The strong interest in the Interreg Aurora programme continues. Over the past 3 years, 146 cross-border cooperation projects have been approved. All projects are contributing to sustainable development in the northernmost part of Europe and Sápmi. You can get to know the funded projects and the wide range of topics in our project bank.
In addition, new projects will be approved in the end of January 2026, when the Steering Committees for sub-area Aurora and sub-area Sápmi meet to prioritise Regular project applications submitted in the seventh call. After this meeting, the Managing Authority will update the figures for the available funding.
Important update, extended end date for new projects
The Interreg Aurora Monitoring Committee met in November and decided to extend the last possible end date for new projects to the 30 June 2029. This means that it will be possible to apply for Regular projects with a duration of three years in the upcoming call.
The programme opens the next call for new Regular and Small-scale project applications on 9 February 2026. The calls close 9 March 2026. Dates are also scheduled for calls in the autumn of 2026. Read more about the calls on this web page
Support for applicants
Tina Nilsson, Programme Director of Interreg Aurora, highlights that the Interreg Aurora team actively supports the development of new project applications.
In November and December 2025, applicants have the possibility to submit a project idea template to the Joint Secretariat and receive written feedback on their cross-border project idea. This serves as a valuable starting point for shaping strong, results-oriented applications that align with the programme’s priorities and specific objectives.
The team also offer online consultations to applicants planning to apply within:
– Sub-area Sápmi: all specific objectives
– Sub-area Aurora: all specific objectives except specific objective 1.1 Smart specialization, research and innovation.
Applications that address any of the following intervention areas defined by the European Commission will receive one additional point to the ordinary qualifying selection criteria:
Priority 1. Smart and sustainable growth
- Research and innovation activities in small and medium-sized enterprises, including networking
- SME business development and internationalisation, including productive investments
Priority 2. Green and sustainable transition
- Air quality and noise reduction measures
- Protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Natura 2000 sites
- Clean urban transport infrastructure (*Clean urban transport infrastructure refers to infrastructure that enables the operation of zero-emission rolling stock)
- Digitalisation of transport when dedicated in part to greenhouse gas emissions reduction: urban transport
- Alternative fuels infrastructure (*If the objective of the measure is in line with Directive (EU) 2018/2001)
Applications involving newly formed partnerships will also receive an additional point in addition to the ordinary quality criteria, this encourages wider territorial cooperation.
An info webinar about the upcoming calls will be held 14 January, 2026.
You can find more information about the project idea template, project consultations, and webinar on our website.
Welcome to reach out to Interreg Aurora
If you would like more information about Interreg Aurora and the funding opportunities or if you wish to invite the programme team to one of your events, please do not hesitate to contact us interregaurora@lansstyrelsen.se
The Interreg Aurora team look forward to meeting you, great ideas know no borders!
