(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAR 12 - The Steering Committee for the EU Interreg VI-A Italy-Austria programme has approved 26 projects across four thematic priorities. This is the third and final call for the 2021-2027 programming period. "The fact that so many high-quality proposals were submitted demonstrates great success. This demonstrates the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation and the ability to find practical, future-oriented solutions to common challenges," emphasised Magdalena Amhof, Provincial Councillor for Europe. The budget for this call was €16.5 million. "Around €33 million has been requested, nearly doubling the amount. Because of the high quality and strong demand, particularly in the 'Innovation and Business' sector, any remaining funds will be used to fund additional projects in this priority area," explains Martha Gärber, Director of the Europe Division. The 26 approved projects are organised into four thematic axes: 14 in 'Climate Change and Biodiversity', 8 in 'Innovation and Business', 3 in 'Reducing Cross-Border Barriers', and one in 'Sustainable and Cultural Tourism'. A network of companies, public bodies, research institutes, and associations will carry out the projects in South Tyrol, Tyrol, Carinthia, Salzburg, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The evaluation ranking of the approved projects is available on the program's website in the notices section. Funding agreements with beneficiaries are expected to be signed by the end of March 2026. (ANSA).