According to the EC Treaty and Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) shall contribute to the promotion of economic and social cohesion by correcting the main regional imbalances and participating in the development and conversion of regions of the European Union. To this end, the ERDF shall also contribute to promoting sustainable development and the creation of sustainable jobs.

Under the ERDF, the Alpine Space Programme is funding forward-looking co-operation projects, with an aim to maintain and improve the attractiveness of the Alpine Space area, as scenery for a striking and powerful space for living and economy, by addressing the three main priorities as defined in the relevant section of this website.

The Programme foresees that the ERDF co-financing rate must not exceed 50% of the total eligible project costs (75% for Slovenia). Besides the Community funds, national financing resources have to be provided which may include state, regional, local or private funds. National Contact Points are at disposal of projects applicants for giving guidance and assistance in finding co-funds matching.

Eligibility of expenditures is ruled by Commission Regulation (EC) No 448/2004.

Non-Member States shall cover their project costs with national funds, since they are not entitled to receive community assistance.

The total amount at disposal of the Programme is 125 Million €.