The programme builds on the previous successful programmes to support cross-border cooperation on the Czech-Bavarian border since 1994 (CBC Phare programme in the 1994-2004, programme of the Community Initiative INTERREG IIIA 2004-2006 and Cross-border Cooperation Programme Objective 3 Czech Republic - Bavaria Free State 2007-2013). For more than twenty years of support of the Czech-Bavarian cross-border cooperation hundreds of projects were supported, focused on major investments as well as support of small non-investment projects such as people-to-people within the so-called Disposition Fund to support small projects.
All current information and documents are available on the public website of the Programme.
Basic parameters of the new programme
The Programme is aimed at regional and local projects with cross-border significance. The condition of the Programme is to support the project's contribution to achieve the relevant specific objective and to meet other conditions of the Programme. These include primarily the Lead Partner principle, the principle of Cross-border Cooperation and it has a demonstrable positive impact on cross-border grant territory on both sides of the border.
Lead Partner Principle
The Lead Partner carries the overall responsibility for the project implementation. Each Lead Partner must have at least one international project partner.
The principle of cross-border cooperation
The project partners must fulfil at least three cooperation criteria out of four defined ones:joint project preparation
- joint project development (must be always met)
- joint project implementation (must be always met)
- joint staffing
- joint financing
The funds can be applied for by public institutions or non-profit organizations. A detailed list of suitable applicants is specified for each investment priority separately. Newly, in selected investment priorities SMEs may apply as well.
Thematic focus of the Programme
Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Strengthening cross-border activities in the field of research and innovation
- Improving the involvement of SMEs in research and innovation
Environmental protection and resource efficiency
- Increasing the attractiveness of the subsidised territory through the preservation and appreciation of common cultural and natural heritage in a sustainable form
- Improving and restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services
Investment in skills and education
- Overcoming language and systemic barriers to education
- Adapting education to the changed conditions in the common labour market
Sustainable networks and institutional cooperation
- Achieving a higher degree of cross-border integration, harmonization and cohesion in the Czech-Bavarian border area
Financial allocation
From the funding of the European Regional Development Fund
EUR 103.4 mil. was allocated for the Czech-Bavarian programme.
Programme area
On the Czech side the programme area consists of Karlovy Vary, Pilsen and South Bohemia Regions.
On the Bavarian side of the programme area is defined by districts of Amberg-Sulzbach, Bayreuth, Cham, Deggendorf Freyung-Grafenau Hof, Kronach, Kulmbach, Neustadt an der Waldnaab, Passau, Regen, Regensburg, Schwandorf, Straubing-Bogen Tirschenreuth and Wunsiedel im Fichtelgebirge and urban districts (statutory cities) Amberg, Bayreuth, Hof, Passau, Regensburg, Straubing und Weiden in der Oberpfalz.
Contacts
For administration and consulting of project applications there are the appropriate places processing the application at regional offices according to the location of the project implementation. For grant beneficiaries there is staff available from regional departments of the Centre for Regional Development. Overview of contacts can be found on the Programme's website.