The Managing Authority of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme has completed the information tour in Türkiye, as a part of its series of events across the Mediterranean region to explain all details of the first call for proposals. The MEDTOUR was held with intense participation of institutions preparing to apply for projects in Antalya and İzmir.
The representatives of National Authority of Türkiye, namely, the Directorate for EU Affairs, Managing Authority of the Programme, Autonomous Region of Sardinia and Joint Secretariat Offices were present at the events.
Serdar Öztürk, Deputy General Director of DG Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation, emphasized that Türkiye has had significant experience in the management and implementation of Cross-Border Cooperation Programmes for many years, while delivering the opening speech on behalf of the National Authority. Öztürk highlighted that this experience will also be transferred to the NEXT MED Programme, which Türkiye is participating in for the first time, emphasizing the importance of developing new partnerships and benefiting more from the funding opportunities.
Martin Heibel made the opening speech on behalf of the MA “We appreciate Türkiye’s commitment to the programme” Heibel said. He underlined that Türkiye was the first among 8 countries to finalize the signing of a financing agreement with the European Commission, allowing for the full eligibility of Turkish organizations to receive EU funds in the framework of this programme. Drawing attention to the importance of the work carried out by the National Authority in the provinces within the scope of the programme during the call process, he said, “ The numerous capacity-bulilding and training initiatives organized across the eligible provinces of Türkiye facilitate the participation of Turkish entities in the calls of Proposals. Thanks to the support and dedication of the Directorate for EU Affairs, National Authority of the programme, we are confident in Türkiye’s ability to forge a succesfull path within the Interreg NEXT MED programme.”
Detailed presentations were made during the event regarding the rules of the first call for proposals, participants were also informed about the issues that should be taken into consideration in preparing the project application. The next event organized by the Directorate for EU Affairs regarding the call for proposals will be held in Mersin on 22 February 2024.