Interreg Europe is an interregional cooperation programme co-financed by the EU. It is aimed at regional and local self-governments, including managing authorities, and enables the exchange of innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges in the regional development process. It covers all cohesion policy priorities: a smarter Europe, a greener Europe, a more connected Europe, a more social Europe, a Europe closer to citizens and better management on a regional level.
Interreg Europe programme activities are implemented at two levels:
1. through projects that support interregional cooperation and
2. through the Policy Learning Platform, which focuses on the exchange of experiences and good practices in the field of regional development policy.
The Platform comprises a community of policymakers offering various services to experts from all European regions, such as a database of good practices, policy development presentations, thematic events, expert support, peer reviews, networking activities, etc.
Details on various topics are available through thematic publications, events organised online and in person, and direct communication with the team of experts. Community members can make use of the services intended for policymakers seeking advice on specific issues in the policy-making process free of charge. In addition, regular events are organised with leading experts, providing opportunities for networking and learning. Interreg Europe experts provide a tailored set of resources, contacts, and in-depth analyses to help you find the answers you seek.
What does the Policy Learning Platform offer?
1. Peer review: public authorities can receive tailored feedback from selected experts on a specific challenge during a two-day in-depth workshop.
2. Matchmaking sessions: public authorities can gain inspiration from good practices across Europe during a two-hour exchange with experts.
3. Policy helpdesk: all interested parties can receive answers from selected experts regarding the improvement of regional policy.
Peer reviews
The review is a two-day meeting during which you examine the challenge encountered in implementing a policy in your region with a group of carefully selected experts with relevant experience and experts from the Platform. Relevant local stakeholders can also be involved. The aim is to receive advice, recommendations, and a roadmap to resolve your challenge.
During the peer review, you will receive an in-depth analysis of the challenge in policy implementation, exchange experiences with relevant policymakers, and see presentations of potential solutions.
Apply for a peer review in the following three steps:
1. Carefully read the open call for interregional peer reviews.
2. Download the application form
3. Complete the application form
Please note that peer reviews can only be requested by public authorities responsible for developing a specific policy. Complete the form to inform the experts about your issue. Experts from the Interreg Europe Programme will review the application and contact you within one month.
Learn more about peer reviews in the publication
Matchmaking sessions
A matchmaking session is a two-hour in-depth discussion with a selected group of experts, moderated by experts from the platform, about a challenge you have encountered during the improvement of a policy in your region. The discussion is tailored to your needs and questions related to policy improvement. Policymakers are invited to share their experiences. Meetings can be organised in person or online.
The matchmaking sessions are an excellent opportunity to meet relevant experts from other parts of Europe and find inspiration in their good practices.
Policy helpdesk
If you have a question related to regional policies, the Policy helpdesk can provide you with quick access to relevant information and contacts. The aim of the helpdesk is to respond to any questions or challenges encountered during the improvement process of a specific regional policy.
You are required to submit a request in a few sentences. Experts from the Platform will contact you and assist you with everything from relevant good practices, reports, and webinars to the contacts of relevant people. Each response is tailored to your request. The response includes recommended reading materials, presentations on policy improvement, videos, webinars, and more.
