What Lies Ahead for the Central Baltic Programme?

By Merike Niitepõld, Head of Managing Authority

As the current Central Baltic Programme moves toward its 2021–2027 implementation period, we find ourselves at an important moment of transition. The most recent call for applications resulted in a record number of approved projects, which is a clear signal of strong interest and engagement across our region. At the same time, it also marks the beginning of a natural shift from implementation to reflection, planning, and looking toward what comes next.

Glimpses of the post‑2027 landscape

Some clues are already available to us. The European Commission has published a draft regulatory package for the period Post 2027, meaning the years 2028-2034. From these drafts we see that Interreg as a funding source will continue in a similar way as now.

How a new Interreg programme takes shape?

The process of drafting a new Interreg programme starts off as a cooperation of the European Commission and the participating countries. Once there is an agreement between them, the concrete programming can start.

We are currently in the phase where each country is thinking about its positions for the next programming period. Typically, these positions are formed in consultation with regions and key stakeholders.

At the same time, the countries are negotiating in the so-called trilogue meetings about the final content of the regulations.

Signals for the Central Baltic region

What we are hearing as messages from these discussions is that there very likely will be a Central Baltic programme in the next period. If you are invited to meetings in your country, you have a good chance of sharing your views on the needs for Interreg programmes. We as a programme may also ask you for feedback on our processes or other input we will share with our countries.

Once the programming of Central Baltic officially starts, there will be more possibilities to share your views. We will ask for input in different formats and will arrange public consultations on the drafts.

Stay connected

As the next steps unfold, we will continue to share updates and opportunities to get involved. The most reliable way to stay informed is by subscribing to our newsletter, where we will publish news, invitations, and consultations as they become available.