The S&Ds managed to put their socially just and green stamp on the conclusion of negotiations on Interreg, a successful programme that has been running for three-decades aimed at strengthening cross-border co-operation between countries and regions.

Our negotiating team has chalked up many achievements, including clauses on non-discrimination and inclusiveness, as well as higher co-financing rates, more money for cross-border co-operation and the decision to concentrate 60% of funds on green and social projects.

Pedro Marques MEP, S&D negotiator on the Interreg file, said:

“What we have managed to achieve in these negotiations is a fund that backs our social-democratic values, the values of our citizens.

“During the entire negotiation process, we never overlooked the social aspects, including health. This is why we have now successfully included economic and social integration and protection for third-country nationals (including migrants and beneficiaries of international protection) in the scope of the programme. Our strategy had the ultimate aim of making Interreg part of our ongoing work towards a green and socially just Europe. And we have not failed to put the money where it’s needed!”

Constanze Krehl MEP, S&D spokeswoman on regional development, said:

“Interreg is a true success story – it reduces barriers in Europe, it brings people closer together and it encourages regions to tackle challenges that can only be solved together. We as the S&Ds want to continue this success story with a regulation that comes with less bureaucracy for applicants and offers tailor-made solutions for small projects too."