Types of programmes

Interreg supports cooperation through four distinct programme types, known as 'strands of cooperation.' Explore how each one addresses specific territorial needs and fosters impactful collaboration.

Four ways to cooperate across borders

Interreg takes various forms, adapting to address the specific challenges and opportunities of different territories. It operates through four types of programmes, commonly called 'cooperation strands,' each designed to tackle issues beyond borders, strengthen regional partnerships and promote shared development goals in distinct ways. All types of programmes aim to enhance cooperation, bridge economic gaps and build stronger connections between European and neighbouring countries.

Some facts

There are four types of Interreg programmes, or 'cooperation strands': Cross-Border (A), Transnational (B), Interregional (C), and Outermost Regions (D).

Cross-border cooperation

Creating opportunities on the border

European cross-border cooperation, also known as Interreg A, helps neighbouring countries work together. This cooperation focuses on regions located on or near borders. The goal is to solve shared challenges in border areas, create new opportunities for growth and strengthen partnerships to support balanced development across Europe.

Outline map of Spain with the area along the eastern border of Portugal shaded in yellow. The rest of Spain is shown in white with light blue borderlines. The background is a light textured fabric.

A simple map highlighting the countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark in yellow. The surrounding areas, including parts of Russia and the Baltic Sea, are outlined in blue on a white background.

Transnational cooperation

Tackling challenges across larger regions and sea basins

Transnational cooperation, also referred to as Interreg B, supports collaboration across larger areas or around sea basins. These programmes help regions address shared challenges that are too big for one single country to solve alone, such as innovation, climate change and digital connectivity.

Interregional cooperation

Enhancing the effectiveness of Cohesion Policy

Interregional cooperation, also known as Interreg C, supports regions across Europe in sharing knowledge and tackling common challenges. It focuses on exchanging experiences, building capacity and identifying good practices that can be applied to regional development policies. This strand helps improve the effectiveness of Cohesion Policy by fostering collaboration across regions.

Map of Europe with countries filled in yellow against a light background. Iceland is also included to the northwest of the main continent.

World map highlighting Europe in yellow with blue continents. Blue lines with arrows extend from Europe to different parts of the world, including South America, Africa, and regions in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Outermost regions

Cooperation in the outermost regions (Interreg D) supports collaboration between the EU’s outermost regions and their neighbouring non-EU territories. It aims to foster regional integration, address shared challenges and promote sustainable development in areas such as connectivity, climate change and economic growth.

Map of Europe with countries highlighted in dark blue, light blue, or gray. Dark blue countries are in the western and northern parts. The map includes buttons for zooming and a legend.

Find relevant programmes by region or theme

Navigate through the interactive map to find relevant programmes in your region.

See interactive map