The role of European Programmes and Gateways
EPG has created valuable networks and working relationships at local, national and European levels that position the Department on a solid footing when it comes to positively influencing future EU transport policy matters and accruing the benefits of European funding programmes. EPG is tasked with adding an EU dimension across a range of sectors, from road and rail to ports and airports, as well as working to coordinate different Northern Ireland (formerly Barosso) Taskforce Working Group initiatives, developing the Department’s input to the Executive’s European Priorities and associated monitoring activities, and contributing to the DfI role as Accountable Department for parts of the European Territorial Co-Operation Programme.
EPG’s links with EU Institutions responsible for all forms of transport.
Directorate General (DG) responsible for transport - DG Move
The aim of the Commission is to promote a mobility that is efficient, safe, secure and environmentally friendly and to create the conditions for a competitive industry generating growth and jobs. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport works in conjunction with the European Union Member States. For more information please follow the following link:
The Innovation and Networks Executive Agency
The Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) is the successor of the Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA), which was created by the European Commission in 2006 to manage the technical and financial implementation of its TEN-T programme. INEA officially started its activities on 1 January 2014 in order to implement the following EU programmes:
- connecting Europe Facility (CEF) including transport, energy and ICT
- Parts of Horizon 2020 – smart, green, and integrated transport and secure, clean and efficient energy
INEA's main objective is to increase the efficiency of the technical and financial management of the programmes it manages.
Funding programmes
This provides an overview of the European Programmes and the types of funding mechanisms from which EPG secures funding.
There are two main Funding Programmes types: non structural (competitive) and structural funding.
Non structural funding
Details of non structural (competitive) funding.
Trans European Network - Transport (TEN-T) / Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
Created in 2006 and based in Brussels, the Trans-European Network - Transport Executive Agency (TEN-T EA) was entrusted with the management of the Community funds available for the promotion of the trans-European transport network.
The TEN-T EA was initially in charge of TEN-T projects from the Financial Perspectives 2000 – 2006. It took over total management of the 2007-2013 TEN-T projects.
Its status as an Executive Agency means that the TEN-T EA was responsible for:
- ensuring the technical and financial management of projects and events co-financed under the trans-European transport networks’ budget
- collecting, analysing and transmitting to the Commission all information required for the implementation of the trans-European transport network, as well as assisting the Commission with TEN-T network programming
- providing technical support to project promoters and the financial institutions responsible for managing the loan guarantee instrument for the TEN-T projects
- providing any technical and administrative support requested by the Commission
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) finances projects which fill the missing links in Europe's energy, transport and digital backbone. It will also make Europe's economy greener by promoting cleaner transport modes, high speed broadband connections and facilitating the use of renewable energy in line with the Europe 2020 Strategy.
In addition the funding for energy networks will further integrate the internal energy market, reduce the EU's energy dependency and bolster the security of supply. By focussing on smart, sustainable and fully interconnected transport, energy and digital networks, the Connecting Europe Facility will help to complete the European single market.
For more information visit the following page:
Horizon 2020
Horizon 2020 is the EU's €80 billion research and innovation programme for 2014-20. It will invest over €12 billion to address two societal challenges during the current EU Programme Period 2014-2020:
- smart, green and integrated transport
- secure, clean and efficient energy
For further information visit the Horizon 2020 website:
Structural funding
Details of structural funding.
INTERREG VA
The new INTERREG V Programme for 2014-2020 is one of 60 programmes across the European Union designed to promote greater levels of cross-border co-operation. Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland share a number of common features with other border areas across Europe where developmental problems are exacerbated by the existence of borders.
For a general overview of the Programme and more information on these areas of focus click here: