Two new projects approved under the Interreg Italy–Austria 2021–2027 Cooperation Programme

We are pleased to announce the publication of the rankings of the Second Call of the Interreg Italy–Austria VI-A Cooperation Programme for the 2021–2027 programming period. A great achievement for our EGTC, with two projects submitted and approved under Priority Axis 5 “Reduction of cross-border obstacles”.

EGTC-NET: A Network for Cooperation

The project “EGTC-NET: A Network for Cooperation” will start in 2025 and end in January 2027. The project involves 5 EGTCs within the Interreg Italy–Austria Programme area: EGTC Euregio Senza Confini (LP), EGTC GO, EGTC Alpine Pearls, EGTC Geopark Karawanken, EGTC Euregio Connect, and the research institute EURAC Research. The total budget of the project amounts to €721,457.25, of which €188,581.60 is managed by EGTC Euregio Senza Confini.

The main objective of the project is to create a sustainable network among the five EGTCs located in the Italy–Austria Programme area, working towards the reduction and elimination of cross-border obstacles of administrative, legal, and/or other nature. Each EGTC will identify one obstacle that affects its governance and potentially limits its functioning. The proposed solutions can be replicated not only in the territories of the partner EGTCs but also in those of other EGTCs across Europe.

Furthermore, the network will become a reference point for best practices in overcoming obstacles to cross-border cooperation throughout the entire Programme area. Finally, a permanent round table will be established among the five EGTCs, starting with a series of study visits involving public and private stakeholders as well as students, with the aim of raising awareness about the role and functions of EGTCs. This will be the first project to bring together five EGTCs of the Programme area to jointly work on a single common objective.

WORK-FAIR: Workers’ Observatory for Rights and Knowledge to Facilitate Interregional Relations between Austria and Italy

The project “WORK-FAIR” will start in 2025 and end in January 2027. The project involves, in addition to EGTC Euregio Senza Confini (LP), the Interregional Trade Union Council (CSIR) Friuli Venezia Giulia and Carinthia. The total budget of the project amounts to €382,538.20, of which €138,318.20 is managed by EGTC Euregio Senza Confini.

The main objective of the project is to create a single and integrated system to facilitate the mobility of cross-border workers who cross the border daily between Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, and Carinthia.

Two key aspects will be addressed: on the one hand, the creation of a currently non-existent cross-border database that will allow monitoring of commuter flows, both inbound and outbound, as well as the identification of skills, needs, and cross-border obstacles. On the other hand, the creation of a virtual one-stop-shop providing updated information and concrete answers to the needs and questions of cross-border workers and employers.

At present, the information is fragmented, and a single platform that provides the necessary information in a simple and comprehensive way is missing.