The European Union has since 1991 supported cross border collaboration in the EU through the special INTERREG-programs.

So far there has been three structural fund periods: 1991-1993 (INTERREG I), 1994-2000 (INTERREG II) and 2000-2006 (INTERREG III). From 1994 INTERREG has been split into three branches:

• A cross border collaboration
• B transnational collaboration
• C interregional collaboration 

During the structural fund period 2007-2013 INTERREG will proceed with the title “European territorial collaboration”. However the name INTERREG will continue to be used since it is a well known term in Europe. In the program INTERREG 4A South Denmark-Schleswig-K.E.R.N. we have also chosen to continue with the name INTERREG. By so doing we wish to signal that the so far good collaboration in INTERREG IIIA will continue in the new period. The A stands for the close cross border collaboration between the two EU member countries, here: Germany (northern Schleswig-Holstein) and Denmark.   

The general aim for INTERREG is to guarantee that national borders do not become an obstacle for balanced growth and integration in the EU countries. Regions with a lack of development, adjustment problems or special geographic, economic or social problems must receive special support. EU’s economic incentive shall make the regions able to develop so that the possibilities of the domestic market are used to the fullest.