The 2nd EU Interregional Cooperation Forum: Sharing good practice in the fields of innovation and environment

The 2^nd EU Interregional Cooperation Forum, organised by the INTERREG IVC programme with the support of its Managing Authority (the Nord-Pas de Calais Region), will be held on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October 2008, in Lille (France). Over 800 national, regional and local authorities are expected to attend, alongside Member State representatives and EU institutions. This networking event is a key moment for INTERREG IVC project developers to get updated on the programme changes for the second call, to finalise partnerships and to get advice on developing their application. A special emphasis will be put on thematic networking, under the two priorities of the INTERREG IVC programme: Innovation & the Knowledge economy and Environment & Risk prevention.

An exhibition space for up to 60 exhibitors will expose current and proposed INTERREG IVC projects, divided by theme. A series of networking tools will be at the participants’ disposal to help identify and meet potential partners.

This year, a special focus will be on participants from Romania and Bulgaria which for the first time participate as full partners in the current funding period.

Keynote speakers at the event include Daniel Percheron, President of the Nord-Pas de Calais Region, Jan Olbrycht, Member of the European Parliament, and Michel Delebarre, First Vice-President of the Committee of Regions. Jean-Pierre Jouyet, French Secretary of State for European Affairs will close the event, held under the French Presidency of the EU.

The second call for proposals under the INTERREG IVC programme will be launched on this occasion. The call will operate from 27 October 2008 until 30 January 2009.

There is space for up to 1000 people, with priority to the Lead partners and those with new project ideas for INTERREG IVC. Also welcome are relevant representatives of Member States, EU institutions. Please, note that the number of participants is limited.