The two Interreg Aurora Steering Committees, for sub-area Sápmi and sub-area Aurora, have met 17-18 June 2025 in Umeå to decide on new cross-border cooperation projects. A total of approximately 13.3 million euros in funding from the European Regional Development Fund and 1 million euros in Norwegian Interreg funding were allocated to 19 projects.
Interreg Aurora Steering Committees, for sub-area Sápmi and sub-area Aurora
Strengthening duodji, Sámi businesses, and access to Sámi-related archives
Guided by Chair Ole-Anders Turi, the Steering Committee for sub-area Sápmi approved 3 new projects.
The project Sámi Handicraft Academy 2027 aims to preserve, maintain, and promote duodji (Sámi handicraft) skills within Sámi society by documenting and teaching traditional techniques. Duodji is a vital part of Sámi cultural heritage and identity.
The SÁPMÁI BUORRIN project will strengthen the Sámi businesses and trademarks by creating better market opportunities for authentic Sámi products.
The third approved project, ASP – Making archives accessible on Sámi premises will compile a comprehensive overview of Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian archives with information related to the Sámi people. It also aims to establish a Nordic Sámi archive network to improve access to Sámi-related materials.
Interreg Aurora Steering Committee for sub-area Sápmi
Improving food innovation, self-sufficient skills, and civil preparedness across borders
Guided by Chair Pål Arne Davidsen, the Steering Committee for sub-area Aurora approved 16 new projects.
The project InAFQual – Innovative Arctic Food Quality Control for small and medium-sized companies will explore how technology can measure physical, chemical, and microbiological quality. It will also show how to document active substances like antioxidants, allergens, and microbes.
The project Nordskills aims to improve youths and teachers’ skills in areas such as regenerative farming, aquaculture and repair/reuse that are essential for adapting to climate change and other crises. By including practical elements in the education systems, the project will encourage young people to practice being self-sufficient.
Another approved project, HighNorth, focuses on improving cross-border governance in civil preparedness by bringing together key stakeholders to network and collaborate. The project will enhance crisis management and contribute to a safer programme area for the inhabitants.
Best wishes for a successful cross-border cooperation to all the new approved Interreg Aurora projects!
Informative and rewarding days in Umeå
Patrik Sällström, Regional Development Director, Region Västerbotten welcomed the Committees to Sweden’s second largest county with high mountains, forests, and coastal beaches. The economy is dominated by the forestry industry, mining, and research, for example technical and medical research. The residents have a high level of education.
Fredrik Lundberg, CEO for Umeå Kommunföretag AB gave a presentation about Umeå Eco Industrial Park, a large industrial area that provides job opportunities with focus on environmental technology, recycling, green energy, and local production. Through collaboration between businesses, academia, and the public sector, waste from one company is repurposed as a resource for another. The goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2040.
The Steering Committees got the chance during the meeting days to get to know the key highlights and achievements of the Interreg Aurora funded projects Arctic Music Circles and Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media.
Daniel Morcillo, project manager at Norrbottensmusiken and Stina Berglund, project coordinator at Norrlandsoperan, Arctic Music Circle
Amna Qureshi, project manager at University of Lapland, Indigenous Digital Storytelling with New Media
The Steering Committees were also given a guided “behind-the-scenes” tour of Norrlandsoperan and learned more about the impressive work of setting up music performances like an opera. The Committees got to explore creative facilities used for costume design and set construction. Norrlandsoperan is a project partner in the Arctic Music Circle project.
New calls for project applications
The Interreg Aurora programme will open two new calls for project applications in the autumn, 8 September – 6 October 2025:
– A call for Regular projects
– A call for Small-scale projects. A Clustering call, only for already funded projects within the Interreg Aurora and Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic programmes, in the framework of Interreg Arctic Cooperation.
Read more about upcoming calls and terms of reference.
Umeå