Our funding
Discover what we fund and how transnational projects work.
What we fund
We co-finance transnational cooperation projects that work beyond borders on four thematic priorities.
We support project ideas that will make central Europe smarter, greener, better connected, and more integrated. Our funded projects develop and pilot solutions, build institutional capacities and facilitate knowledge transfer.
Our last call of this programming period closed on 27 November 2025. Its goal is to maximise territorial and policy impact by reducing the effects of borders on flows and functional linkages among central European regions.
Priority 1: Cooperating for a smarter central Europe
Central Europe is a key economic area in the EU with a robust industrial core. Long-lasting cooperation on trade as well as on investment and industry issues have resulted in strong functional ties across the programme area.
To remain competitive, territories have to manage the ongoing transition to a more digitalised, greener and more resilient economy. Crucially, they have to achieve this in a socially inclusive and just way.
We fund project proposals that enhance innovation capacities and encourage the uptake of advanced technologies. We support ideas that build capacities for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship.
Priority 2: Cooperating for a greener central Europe
Central Europe is an area rich in natural heritage resources and biodiversity. This important location factor is, however, threatened by climate change, industrial activities and unsustainable consumption and mobility patterns.
Territories need to respond to the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change, by boosting the efficient use of resources, protecting and restoring biodiversity as well as cutting pollution.
We fund project proposals that help regions and cities to respond to the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change. We support ideas that boost the efficient use of resources, protect and restore biodiversity or cut pollution.
Priority 3: Cooperating for a more connected central Europe
Central Europe is an important junction for European north-south and east-west transport connections. For centuries, transnational trade and transport routes rely on central Europe’s rivers, roads and railways. Today, the area hosts key European transport corridors to which many regions are physically or socio-economically connected. Connectivity between and within regions is an important factor ensuring the economic prosperity and cohesion of central Europe.
Transport connections of rural and peripheral regions in central Europe have to be improved. Sustainable, intelligent and intermodal transport needs to be enhanced, including connections to the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).
We fund project proposals that improve transport connections of rural and peripheral regions in central Europe. We support ideas that enhance sustainable, intelligent and intermodal transport, including connections to corridors of the European transport network (TEN-T).
→ Read more about what we fund
Priority 4: Improving governance for cooperation in central Europe
Central Europe shares a common identity based on longstanding cultural and historical ties between its cities and regions. This is an intangible but crucial asset for addressing challenges in a cooperative way. Central Europe, despite many functional connections, is rather heterogeneous in socio-economic and territorial terms. The area faces numerous challenges and barriers for regional development that do not stop at borders or administrative units.
Capacities of public authorities need to be improved on all territorial levels for setting up and implementing integrated territorial development strategies through cooperation.
We fund project proposals that improve capacities of public authorities on all territorial levels for setting up and implementing integrated territorial development.
Can you get funded?
We have created a self-assessment test for you to find out.
Our funding is for many but not for everyone. You will have to meet certain criteria if you want to get your idea co-financed by us. With this test you can quickly find out if your organisation is eligible and whether the topic of your idea fits our priorities and minimum requirements.
Please note, that the next funding period is expected to start in 2028. While the core cooperation logic is likely to remain, specific requirements, topics, and conditions may differ.
Key principles of a transnational project
To develop a successful proposal, it is important to understand what makes our projects special.
A concise and relevant intervention logic
A clear added value of cooperation
Innovation that builds on available knowledge
A focused approach and mature work plan
A relevant, competent and committed partnership
Delivering value for money
Generating long-lasting change and ensuring the uptake of its results
A strong and experienced management team
Support measures
We are here to guide and support applicants at every stage of the application process. We offer a range of support measures designed to help you prepare a high-quality proposals.
Applicant community
Not sure where to find partners for your project idea? The applicant community helps organisations across central Europe connect and collaborate.
Events and webinars
National support
National Contact Points offer guidance and support in your language. They also organise national information days in which they introduce new funding opportunities.
Video explainers
Our short explainers and tutorials help you to quickly understand our calls. They cover the key elements and guide you through the essentials of preparing a proposal.
Individual consultations
We offer individual consultations to support each proposal, providing tailored guidance, clarifying requirements, and answering your questions.
FAQs and helpdesk
Start with our FAQs to find answers to the most common questions. If you cannot find what you need, our helpdesk is available to provide further support.
