European 'People to People 2' grant scheme helps fund cross-border projects

Applications for grants for Euroregional "micro-projects" can be submitted until February 28, 2023. The condition is that they must contribute to stimulating cross-border meetings and exchanges between citizens, associations, organizations, visitors and public institutions. That is the aim of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine "People to People 2" grant scheme, the second round of which is now underway.

There are six specific focus areas for applying for a micro-project grant: Culture - Labor market, Education & Youth - Civic participation & public service - Tourism and recreation - Nature and environment - Sport and health. From December 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023, project ideas can again apply for financial support of 50% of the project costs with a maximum of € 40,000.

About People to People 2

Central to these small-scale projects are the meetings of people from other regions's and countries as well as the involvement of citizens and civil society. The scheme is there to promote cross-border activities that are close to the people. Think, for example, of the organization of events or the development of joint initiatives and tools that are relevant and applicable on both sides of the border. Thus, awareness for cooperation across borders should be improved, perception and experience in the border region strengthened and, finally, the quality of life of the inhabitants of the EMR increased.

In the first People-to-People opening, 137 very diverse new initiatives were submitted by a total of 83 partners. These included an exchange between hairdressing schools, a strategic plan for a cross-border nature park, the strengthening of the tourism cooperation between Maasgouw (NL) and Kinrooi (B), and several creative makers developed a theater and music piece about the experience of World War II in our Euregio.