Interreg NPA 2014-2020 programme has officially been closed
The Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme 2014–2020 has officially received its closure letter from the European Commission, marking the formal closure of one of the most geographically extensive transnational cooperation programmes.
Launched in 2014 at the Cool North conference in Strathpeffer, Scotland, the programme introduced a major strategic shift from its predecessor by integrating a dedicated Arctic dimension to the peripheral and rural features of the predecessor Northern Periphery programmes. This focus helped shape both the programme’s priorities and its implementation approach, reflecting the growing importance of Arctic cooperation in regional development and innovation.
With a budget of €56 million, the NPA 2014–2020 allocated 97% of its funding to support 58 main projects and 59 preparatory projects. Altogether, 394 organisations cooperated across Sweden, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Their achievements and success stories have been captured in the Guide to Achievements.
Bringing the programme to a successful end, knowing that everything has been delivered and accounted for, is always rewarding.
Reflecting on the closure, Programme Director Annika Blomster says: “Receiving the EU Commission’s confirmation of closure marks a moment of real accomplishment. Bringing the programme to a successful end, knowing that everything has been delivered and accounted for, is always rewarding. As the 2021–2027 programme reaches its peak we continue to build on the lessons of previous years and strive for better results.”
Although the UK is no longer part of Interreg, the programme extends its warm thanks to the Scottish and Northern Irish partners whose contributions were central to the success of the NPA 2014–2020.
For those interested in a broader look at EU regional cooperation, the submission of final closure documents for Scotland’s 2014–2020 programmes earlier this year marked the end of 50 years of EU Structural Funds in Scotland. The European Policies Research Centre’s recent report for the Scottish Government offers a comprehensive reflection on five decades of governance, investment, achievements, and lessons shaping regional policy, including impacts from the NPA programme. (Link)
