European Regional Development Fund

The value of the ERDF Programme during 2007 - 2013 is approximately £380 million (of which £190 is ERDF and the balance public match funding) and the funding is divided into 3 areas of proposed activity:

·         Priority Axis 1 - Innovation and Sustainable Business Practice

·         Priority Axis 2 - Sustainable Economic and Enterprise Activity in Disadvantaged Communities

·         Priority Axis 3 - Technical Assistance

Equal Opportunities and Environmental Sustainability are the two cross cutting themes.  The Programme will support both capital and revenue projects, with no defined split between the two - it aims to build on the achievements of the 2000-2006 Objective 2 Programme but, unlike that Programme, contains no element of European Social Fund.

During the 2008 bidding round which closed on 18 April 2008, Priority Axis 2 was spatially targeted on 12 districts - Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Bolsover, Boston, Chesterfield, Corby, Derby City, East Lindsey, Leicester City, Lincoln, Mansfield and Nottingham City. 

Click here for news on any future activities:

INTERREG

Information about the INTERREG Programme is available linked into the East Midlands ERDF site.  INTERREG is one of the EU Territorial Co-operation Programmes which aim to promote joint working between member states in order to increase regional economic development.  We are currently on the fourth INTERREG Programme and East Midlands applicants are eligible for two strands - INTERREG IVB (North Sea Region and North West Europe Programme) and IVC (partners from all EU member states qualify).  The Programme targets funds for example at 'sustainable regional economic development projects; tackling common issues relevant to urban and rural development; strengthening the innovative capacity and knowledge based economy of the regions; helping to develop sustainable transport solutions; and environmental resource management'.

To access the main site which clearly outlines the thematic priorities for all of the activity, simply click here. 

If you are thinking of applying, remember that EMFEC can supply some partner contacts via our involvement in the EfVET organisation (European Forum for Vocational Education and Training).  The regional INTERREG Co-ordination Group (facilitated by emda) also hosts workshops aimed at assisting with project applications and partner search.