Interreg NEXT MED is a Programme funded by the European Union (EU) that supports transnational cooperation through the financing of joint projects which aim at making the Mediterranean area more resilient to the shared challenges it faces.
Through a broad multi-step analysis and consultation process involving national authorities, key stakeholders and regional actors and based on the strategic framework contained in the EU regulatory framework, the participating countries have identified 4 Priorities that best reflect the common challenges of the cooperation area:
1. A more competitive and smarter Mediterranean by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation through Research and Innovation (R&I), sustainable growth and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) competitiveness to help reduce disparities and contribute to socioeconomic integration;
1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies
1.2 Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments
2. A greener, low-carbon and resilient Mediterranean supporting the transition towards a net zero carbon economy by promoting clean and fair energy transition, sustainable water management, circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation;
2.1 Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
2.2 Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention, resilience taking into account ecosystem-based approaches
2.3 Promoting access to water and sustainable water management
2.4 Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy
3. A more social and inclusive Mediterranean to provide learning opportunities, ensure equal opportunities and socio-economic integration and to improve access to health care through the use of digitalization and technological innovation;
3.1 Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training
3.2 Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems, including primary care, and promoting the transition from institutional to family- and community-based care
4. A better cooperation governance for the Mediterranean by fostering local governance models and processes, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between citizens, civil society actors and institutions in view of addressing issues of joint interest.
4.1 Other governance actions: Fostering local governance models and processes through cross-sectoral, multilevel and cross-border partnerships, encouraging the cooperation and dialogue between citizens, civil society actors and institutions in view of addressing issues of joint interest at local level through transnational exchanges, bottom-up and participatory approaches
1.-Interreg-NEXT-MED_Text-of-the-call-for-proposals_v-1.0.pdf (interregnextmed.eu)