Briefly
Program description
The Carpathian Euroregion has launched the second call for project proposals under the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine 2021–2027 Small Projects Fund.
The call is implemented under Priority 4 – Cooperation and focuses on Specific Objective 4.1: Building mutual trust through the promotion of people-to-people activities.
Funding will be provided only to projects implemented through Polish-Ukrainian partnerships that demonstrate:
- a cross-border cooperation dimension;
- genuine collaboration between partners;
- significant cross-border impact;
- sustainable and long-lasting project outputs and results.
The programme is designed to strengthen cooperation between partners on both sides of the border and support joint initiatives that contribute to building mutual trust and durable partnerships.
Main Information
Eligibility
Under the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine 2021–2027 Small Projects Fund, participation is open to organisations located within the programme area and meeting the partnership requirements established by the programme.
The eligible programme area includes:
- in Poland: the Podkarpackie, Lubelskie and Podlaskie regions, as well as the Ostrołęka and Siedlce sub-regions of the Mazowieckie region;
- in Ukraine: the Rivne, Volyn, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia and Ternopil regions.
Each project must include at least one financial partner from Poland and one financial partner from Ukraine, and project activities must be implemented on both sides of the border.
In addition to the applicant and partner organisation, projects may involve additional partners.
Eligible applicants include non-profit entities such as:
- national, regional and local public authorities and their associations;
- other public-law entities;
- rescue services, fire departments and police units;
- non-governmental organisations;
- schools and educational institutions;
- higher education institutions and research organisations;
- associations, business support organisations and technology centres;
- organisations supporting vulnerable groups;
- institutions assisting migrants and refugees.
A key participation requirement is that the organisation operates within the programme support area and complies with the eligibility conditions established for beneficiaries of the Small Projects Fund.
Financing
The Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine 2021–2027 Small Projects Fund provides financial support for joint Polish-Ukrainian initiatives.
Key funding conditions include:
- The maximum total budget of a small project may not exceed EUR 100,000.
- The grant amount available per project ranges from EUR 20,000 to EUR 90,000.
- The programme co-finances up to 90% of eligible project costs.
- At least 10% of eligible costs must be covered through the beneficiaries’ own contribution.
For certain non-governmental organisations defined under Polish legislation, part of the required own contribution may be financed from the Polish state budget.
In addition, at least 20% of the joint project budget must be allocated to activities implemented on both sides of the border.
Approximately EUR 2,000,000 has been allocated for the second call for proposals, with the final amount depending on the results of the first call.
Supported Activities
Under the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine 2021–2027 Small Projects Fund, support is provided for initiatives that strengthen cooperation and integration between communities on both sides of the border.
Supported areas of activity include:
Culture and Arts
- joint cultural events and creative initiatives;
- protection and promotion of cultural heritage sites;
- integration of residents from the programme area through cultural and artistic projects.
Education and Science
- implementation of innovative educational and scientific technologies;
- development of cross-border educational offers;
- youth exchanges and institutional cooperation between educational organisations;
- integration of Ukrainian children and youth into the Polish education system.
Health and Safety
- activities promoting regular medical check-ups and hygiene practices;
- development and provision of first-aid-related activities;
- integration initiatives and capacity-building projects in the fields of health and safety.
The programme supports projects that strengthen cross-border relations, enhance institutional cooperation, and foster joint solutions benefiting communities in Poland and Ukraine.
Roadmap
Key dates include:
- 29 May 2026 – opening of the application period.
- 10 July 2026 at 15:00 (CEST) – application submission deadline.
Following the closure of the call, submitted proposals will undergo evaluation and selection in accordance with the programme procedures.
The results of the call are expected to be announced in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The programme roadmap provides a structured process from application submission through evaluation and the final selection of projects to receive financial support under the Small Projects Fund.
How to Apply
Applications (in English) and their attachments must be submitted exclusively in electronic form via the dedicated system—the Application and Report Generator—at www.e-interregnext.eu
The date and time of receipt of the electronic documents are decisive.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation takes into account:
- cross-border impact of the project;
- genuine and active cooperation between project partners;
- sustainability of project results beyond the implementation period;
- contribution to the achievement of RCO87 and RCO115 indicators.
Particular attention is given to the extent to which a project strengthens cooperation, delivers long-term benefits, and generates tangible results for the participating territories and stakeholders.
Required Documents
The main application documents include:
- Annex 1 – Application Form;
- Annex 2 – Cost Catalogue for the Budget of Small Project;
- Annex 3 – Indicative Lists of Key Elements of Tasks, Lump Sum Obtaining Criteria and Sources of Verification;
- Annex 4 – Formal and Eligibility Assessment Sheet for a Small Project;
- Annex 5 – Small Project Qualitative Assessment Sheet.
Legal Terms
Within the Small Projects Fund of the Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine 2021–2027 Programme, applicants have the right to challenge decisions or procedures related to the evaluation and selection of projects. The appeal procedure is described in the Small Project Beneficiaries Handbook.
The programme also provides guidance regarding the expected focus of project proposals. Particular attention is given to projects contributing to the following programme indicators:
- RCO87 – “Organisations cooperating across borders”;
- RCO115 – “Jointly organised public cross-border events”.
Applicants are encouraged to consider these indicators when designing their projects, as they support the programme’s objectives and strengthen cross-border cooperation outcomes.