The Interreg III programmes are a European Community Initiative to stimulate transnational cooperation in the EU between 2000 and 2006. Interreg IIIB programmes cover larger transnational areas and the North Sea Region comprises areas of Sweden, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, The Flemish Region of Belgium, UK and Norway. The areas in the region share many of the same problems and challenges and by working together and sharing knowledge and experiences it is hoped that a sustainable and balanced future will be secured for the whole region.

The programme is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a Norwegian equivalent and contributions from all of the countries involved. Decisions are taken by committees made up of national and regional representatives from all seven countries and the day-to-day running of the programme is taken care of by the international staff at the secretariat in Denmark. The Programme finances a wide range of projects concerned with spatial development. All projects involve the cooperation of two or more countries and every country in the North Sea region is participating. TEN 3 is one of the projects in the North Sea Programme. More information on the programme and other projects: www.interregnorthsea.org