| The Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2014-2020 was formally launched at the Cool North conference on 30th September in Strathpeffer, Scotland. The conference also marked the opening of the First Call for main project applications, which will run until 24th November. In addition, Cool North celebrated the outcomes of the NPP 2007-2013, with the presentation of a report on achievements. The conference was attended by more than 150 people from across the programme area and beyond. Participants were welcomed to Scotland by Councillor Drew Hendry, Leader of the Highland Council. DG Regio director, Ms Lena Andersson-Pench who addressed the participants with a keynote speech about the focus of the 2014-2020 period on tangible results. Ms Nathalie Wergles presented the Achievements report, which systematically maps project outcomes, their impacts on the communities as well as success factors. Dr Irene McMaster from the European Policies Research Centre, reflected on the conclusions of the report in the light of requirements for the new programme period. Through video montages and presentations, "cool outcomes" were also presented by the NPP projects themselves. The morning session ended with a panel discussion on the benefits of working in partnership. The afternoon session looked forward to the new period, with 2 inspirational speakers. Ms Lucy Conway introduced the concept of Eigg Box, an eco workspace under development for creative entrepreneurs in the small island community of Eigg in Scotland. Mr Sigurdur Ingi Fridleifsson from the Energy Agency Iceland offered a different perspective on consumer energy efficiency. Mr Ole Damsgaard and Ms Kirsti Mijnhijmer from the Secretariat officially launched the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2014-2020, and declared the First Call open. The final key note address was delivered by Mr Frank Gaskell from Integritas Liaison, who offered a new perspective for the programme area, describing the risk and opportunities of the rapid developments in the Arctic and neighbouring areas. On 1st October, around 130 participants attended the first How to Apply seminar, with presentations by the Secretariat and Managing Authority. If you attended Cool North, we would like to find out about how you experienced the event. We kindly ask you to complete our evaluation form (click to open). We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the conference! Useful links The main conference day was filmed. Videos will be made available as soon as possible.
 
  
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