The process is still open and those interested in joining should contact the NWE Secretariat

Around 140 potential project promoters met on 16 and 17 November in Brussels to discuss the six Strategic Initiatives projects initiated by the NWE Programme in a novel top-down approach. The aim of these meetings was to identify a critical mass of agencies interested in developing these project ideas into concrete project proposals. The result of these meetings was six project briefs (see table below) 

The Strategic Initiative project development is still an open process 

Most participants expressed their interest in building a partnership and eventually submitting a project proposal. The work will continue with a second meeting in January-February 2010 (dates to be confirmed) to develop the project briefs. Potential partners willing to join the project ideas should contact the stakeholders already involved through the officer in charge at the Secretariat (see the table below) The Programme recommends to contact before the second development meeting.

The Strategic Initiative process: What is it about?

The North West Europe Programme identified the following themes as particularly relevant for the area: transport and logistic chains; production and consumption of energy from renewable sources; developing capacity for innovation and knowledge based economy; challenges posed by demographic change and immigration and adaptation to the spatial impacts of climate change. To stimulate the development of projects to tackle these issues, the Programme put in place the ‘Strategic Initiatives’ process which includes extra advantages for projects:

• An additional assistance of up to 1% of the project’s total budget (no additional match funding required)
• A wide exposure in the Programme’s communication activities
• Early and specific support from the Programme

Click here to read more about Strategic Initiatives and how to apply for their extra funds.