The second meeting Interreg NEXT MED Monitoring Committee, held on July 17-18, 2024, in Athens, resulted in crucial decisions regarding the second call for proposals dedicated to green transition projects in the Mediterranean.
A call for proposals worth €83.7 million in EU funding specifically dedicated to accelerate the green transition in the Mediterranean through collaborative solutions: this is the key outcome of the recent meeting of the Monitoring Committee, Interreg NEXT MED’s decision-making body, held on July 17-18, 2024, in Athens.
Following the Managing Authority’s proposals reflecting the broad impacts of climate change on ecosystems, resources, communities, and businesses, the Monitoring Committee members representing 15 countries have agreed on a collective ambition for a more climate-resilient Mediterranean region. This commitment underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive societal and policy transformation to address the Mediterranean region’s rapid warming, which is occurring 20% faster than the global average (United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
The chosen approach extends beyond ‘traditional’ environmental issues like water management or energy efficiency, promoting sustainable solutions across a wide range of sectors to foster their green transformation. These include supporting SMEs in decarbonizing their business models, advancing innovative climate technologies, enhancing education and training on climate challenges, integrating climate goals into public policies, and preparing health systems for climate-related diseases. Furthermore, the call for proposals aims to empower individuals to adopt sustainable lifestyles and consumption habits.
The call will focus on funding projects that deliver collaborative green and climate-friendly solutions aligned with the nine Specific Objectives of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. These are:
1.1 Research and innovation
1.2 Growth and competitiveness of SMEs
2.1 Energy efficiency
2.2 Climate change adaptation
2.3 Water management
2.4 Circular economy
3.1 Education and training
3.2 Health care
4.1 Governance
The evaluation criteria as well as the main rules for participation in the call were also approved by the Monitoring Committee. The call for proposals is expected to be launched in the second half of the year.
