8th Interreg Meuse-Rhine call for cross-border cooperation opens in September 2026
The schedule for the 8th call of the Interreg Meuse-Rhine programme (NL-BE-DE) has been published. From 21 September 2026, potential applicants can submit their project idea for an Interreg Meuse-Rhine grant as part of the first step of the application process. The deadline for this first step is 16 December 2026. Organisations planning to develop a cross-border cooperation project in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany can therefore already start preparing for the new call.
What is the application process for Interreg Meuse-Rhine Call 8?
Interreg Meuse-Rhine uses a two-step application procedure. At present, only the dates for the first step of Call 8 have been announced:
- Opening of step 1: 21 September 2026;
- Deadline for step 1: 16 December 2026;
- Decision on step 1: not yet announced.
No dates have yet been published for a potential second application step.
During step 1, the programme first assesses whether a project idea has sufficient potential and aligns with the objectives of Interreg Meuse-Rhine. The Managing Authority and Joint Secretariat check, among other things, whether the application meets the grant conditions. The Steering Committee then assesses the project against the selection criteria. Following a positive decision, a project can proceed to the second step, during which applicants develop and submit a full application.
Which projects are eligible for the Interreg Meuse-Rhine programme?
Interreg Meuse-Rhine focuses on cross-border cooperation in the Meuse-Rhine region across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Projects must contribute to at least one of the programme’s five societal challenges:
- industrial transition;
- green transformation;
- healthier citizens;
- tourism in a high-quality region;
- living and working across borders.
The cross-border nature of a project is essential. A project must address a need or challenge that extends across national borders and lead to tangible change or a solution.
In principle, a project partnership must consist of at least two partners from two different EU Member States within the programme area. A cross-border organisation, such as a European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), can also meet this requirement. Applicants should also take into account the need for their own financial contribution and the pre-financing of project activities.
Need support with your Interreg grant application?
Although the 8th Interreg Meuse-Rhine call does not open until 21 September 2026, it is advisable to start preparing now. Building a suitable cross-border consortium, defining the project objectives and activities, and developing a sound financing plan all take time.
Would you like to know whether your cross-border cooperation project fits Interreg Meuse-Rhine Call 8? Our specialists can assess your grant opportunities with you and support you in preparing and developing your application. Contact us at info@hezelburcht.com, call 088 495 20 00 or fill in our contact form for an introduction.
