The ERDF Saint Martin 2021-2027 programme, approved by the European Commission on 20 March 2023, contributes to the challenges of the territory over 7 years, according to the strategic objectives of the European Commission.

The ERDF aims to promote the harmonious, balanced and sustainable development of the European Union by reducing development gaps between regions.

The programming of European funds for 2021-2027 takes into account the multiple consequences of the economic, environmental, and health crises. This strategy is focused on 5 priorities:

1) A smarter Europe, through innovation, digitalization, economic transformation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

2) A greener, zero-carbon Europe that implements the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and invests in the energy transition, renewable energy and the fight against climate change.

3) A more connected Europe, equipped with strategic transport and digital communication networks.

4) A more social Europe, which will give concrete expression to the European Pillar of Social Rights and support quality jobs, education, skills, social inclusion and equal access to healthcare.

5) A Europe closer to its citizens, which will support locally driven development strategies and sustainable urban development throughout the European Union.

Under this new programming, the ERDF in Saint Martin will finance actions on the first 4 objectives.

The ERDF invests in projects and initiatives that promote economic development, job creation, innovation, the energy transition, infrastructure improvement, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Its scope of intervention is broad and covers infrastructure, business support, and research and innovation.

Four priorities have been identified:

Priority 1, "Developing an innovative and competitive regional economy by creating an environment conducive to the development of research on Caribbean biodiversity, strengthening the local entrepreneurial fabric and supporting innovation in the territory," aims to:

• Develop an R&D ecosystem in Saint Martin, particularly given the absence of a research organization

• Diversify the Saint Martin economy by developing the research, innovation and biodiversity sector

· Develop the entrepreneurial fabric of Saint Martin

• Develop public and private services in the digital field

Priority 2, "Promoting a green regional territory through the implementation of economical and more efficient resource management that favors the circular economy and energy," aims to:

• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels

• Reduce energy consumption

• Take into account the specific problems of an island subject to high natural risks and the needs in terms of risk prevention and management

• Addressing the challenges of reconciling the protection of a unique environment with strong human pressure

• Develop public and private services in the digital field

Priority 3, "Developing competitive transport infrastructure," is dedicated to the deployment of multimodal transport and the development of road infrastructure and aims to:

• Develop road infrastructure

• Encourage sustainable public transport to reduce the carbon footprint

• Encourage the development of multimodal projects

Priority 4, "Equipping the territory with modern infrastructure for an inclusive society," aims to:

• Renovate and expand social and educational infrastructure

• Renovate and develop infrastructure for training and learning

• Increase the supply of equipment and infrastructure for higher education

· Develop cultural, sporting and tourist infrastructure

• Develop local healthcare infrastructure

The actions selected under this priority 4 will be linked to the ESF+ program in order to achieve the objective of an inclusive society.

The ERDF envelope allocated to the territory of Saint-Martin is €58,837,100.00.

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin, in its capacity as an intermediary body, manages a global ERDF grant of €17,210,010.00 under priority 1.

Priority 1: Develop an innovative and competitive regional economy by creating an environment conducive to the development of research on Caribbean biodiversity, the consolidation of the local entrepreneurial fabric and support for innovation in the territory.

The grant application is submitted electronically via the E-Synergie platform. https://synergie-europe.fr/e_synergie/portail/saint-martin

The project promoter responds to a call for projects published by the Collectivité. This must correspond to the priority of the Saint Martin FEDER program.

The project leader creates their account and submits their application on the E-Synergie platform.

The project must not be completed by the date of submission of the funding application.

The subsidy payment is made only as reimbursement for expenses already incurred and duly justified.

The participation of the European Union must represent a real leverage effect, by enabling the co-financing of operations that could not have been implemented without this participation.

USEFUL DOCUMENTS: Saint Martin ERDF Programme 2021-2027, DOMO, calls for projects, etc…