4 new cross-border projects to transform the Mediterranean coastline
4 new cross-border projects to transform the Mediterranean coastline
Over €2.1 million in European funding has been secured to preserve ecosystems, rethink mobility and support sustainable food systems for the Eastern Coastal Functional Area (AFLE) between the Aude and the Ebro
The Pyrenees-Mediterranean Euroregion announces the 4 projects selected under the second POCTEFA call for projects for the East Coastal Functional Area (AFLE). Following a joint and interregional evaluation process led by experts from both territories, the list of the 4 projects selected under the second call for projects for the Eastern Coastal Functional Area (AFLE) was announced on 28 April.
Launched in June 2025, this call aims to structure territorial cooperation along the cross-border Mediterranean coastline, from the Aude to the Ebro. The call has been allocated over €2.1 million from ERDF funds under the European INTERREG POCTEFA programme and will provide 65% funding for four projects addressing the region’s needs.
These projects are in addition to the 5 projects selected during the first call for proposals in June 2025. In total, the nine projects contribute to the AFLE integrated territorial strategy, which addresses 4 priorities:
- Preservation and restoration of ecosystems ;
- Reducing the impact of human pressure (economics activities, tourism, etc.);
- Sustainable food supply along the coast, promoting the diversification of marine and terrestrial resources;
- Improving cross-border mobility and intermodality, and promoting soft mobility
The projects are led by a partnership of diverse stakeholders (academia, the private sector, public authorities and citizens) and comprise at least two entities from different countries (Spain and France). They will have a direct impact on the Catalan cross-border coastline from the Aude to the Ebro and will actively involve the local population.
The 4 selected projects are:
- COSTAFLORA: Deploying an open-air botanical laboratory to restore the region’s flora. Total budget €953,349.85 (of which €619,677.38 is ERDF).
- MARVIU: Restoring marine life for a viable, sustainable and scalable model of marine restoration. Total budget €1,012,475.40 (of which €658,109 is ERDF).
- CONTAPLAST: Study of toxic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms. Total budget €578,296.22 (of which €375,897.02 is ERDF).
- VIAMEDSA: Strengthening regional strategies to support the economy, agriculture and cultural and gastronomic heritage. Total budget €793,895.14 (including €516,031.82 from the ERDF).
You can also find updates on the progress of the first 5 projects: urban dune restoration, the movement of plastics, sustainable transport via cycling and public transport, the ocean current radar, and research into invasive species.
