Calls for proposals

Organising calls for proposals is a central function of Interreg programmes, as it is the primary mechanism through which cooperation ideas are translated into concrete projects. Well-designed calls ensure that programme priorities are clearly communicated, enabling applicants to develop proposals that align with strategic objectives and deliver meaningful results. In this way, calls for proposals directly influence the quality, relevance, and overall impact of funded projects.

From a programme perspective, designing and launching calls presents several challenges. Programmes must strike a balance between clarity and flexibility—providing sufficient guidance to applicants while allowing room for innovation. They also need to ensure transparency, equal treatment, and compliance with regulatory requirements, while managing timelines, resources, and evaluation capacities. Additionally, defining appropriate themes, budgets, and selection criteria requires careful consideration to attract high-quality proposals and achieve programme targets.

From the project perspective, calls can be complex and demanding. Applicants must interpret programme requirements, develop strong partnerships across borders, and translate ideas into structured proposals within limited timeframes. For newcomers in particular, understanding the terminology, rules, and expectations of Interreg can be challenging. Even experienced applicants may face difficulties in aligning their project ideas with specific call priorities and demonstrating clear added value and impact.

Overall, effective calls for proposals are essential to ensuring that the right projects are selected. By addressing challenges on both the programme and project side, Interreg programmes can create calls that are accessible, transparent, and strategically focused, ultimately supporting successful and impactful cooperation.

Where to start

Interact provides a range of services to support Interreg programmes in addressing the diverse challenges related to the organisation of calls for proposals. Recognising that calls are a critical step in attracting high-quality projects and achieving programme objectives, Interact offers tailored support to help programmes design, launch, and manage calls effectively.

This includes facilitating the exchange of experiences and good practices between programmes, providing practical guidance and tools, and creating spaces for discussion on specific challenges such as defining call topics, structuring application processes (e.g. Small Project Fund), ensuring transparency, and improving accessibility for applicants. Interact also supports programmes in addressing common issues, including low participation, uneven quality of proposals, and the involvement of new beneficiaries.

What we are working on

In 2026 Interact is concentrating mostly on the preparation on the next programming period, especially with regard to "Performance Based Approaches" (PBA) and its consequences to organization of calls for proposals.  

Particular attention is given to identifying practical measures that help programmes to maximise its achievements in the final stage of the programme implementation (e.g. by using remining resources to bridge programming periods).  

Please note that Interact is always open to launching new, challenge-based activities in the scope of calls for proposals and Programmes are welcome to contact Robert at any time.

Contact 

For more information please contact Robert Mazurkiewicz.

Exchange Community

Interact offers an online space for those working with Programme and project management, to share information and exchange. You can find out more about our MS Teams environment on our Networks page, and see all our networks in our Portal.

If you would like to learn more about this, please contact Robert Mazurkiewicz.