About Interreg NEXT

Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program (Interreg VI-B Next Black Sea Basin Programme)

Program Summary

This program aims to be a platform where connections between participating countries are strengthened, new ones are established, and regional actors come together to contribute to the sustainable management of resources for local citizens.

The program will progress within a transnational structure, further deepening cross-border cooperation in the Black Sea Basin, supporting four specific objectives:

  • Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities;
  • Promoting climate change adaptation and taking measures before disaster risks occur;
  • Supporting the conservation and improvement of nature, biodiversity, and green infrastructure;
  • Encouraging interpersonal interactions, particularly to build mutual trust.

The program builds on the previous cooperation frameworks, the ENPI CBC Black Sea Basin Program 2007-2013 and the ENI CBC Black Sea Basin Program 2014-2020. Within this framework, a total of 119 projects have been awarded and implemented in 8 countries around the Black Sea Basin.

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Program

The Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program is an European Union (EU) funding program aimed at promoting cross-border cooperation and supporting sustainable development in the Black Sea region. This program is part of the EU’s Interreg funding tool and is valid for the 2021-2027 period. The name "Interreg NEXT" refers to an approach that adds a new cooperation model on top of previous Interreg programs, aiming to strengthen regional cooperation.

Key Objectives:

  • Cross-Border Cooperation: Enhance cross-border cooperation among countries in the Black Sea region (Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and Albania). This cooperation aims to contribute to development in economic, environmental, and social areas.
  • Sustainable Development: Promote the sustainable management of natural resources to improve the quality of life for local citizens in the Black Sea Basin.
  • Climate Change and Disaster Risks: Develop joint solutions to combat climate change, take pre-disaster measures, and adapt to environmental changes.

Program Priorities:

  1. Development of Research and Innovation Capacities: Strengthen research and innovative activities in the region, support the adoption of new technologies, and promote applied research.
  2. Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management: Develop joint strategies to adapt to climate change, reduce disaster risks, and increase resilience to natural disasters in the region.
  3. Conservation of Natural Environment and Biodiversity: Strengthen green infrastructure and promote environmentally friendly projects to protect ecosystems and support biodiversity in the Black Sea Basin.
  4. Interpersonal Communication and Mutual Trust: Build mutual trust and encourage interpersonal interactions among the region's people. This will be achieved through cultural exchange, educational programs, and joint projects.

Target Audience:

The program provides opportunities for a wide range of actors in the countries and regions of the Black Sea Basin, including local authorities, public institutions, NGOs, universities, and research institutes.

Link to Previous Programs:

The Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program continues the work of previous cross-border cooperation programs such as the ENPI CBC Black Sea Basin Program 2007-2013 and the ENI CBC Black Sea Basin Program 2014-2020. In these previous programs, a total of 119 projects were supported and implemented across 8 countries.

Areas of Application:

  • Innovative infrastructures and research projects.
  • Disaster management, climate change, and environmental protection measures.
  • Social, cultural, and educational projects that promote local development.
  • Projects for the protection of the Black Sea's ecosystem.
  • Projects that encourage regional economic cooperation.

Benefits of the Program:

  • Promote regional development through cross-border cooperation.
  • Develop joint solutions in environmental protection, disaster management, and sustainable development in the Black Sea region.
  • Foster solidarity and trust among countries in the Black Sea region.
  • Increase economic growth and employment.

In conclusion, the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program aims to establish a strong network of cooperation between countries in the region and develop joint solutions to ecological, economic, and social issues in the Black Sea Basin.