Article 9 Cross-Border Cooperation Component

The Cross-Border Cooperation Component may support the countries listed in Annexes I and II in cross-border, and, where appropriate, transnational and interregional cooperation among themselves and between them and the Member States.

Such cooperation shall have the objective of promoting good neighbourly relations, fostering stability, security and prosperity in the mutual interest of all countries concerned, and of encouraging their harmonious, balanced and sustainable development.

In the event of cross-border cooperation with Member States, the rules governing the financial contributions of the European Regional Development Fund and this Regulation shall be the relevant provisions of Article 21 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 of 11 July 2006 laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund^f1.

Cooperation will be coordinated with other Community instruments for cross-border, trans-national and interregional cooperation. In case of cross-border cooperation with Member States, this component shall cover the regions on both sides of the respective border or borders, either terrestrial or maritime.

Within the objectives of this article, this component may inter alia be used to finance capacity and institution building as well as investment.