Atlantic Area Transnational Programme

Overview

The overall strategy of the Atlantic Area Operational Programme can be summarised as follows: to achieve significant and tangible progress in transnational cooperation geared towards cohesive, sustainable and balanced territorial development of the Atlantic Area and its maritime heritage.

The main goal of the Programme is therefore to contribute to the territorial cohesion of this area through transnational cooperation projects on all four programme priorities between the European Union Member States of the Atlantic seaboard.

To address the challenges in the Atlantic Area (the OP provides a detailed description of these challenges), the bodies involved in the Programme, (project partnerships in particular), should build upon the cooperation initiated in previous programming periods while concentrating on thematic priorities.

Eligible Organisations: Private, public and research sectors.

Thematic priorities and specific objectives to strengthen cooperation have been identified and presented in the table below:

Priority 1: Promote transnational entrepreneurial and innovation networks.

• Objective 1.1. – Develop knowledge transfers between companies and research centres;
• Objective 1.2. – Enhance competitiveness and innovation capacities in maritime economy niches of excellence.
• Objective 1.3. – Stimulate economic conversion and diversification by promoting regional endogenous potential.

Priority 2: Protect, secure and enhance the marine and coastal environment sustainability.

• Objective 2.1. – Improve maritime safety.
• Objective 2.2. – Sustainable management and protection of the resources of marine spaces.
• Objective 2.3. – Exploit the renewable energy potential of the marine and coastal environment.
• Objective 2.4. – Protect and promote natural spaces, water resources and coastal zones.

Priority 3: Improve accessibility and internal links.

• Objective 3.1. – Promote interoperability and continuity of existing transport networks, and sea/road/rail/air intermodality.
• Objective 3.2. – Promote short sea shipping and cooperation between ports

Priority 4: Promote transnational synergies in sustainable urban and regional development.

• Objective 4.1. – Pool resources and skills in the field of sustainable urban and rural development.
• Objective 4.2. – Make cities and regions more influential and attractive through networking.
• Objective 4.3. – Conserve and promote Atlantic cultural heritage of transnational interest

How to Apply

The second call for project applications opened on 6 April and closed on 5 June 2009. The Application Pack is available for download from the programme's website. Potential applicants should read the Applicant Handbook carefully before contacting the Secretariat.

To submit your application you must be registered. If you are not registered yet, please do it as soon as possible.