Frequently Asked Questions

05-01-2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of an SME for this programme?

The following definition applies:

Commission Recommendation of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (Text with EEA relevance) (notified under document number C (2003) 1422) – EU Recommendation 2003/361

What is an enterprise? (art.1)

An enterprise is considered to be any entity engaged in an economic activity, irrespective of its legal form. This includes, in particular, self-employed persons and family businesses engaged in craft or other activities, and partnerships or associations regularly engaged in an economic activity.

What are SMEs? (art.2)

The category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.

Within the SME category, a small enterprise is defined as an enterprise which employs fewer than 50 persons and whose annual turnover and/or annual balance sheet total does not exceed EUR 10 million.

Within the SME category, a micro-enterprise is defined as an enterprise which employs fewer than 10 persons and whose annual turnover and/or annual balance sheet total does not exceed EUR 2 million.

Those entities that do not correspond to the definition of SMEs should be considered as large enterprises

Our company is part of an international group. Can we still apply?

Is this call only for manufacturing SMEs?

K2C aims to support SMEs pursuing at least one of the following objectives in the design phase of products and materials related to the company’s core activities:

Increase resource efficiency by using fewer, existing, or bio-based materials;

Extend the use and lifespan of products and materials through designs that allow easy reuse, repair, or refurbishment;

Create clean material cycles that enable closed loops.

Because these goals often align with production and material processes, the program is generally more suited to manufacturing SMEs. However, this is not a strict requirement and other types of SMEs are welcome to apply. That said, companies that provide only services may find it harder to align with the program’s objectives, which could make selection less likely.

Our company is planning to reduce packaging waste. Can I apply?

K2C aims to support SMEs pursuing at least one of the following objectives in the design phase of products and materials related to the company’s core activities:

Increase resource efficiency by using fewer, existing, or bio-based materials;

Extend the use and lifespan of products and materials through designs that allow easy reuse, repair, or refurbishment;

Create clean material cycles that enable closed loops.

This means that the K2C project targets initiatives that focus on higher R-strategies. The lower R-strategies (Recycle and Recover) should not form the primary objective of the innovation project. Nevertheless, they may still be quantified in the final evaluation report as part of the overall outcomes.

Since packaging is typically not a core activity for most organisations, projects that are focusing mainly on packaging show weaker alignment with these objectives and may have lower chances of being selected. However, if a strong case can be made, you are welcome to discuss this with your regional contact person.

What are the requirements for the de-minimis state aid regulations?

This self-declaration must be completed by any direct or indirect beneficiary benefiting from de minimis aids within the framework of the Interreg Meuse-Rhine programme until 31/12/2025.

As of 2026, it will also be mandatory to register de minimis aids at the national or EU level. The Interreg Meuse-Rhine Programme will only take into account officially registered aids in that framework.

The direct or indirect beneficiaries of State aid received under the de minimis rule within the programme are asked to fill in this self-declaration.

Can only SMEs in the Meuse-Rhine region apply?

Yes, only SME’s in the Meuse-Rhine region can apply.

The Meuse-Rhine Region is defined as follows (see Figure below):

German regions: Aachen (AAC) (with the districts Aachen, Düren, Heinsberg and Euskirchen), Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm (BIP) and Landkreis Vulkaneifel (VUL))
Belgian regions: Province of Liège (LIE) – only arrondissement Liège and Verviers – and Province of Limburg (BLI)
Dutch regions: Zuid- & Midden-Limburg (NLI)

Either headquarters or establishment in the MR Region are allowed, on the condition that the projects are carried out within the MR Region.

SMEs located outside the MR Region are not eligible to apply, unless Interreg decides to expand the region. Should this be the case, this will be communicated via the K2C communication channels.

Figure: Meuse-Rhine Region

I’m uncertain if my idea fits the call?

I’m not sure whether to apply for K2C Circular Boost or K2C Investment Vouchers?

Whether to apply for the K2C Circular Boost or K2C Investment Vouchers, depends on the type of support your company needs.

K2C Circular Boost is ideal if you need external expertise and guidance to develop a proof of concept, an action plan, and an impact report (TRL 5–7).
K2C Investment Vouchers are better suited if you are ready for actual implementation, such as purchasing machines or training (TRL 6–9), with financial support of €10,000 to €40,000 (incl. VAT). External expertise and education are not included by default, but can be part of the voucher implementation plan if required.

For a more comparison, please refer to the table below. If you are uncertain, contact your local K2C partner. They can help you determine the best option for your company’s needs.

Questions about K2C Circular Boost

We have limited experience with circular economy. Will this programme still benefit us?

We already tested some circular innovations. Is this programme relevant for us?

Where will the sessions take place?

Question about K2C Investment Vouchers

Do you apply ratios with regard to the distribution of external and internal costs?

We do not apply ratios for external costs such as investments & external expertise and internal labour costs.

The estimated costs must be in line with the intended innovations and their impact.

The SMEs therefore determine the cost ratio themselves. The minimum total cost should be €80,000 including VAT in order to be eligible for the maximum subsidy of €40,000.

The budget breakdown question should be viewed as a list of necessary ingredients for creating the dishes (making the innovation happen), i.e. the deliverables. We advise SMEs to spread the risk and thus create more deliverables (e.g. split a 2-day training course into 2 deliverables).

After approval of your application, only the fully completed deliverables will be paid for at the end of the 9 months of the project duration.