INTERREG I & II

Since the launch of the INTERREG community initiative in 1991, a whole series of cross-border projects have been implemented in the territory of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine with the support of INTERREG funds.

The INTERREG I programme covered the period from 1991 to 1993. The 23 million ECU granted by the European Commission and the related co-financing led to some 120 projects being carried out within the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.

For the period from 1994 to 1999, the funds granted within the INTERREG II programme exceeded 37 million euro.

These projects have strengthened the socio-economic and socio-cultural structures of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine and improved its competitiveness.

Examples of projects carried out

EUREGIO timetable: to produce a general timetable for all the regional public transport


Eurode-Business-Center: to create a centre for border services


Promotion of cooperation between companies within the EMR: to stimulate the partnership between small- and medium-sized businesses in the EMR as regards subcontracting


Protection and management of the cross-border valleys and rivers: to ensure effective and lasting protection of the existence and natural character of the border valleys within the Parc Naturel [Nature reserve] des Hautes-Fagnes (B) / Eifel (D)


Riemst-Maastricht canalisation: to carry the waste water from a Belgian town to a Dutch purification station and thus improve the quality of the water


Tele-Learning/Tele-Assistance: to enable small- and medium-sized businesses to familiarise themselves with the new information and communication technologies


To guarantee freer access to cross-border health care: to promote cooperation between mutual insurance companies, hospitals and public services in the Euregio


Improvement in fire safety in the towns of Bullange (B) and Hellenthal (D)


Creation of a euregional historic network of fortified castles and fortresses: to create a tourist route linking the many fortified castles and fortresses to the interesting cultural past of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine