What are European CrossBorder Grants?
Crossborder grants are financial instruments managed by the European Union to support joint actions between partners located in different Member States. They aim to:
- Strengthen economic and social cohesion in regions sharing a border.
- Promote innovative solutions to common challenges such as transport, environment, health and digital services.
- Facilitate the free movement of people, goods, services and knowledge.
These grants are typically delivered through programmes such as INTERREG (European Territorial Cooperation), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Horizon Europe Crossborder & International Cooperation calls.
Who Can Apply & What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
Eligibility is open to a wide range of public, private and nonprofit entities, including:
- Local and regional authorities
- Universities and research centres
- SMEs and startups
- NGOs and civilsociety organisations
- Publicprivate partnerships
Typical project themes include:
- Transport & Mobility crossborder rail, road networks, mobility hubs.
- Environment & Climate joint floodrisk management, renewable energy grids.
- Research & Innovation transnational R&D clusters, digital platforms.
- Social Cohesion inclusive labour markets, cultural heritage routes.
- Health & Safety crossborder emergency services, disease surveillance.
Key rule: at least one partner must be based in a different EU Member State than the coordinating entity.
Funding Mechanisms & Budget Overview
Grants are awarded on a grantonly basis (no repayment required) and may cover up to 100% of eligible costs, depending on the programme. The main financial tools are:
- Direct Grants allocated through callspecific tenders.
- Cofinancing EU contributes a set percentage, the remainder is provided by national or regional authorities.
- Blended Finance combines EU grants with privatesector investment or loans.
For the 20242027 period, INTERREGA, B and C together allocate around 6billion for crossborder projects, with an average grant size of 15million.
How to Apply: StepbyStep Guide
- Identify a Call check the EU Funding & Tenders portal for active calls that match your thematic focus.
- Form a Consortium assemble partners from at least two different Member States; ensure a clear division of tasks.
- Prepare the Project Concept outline objectives, expected results, impact, and budget breakdown.
- Submit a PreProposal (if required) some programmes ask for a short expression of interest before the full proposal.
- Write the Full Proposal follow the specific template, include a detailed work plan (Gantt chart), risk assessment and dissemination strategy.
- Check Eligibility & Compliance verify that all costs are eligible, partners meet the legal requirements, and the project respects EU rules on public procurement and data protection.
- Upload & Submit use the EUs electronic submission system (eSubmission) before the deadline.
- Evaluation & Grant Agreement proposals are evaluated on relevance, impact, quality of implementation and costeffectiveness. Successful applicants sign a Grant Agreement.
Typical evaluation timelines range from 8 to 12 weeks after the submission deadline.
Success Stories Real Impact on the Ground
1. The Alpine CarFree Zone (AustriaItalySwitzerland)
The project created a 15km carfree zone linking ski resorts and mountain villages, reducing CO emissions by 30% and boosting ecotourism. Funding: 2.3million (INTERREGC).
2. CrossBorder Digital Health Platform (PolandGermany)
A joint platform enables realtime sharing of patient records for borderregion hospitals, cutting average hospital transfer times from 4hours to 45minutes. Funding: 1.1million (Horizon Europe).
3. Danube River Flood Management (RomaniaBulgaria)
Integrated monitoring stations and joint emergency protocols reduced flood damage costs by 12million over three years. Funding: 3.5million (ERDF).
Further Information & Helpful Links
- EU Funding & Tenders Portal
- INTERREG European Territorial Cooperation
- Horizon Europe Crossborder Calls
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
- EU Budget 20242027
For personalised advice, contact the National Contact Point (NCP) in your country or the European Commissions helpdesk.
