiting for your comments and proposal until 4 September 2020.

For more information about the public consultation and the overall development process of the future Programme, visit the Programme website.

Source: Interreg Baltic Sea Region Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat
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5 June, 2020

Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2014-2020: Russian National Sub-Committee Meeting

On June 5, the Russian National Sub-Committee online meeting was held.

Opening remarks were delivered by: Syuzanna Vatfa, Advisor at Interregional and Cross-Border Cooperation Unit, Department for Development and Regulation of Foreign Economic Activity, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Igor Kapyrin, Deputy Director of Department of European Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The meeting was chaired by Liana Maximova, Deputy Minister — Head of the Agency for Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation of the Kaliningrad Region.

The meeting aimed to consider project applications with the Russian participation, submitted during the second call for extension stage and during the second call for the seed money. Assessment criteria included the contribution of expected results to regional development, an alignment with the strategic objectives for development of the regions and the North-West Federal District, the readiness of Russian partners to participate in a particular project, as well as the quality assessment criteria (1, 2a, 2b, 3) proposed by the Programme’s Joint Secretariat.

Based on the discussion, a number of project applications have been included in the official list of applications, which will be supported by the Russian side at the Monitoring Committee meeting during the discussion and selection of projects for funding.

At the second part of the meeting, Igor Kapyrin informed the RNSC members a