The Atlantic Area is a transnational cooperation territory that comprises the entire territory of Ireland, the Atlantic regions of Spain, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Concerning this territory, an Operational Programme (OP) named Transnational Cooperation Atlantic Area 2007-2013, was approved by the European Commission on 20th September 2007, by its decision CCI:(2007) CB163PO 029
Transnational cooperation on the Atlantic Area has a historical tradition. Pioneer frameworks began in the 1989-1993 programming period of the European structural funds, with the ATLANTIS pilot project. In Despite its limited budget, Atlantis successfully launched the very first transnational cooperation projects financed by the ERDF.
This first experiment inspired the launch of the transnational strand of the INTERREG II initiative (1994-1999). Thirteen INTERREG IIC transnational cooperation programmes were launched, including the new “Atlantic Area” programme. A great many more structured projects were to emerge in 1998 and 1999.
During the period 2000-2006, a very significant increase in the budget allocated to transnational cooperation allowed the INTERREG IIIB Atlantic Area programme to make significant progress in terms of the scope and quality of projects, and helped develop management and cooperation skills.
Beginning with a strategic diagnostic of the current situation and predicted trends on the Atlantic Area and an analysis of transnational cooperation issues, the OP highlights a strategy for cooperation priorities. Based on these priorities, the OP defines the programme objectives and results, as the financing means and the implementation and management principles. The 2007-2013 Atlantic Area strategy endorses the overall aim of achieving significant and tangible progress in transnational cooperation geared towards cohesive, sustainable and balanced territorial development of the Atlantic Area and its maritime heritage.
The main goal of the Programme is therefore to contribute to the territorial cohesion of this area through transnational cooperation projects on all four programme priorities between the European Union Member States of the Atlantic seaboard..
Thematic priorities and specific objectives to strengthen cooperation have been identified:
Priority 1: Promote transnational entrepreneurial and innovation networks.
Priority 2: Protect, secure and enhance the marine and coastal environment sustainability.
Priority 3: Improve accessibility and internal links.
Priority 4: Promote transnational synergies in sustainable urban and regional development.
More information can be found in http://atlanticarea.inescporto.pt