On 28 April 2021, Aqua Publica Europea organised the third webinar of its series of briefings  on the opportunities for the water sector. On this occasion, Andrea Bianchini (DG for Environment, European Commission ), Pieter Lahousse (Interreg France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen) and Marco Citelli (Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform) introduced Interreg Programmes opportunities for water utilities to strengthen research capacities and develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. 

Andrea Bianchini, from the European Commission's Directorate-General Environment, first presented the Interreg instrument in the new programming period 2021-2027 and the place of water. Then, Pieter Lahousse, from the Interreg France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen programme, explained the practical and technicals details of the application process and requirements for projects, adding some key tips for future applicants, and Marco Citelli introduced the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform, and its role in capacity building for regional authorities through cooperation, highlighting specific activities on solutions for sustainable water management. Finally, Yann Oudard, from Réseau31 (member of Aqua Publica Europea), presented the operator’s experience with Interreg projects and shared some advice from both the administrative and the human aspects, to other operators looking to present an application. 

The webinar presentations are available here. 

The series of webinars is reserved for the members of Aqua Publica Europea and invited European public water operators. If you would like to be informed about the next webinars opportunities, please contact the Secretariat at info@aquapublica.eu.