Interreg Germany/Saxony – Czech Republic

Programme Thematic Objectives

• A smarter Europe – innovative and smart economic transformation

  RSO 1.3 Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

  • Improving the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in research and innovation
    The activities under this objective aim to help move research, innovation, and technology into the local economy, specifically supporting small and medium-sized businesses in the area. Additionally, the goal is to encourage collaboration among those involved in digitalization and the development of new and innovative products and processes. Finally, communication with those involved in research and development will be improved and strengthened, particularly through cross-border networking.

  • Establishing and expanding network activities and services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
    The economies of Saxony and the Czech Republic have similar industries, making them good for business cooperation. Support organizations help connect businesses and encourage cooperation. By working together, small and medium-sized companies can improve their innovation capabilities and create cross-border partnerships. These measures are not expected to have significant negative environmental impacts.

• A greener, low-carbon Europe

  RSO 2.4 Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

  • Prevention, mitigation, and management of environmental risks and risks arising from climate change
    The aim is to improve adaptability of natural and infrastructure systems in the border area, while minimizing risks to people and infrastructure. Developing cross-border strategies to prevent natural hazards, improving cross-border management during disasters, and harmonizing monitoring and data systems are important. Sustainable environmental measures in agriculture and forestry, and joint solutions to prevent risks in mining landscapes and geogenic natural hazards are required. Communication and information sharing on climate change, sustainable land use, and flood protection are crucial.

  • Intensification of cooperation in the field of fire protection, rescue services, and disaster management
    To ensure safety in the border area, cooperation in fire protection, rescue services, and disaster management needs to be supported further. Cross-border communication platforms need to be developed to facilitate cooperation, and innovative model projects are supported. The shortage of volunteers in the area of fire and disaster protection is a problem that can be reduced through targeted measures, such as promoting youth work and public relations. Special technology investments are allowed only for innovative projects.

  RSO 2.7 Biodiversity and green infrastructure

  • Preservation and restoration of biodiversity, development of green infrastructure, and displacement of invasive species.
    The aim is to improve cross-border coordination in nature and landscape conservation through targeted measures to reduce environmental impacts, increase environmental protection, and develop joint cross-border concepts. The focus is on protecting endangered species, minimizing the impact of invasive species, preserving insect diversity, and protecting the natural water balance. Cross-border activities such as cooperation projects and communication campaigns will contribute to sustainable development, and pilot measures and innovative solutions will be necessary.

• A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

  RSO 4.2 Improving equal access education, training and lifelong

  • Early Childhood Education
    The aim is to promote cross-border cooperation between day-care facilities for preschool children and their pedagogical professionals. This includes developing educational programs for intercultural competence, promoting cross-border day-care partnerships, and strengthening professional exchange. Environmental education should also be integrated into the daily routine and considered in joint projects.

  • School-based and extracurricular educational opportunities
    The goal is to strengthen cooperation between schools across borders by promoting student and professional exchanges and joint educational activities. This includes improving competences in digital, technical, linguistic, and intercultural topics, as well as environmental, health, and cultural education. To achieve sustainable cooperation, joint teaching materials and modern tools should be developed and digital platforms used. Leisure education should foster trust, and there should be collaboration between sports, work, and cultural groups.

  • Vocational training and qualification of skilled workers
    The programme area needs more skilled workers, so cross-border qualification of skilled workers is important. This includes cooperation between vocational schools, exchange of knowledge and experience, and internships. The programme also supports the transfer and exchange of existing training measures and the improvement of language and intercultural competences. In Saxony, collaboration and exchange between vocational education stakeholders should be intensified to strengthen the cross-border compatibility of vocational training.

  • Cooperation between universities and other tertiary education institutions
    This measure aims to promote cooperation between universities and other tertiary education institutions for knowledge transfer at the interface of economy and society. It includes the development of joint tertiary education programmes, academic and scientific cooperation networks, and joint teaching and study materials for cooperative study programmes. The measure also focuses on student exchange programmes and the improvement of language skills.

  RSO 4.6 Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism

  • Enhancement of the common touristic area
    The pandemic hurt tourism, so we need to revive and stabilize it across borders. We can do this by improving facilities, developing joint concepts, and creating sustainable and nature-based tourism. We should share information and knowledge, improve tourism offerings, and protect the environment and be inclusive.

  • Preservation, care, and transmission of cultural heritage.
    The programme area has a rich cultural heritage, including mining culture. Projects will aim to preserve, restore and revitalize cultural heritage, strengthen the common cultural identity, and promote cross-border awareness of cultural values. Access to cultural heritage should be easy, and traditional folk culture projects are important. Project sponsors should follow established procedures to ensure quality principles for EU-funded interventions on cultural heritage.

• A better cooperation governance

  RSO 6.2 Enhance efficient public administration

  • Improving cooperation between authorities, courts, public and state bodies and institutions
    The goal is to reduce cross-border barriers through regular dialogues and coordination. Better networking of civil society actors in the border area and long-term cooperation between civil society institutions and public administration should be supported to establish a common cooperation and communication space.

  • Cross-border strategies
    The aim is to develop and implement a holistic development approach for delimited geographic areas, it's important to create cross-border territorial development strategies, including necessary cooperation mechanisms and structures.

  RSO 6.3 Build up mutual trust

  • Cross-border strategies
    The programme want to support projects that bring people from different areas and backgrounds together are supported to build trust and improve cooperation. These projects promote social cohesion and partnerships between people. They also help to reduce barriers and improve intercultural understanding.