The first ever bilateral Interreg programme between the two countries, the Hungary-Croatia (IPA) Cross-border Co-operation Programme has through its successful implementation laid substantial groundwork for further joint developments. Among the novelties at that time were the Lead Beneficiary principle and the so-called single set of rules, whereby both the Hungarian and the Croatian partner organisations were to use external procurement aid rules for awarding their contracts, next to a single set of management structures (single Managing-, Certifying- and Audit Authority in Hungary as the EU Member State, as well as the Joint Technical Secretariat as the main operational joint body of the programme). There was a strong focus on Croatia as Candidate Country for EU Membership at the time, as the programme and its application and implementation rules would prepare Croatian organisations for the future use of ERDF funds after the accession.
The programme allocated 52 433 025 EUR of EU funding for the seven years and offered a wide range of opportunities to the potential beneficiaries within two priorities: Sustainable Environment and Tourism and Co-operative Economy and Intercommunity Human Resource Development.
Various activities were eligible for financing, including infrastructure developments serving the protection of nature and natural values; elaboration of joint programmes, studies, strategies for the improvement of environmental protection; construction and designation of new cycling routes; development of tourism attractions and of related infrastructural facilities; creating and promoting pathways to integration and re-entry into employment for disadvantaged people; development of infrastructural and equipment capacities in the field of research; preparation of joint feasibility studies; development of common curricula and of joint training facilities; people to people activities like organising festivals, performances, theatrical tours, concerts, exhibitions, art workshops, charity events, cross-border amateur sport championships and tournaments; and activities to reduce language barriers.
During the programme’s implementation three open calls for proposals resulted in as many as 164 successfully finalised projects. Their complete list can be accessed by clicking here.