Thematics
The Interreg MED objectives identify four main axes: Innovation, Low-carbon Economy, Natural and Cultural Resources and Governance.
In response, the Programme set up eight thematics gathering the different modular projects. Each thematic is led by a Horizontal project.
PRIORITY AXIS 1 : INNOVATION
Promoting Mediterranean innovation capacities to develop smart and sustainable growth
Innovation and competitiveness are a major challenge in MED regions facing international competition, and contribute to overcome the economic crisis.
Specific Objective 1.1 : To increase transnational activity of innovative clusters and networks of key sectors of the MED area.
Three thematics to get an answer
Blue Growth
To reinforce the joint work between clusters and networks across Mediterranean countries trying to create innovative solutions to unlock the potential of a healthy and productive sea
Green Growth
Aims to a greener development model built on an environmentally friendly use of resources
Social&Creative
To improve the innovation capacities of public and private stakeholders from cultural and creative industries and social innovation
One Investment Priority: Promoting business investment in R&I, developing links and synergies between enterprises, research and development
Types of actions: The development of clusters and networks, development of models and tools, transfer of knowledge, as well as awareness-raising and capitalization activities
Key target groups: SMEs, economic operators and structures accompanying them; public authorities and research structures
PRIORITY AXIS 2 : LOW CARBON ECONOMY
Fostering low carbon strategies and energy efficiency in specific MED territories: cities, islands and remote areas
In the MED area, the challenge is to develop solutions adapted to various regional contexts from densely urbanised areas with dense transport networks to remote areas and islands with more limited access to energy resources. The Axis includes three distinctive domains of activity : energy efficiency, renewable energy production and use, and low carbon mobility.
A thematic for each specific objective
Efficient Buildings
To increase capacity for better management of energy in public buildings at transnational level (Specific Objective 2.1)
Renewable Energy
To increase the share of renewable local energy sources in energy mix strategies and plans in MED territories (Specific Objective 2.2)
Urban Transports
To increase capacity to use existing low carbon transport systems and multimodal connections among them (Specific Objective 2.3)
Two investment priorities:
- Supporting energy efficiency, smart energy management and renewable energy use
- Promoting low-carbon strategies in particular in urban areas
Types of actions: Strategy building, capacity building, awareness raising, training and changing practices ; feasibility studies and analyses, elaborating policy plans, services and tools ; Small-scale investments and pilot projects
Key target groups: Public authorities, research structures, entreprises, NGO’s, civil society structures
PRIORITY AXIS 3 : NATURAL & CULTURAL RESOURCES
Protecting and promoting Mediterranean natural and cultural resources
The protection of the environment is a major challenge with strong attractiveness of coastal areas, environmental strain of urban development, geographical constraints (coastal areas, islands, mountains) and environmental consequences of climate change. This intervention field represents also a potential of new employment creation for the future.
A thematic for each specific objective
Sustainable Tourism
To enhance the development of a sustainable and responsible coastal and maritime tourism in the MED area (Specific Objective 3.1)
Biodiversity Protection
To maintain biodiversity and natural ecosystems through strengthening the management and networking of protected areas (Specific Objective 3.2)
Two investment priorities:
- Conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage
- Protecting and restoring biodiversity and soil and promoting ecosystem services
Types of actions: Analysis, studies, policy-planning and strategy development, but also on transfer of practices and policy implementing measures
Key target groups: Public authorities, but also associations and NGO’s, research bodies, and to some extent enterprises
PRIORITY AXIS 4 : GOVERNANCE
Enhancing Mediterranean governance
A Statement: The Mediterranean region is one of the most heterogeneous cooperation areas in Europe. The identification of shared policy approaches and strategic initiatives in key sectors is therefore challenging.
Leads to the Specific Objective 4.1 : To support the process of developing multilateral coordination frameworks and strengthening the existing ones in the Mediterranean for joint responses to common challenges.
One investment priority: Enhancing governance in the Mediterranean
How? By defining a transnational governance joint framework and vision for the identification and implementation of shared approaches, policies and strategic projects on set themes
Types of actions: Thematic concentration, consultation processes and studies, networks of public authorities to improve decision making processes and foster common views and strategies
Key Target Groups: Project financed should involve various regional, national and international bodies