MARGULLAR PROJECT, A FINALIST IN THE 2026 EUROPEAN FUNDS AWARDS: SUPPORT ITS NOMINATION WITH YOUR VOTE!
MARGULLAR project, funded by the Interreg MAC 2014–2020 Programme and dedicated to the protection and enhancement of Macaronesia’s underwater archaeological heritage, has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 European Funds Awards. This initiative recognises projects funded by European funds and highlights their contribution to regional development.
MARGULLAR is competing in the ‘Portugal + European Territorial Cooperation’ category and is also in the running for the ‘People’s Choice’ award (Escolha do Público), which is decided by public vote.
Voting will remain open until 4 November 2026 at 23:59 (Portuguese and Canary Islands time) on the awards’ official website. To vote, simply find the project ‘MARGULLAR – Underwater Archaeological Heritage and Tourism in Macaronesia’ and follow the instructions. The awards ceremony will take place on 5 November in Lisbon, as part of the Mostra dos Fundos Europeus 2026.
You have until 4 November to support MARGULLAR with your vote!
MARGULLAR: cooperation to protect the heritage hidden beneath the Atlantic
MARGULLAR was carried out under the Interreg MAC 2014–2020 Programme. Its main objective was to protect, conserve and showcase the underwater archaeological heritage of the Macaronesian archipelagos, linking the preservation of this historical legacy with the development of sustainable maritime tourism.
Through research, documentation and archaeological conservation work, the project promoted awareness of the cultural heritage lying beneath the waters of the Atlantic, encouraging its dissemination and integration into the diving tourism offerings of the participating territories.
We at the Interreg MAC Programme encourage the public to take part in the vote and to support MARGULLAR’s nomination. Its selection as a finalist highlights the results of territorial cooperation and the role of European funds in the protection and promotion of our shared cultural heritage. It is also an example of how cooperation between the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Senegal helps to preserve our cultural heritage and generate new opportunities for sustainable development.
Link to find out more about the project: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/projects/projects-database/valoriser-le-patrimoine-subaquatique-en-macaronesie_es
EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSE DECLARATION PERIOD NOW OPEN
The Interreg MAC 2021–2027 Programme announces that an extraordinary expense declaration period is now open. During this period, expenses paid between 1 September and 31 October may be declared. The declaration must be submitted via e-MAC between 3 and 13 November.
You are therefore requested to expedite any outstanding payments and to declare as much expenditure as possible that has actually been paid and is properly justified during this forthcoming special period. This is not a mandatory period; in other words, any expenditure not declared now may be declared during the next period. However, we urge you to make every effort to ensure, collectively, that the Programme’s financial commitments are met and that the funds allocated to the Interreg MAC cooperation area are fully preserved.
Information meeting
The Managing Authority invites beneficiaries to an online meeting on 26 October at 10.00 (Canary Islands, Madeira and Lisbon time; 9.00 in the Azores). It is essential that those responsible for the implementation and the administrative and financial justification of the projects attend.
The link to the meeting has been sent to all beneficiaries by email.