The method
An Atlantic alliance in support of European governance
The GRAAL project is built on a structured partnership bringing together 11 partners and 15 associated partners to date, from the four Atlantic Area Member States: France, Spain, Portugal and Ireland.
This alliance brings together public authorities, national agencies, regions, local authorities, universities, research centres and European networks, combining technical expertise, institutional capacity and strong territorial roots.
The partnership’s organisation directly reflects the project method: each partner leads a strategic strand while contributing cross-cutting input to the other components.
Better understanding
and valorising existing projects
Cerema coordinates the analysis of projects already funded in the Atlantic Area. The objective is simple: identify what works, what can be improved and how to better disseminate results.
The development of a structured project inventory is led by PMBA, with support from ERNACT and all partners. This knowledge base consolidates available data and makes them usable at Atlantic scale.
Cross-cutting dimensions - particularly innovation and digital - are analysed under the leadership of ERNACT, to identify complementarities across themes and territories.
This work provides the data and lessons that feed into the next phases of the project.
Connecting actors and strengthening strategic dialogue
IH Cantabria leads the set-up and facilitation of the Atlantic Area Environment Policy Lab. This space promotes exchanges between project holders, experts and public authorities around the Atlantic Area’s environmental challenges.
The analysis of project results in relation to public policies is coordinated by AZTI, with the participation of all partners and associated partners. The objective is to assess, in practical terms, the contribution of projects to environmental priorities.
Drafting a strategic document to facilitate the integration of results into regional, national and European policies is led by CCDR-LVT, in close collaboration with all partners. This work turns project lessons into operational orientations.
Building roadmaps and joint action plans
The development of thematic roadmaps, in cooperation with stakeholders, is coordinated by Forum Oceano. These roadmaps identify shared priorities and structuring projects for the years ahead.
Transnational action plans between public authorities are led by the CPMR, with contributions from all partners and associated partners. They aim to strengthen cooperation between territories on shared strategic topics.
Links with incubators and innovation support schemes are ensured by the RDI Hub, to support the emergence of new projects stemming from these collective dynamics.
Shaping proposals for the future
Work on better coordination of funding is led by the CPMR, together with Cerema and PMBA, to facilitate the development of complementary and coherent projects at Atlantic scale.
Proposals to improve the Atlantic Area Programme are developed under the coordination of Atlantic Cities, with support from thematic experts.
Finally, recommendations to inform future developments of European policies are coordinated by Cerema, with all partners and associated partners. They draw on project analysis, strategic exchanges and feedback from territories.