The Interreg Euro-MED Programme is always surprising and a step ahead in keeping the best projects’ results reaching even more Mediterranean regions!
What is the ‘fast lane’?
Based on the Interreg Euro-MED Programme’s description, the ‘fast lane’ is a simplified procedure, which enables ‘study’ projects (projects conducting studies) to move into the testing phase, and ‘test’ projects (projects carrying out tests) to transfer their results to new territories. The aim is to give projects the opportunity to further develop their approach and maximise the results they have achieved so far.
What is the formal procedure?
The Interreg Euro-MED Programme’s priority is the projects’ performance, thus the sound management and the quality of results are driving the fast lane procedure. Based on their performance, the Programme invites its best projects -through a targeted call for proposals– to apply towards the next phase.
From study to test – a call was launched, and the evaluation was based on a simplified form.
From test to transfer – a modification of the current project was requested.
Which are the criteria of selection?
- Administrative and financial performance of the initial project.
- Quality of the results achieved, transnational dimension of the solutions and strategies proposed, strength of the organisation and level of professionalism demonstrated by the project partners.
- Capacity to test in the field the ideas developed during the study phase, or to ensure the effective transfer of the results already obtained in the testing phase.
Which projects have been selected?
The Interreg Euro-MED Programme has invited four pre-selected study projects to participate in the “study to test” fast lane procedure. Two were approved, one of which was our CARBON 4 SOIL QUALITY project, becoming the CARBON 4 SOIL QUALITY PLUS project! Starting the 1st of May 2026, the approved projects will enter a Test phase, continuing their work for an additional 27 months.
Moreover, from the twenty-four test projects invited to take part in the “test to transfer” fast lane procedure, nineteen projects (including two approved under conditions) were selected. Within the Interreg Euro-MED Natural Heritage Mission, there are five test projects approved, i.e. FRED, Germ of Life, LocAll4Flood, StrategyMedFor and Wetland4Change, which will continue their journey towards transfer. Starting the 1st of July 2026, the selected projects will enter a Transfer phase, extending their work for an additional 21 months.
What’s coming next?
The Interreg Euro-MED Programme has already presented two forthcoming calls:
- The Mediterranean Multiprogramme Mechanism coordinated call. This call is a strategic framework to strengthen cooperation on Sustainable Tourism among Interreg Programmes, and will open on the 1st of September, 2026.
- The 8th call for thematic projects on ‘Advancing Territorial Resilience’. This call is addressed to the Green Living Areas, Innovative Sustainable Economy, and Natural Heritage Missions. It will open on the 1st of October 2026 (written application) and will also include an oral presentation just after the preselection.
