Looking for partners? Partner search forum for Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine CBC Programme

Still searching for suitable partners? Potential applicants for ENPI cross-border cooperation projects under the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENPI CBC Programme are being invited to a partner search forum to be held in Uzhgorod, Ukraine on 29 July.

To read more, click here.

Five ENPI CBC programmes ratified by the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

On 16 July the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation ratified the five ENPI CBC programmes, Kolarctic, Karelia, SE Finland-Russia, Estonia-Latvia-Russia and Lithuania-Poland-Russia. The five programmes were ratified in one Bill jointly presented by Maxim Travnikov, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Regional Development and Alexander Kozlovsky, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of International Affairs.  For more information on the ratification (in Russian), click here.

The law was adopted by the Council of Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Monday 19 July 2010 and will come into force following signature by President Medvedev and official publication. For more details (in Russian), click here.

New cross-border projects launched with Ukrainian partners

Three new cross-border projects funded by the EU under the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENPI CBC programme will tackle infant mortality, create a cross-border industrial park and contribute to the development of biomass energy.

To read more, click here.

The Joint Managing Authority for the Italy-Tunisia ENPI CBC Programme launches a call for assessors

The Joint Managing Authority for the Italy-Tunisia ENPI CBC Programme is launching a call for assessors to identify and select a pool of qualified and experienced professionals and thus to ensure a proper technical and quality evaluation of the proposals submitted under this Programme.

The deadline for sending applications is 30 August 2010. Additional information or clarifications can be obtained from e-mail: bartolo.vienna@regione.sicilia.it; italiatunisia@regione.sicilia.it.
 
The documentation can be downloaded here.

Baltic COMPASS project approved by Belarusian government

The Belarusian authorities have approved the Baltic COMPASS project, funded by the EU through its Cross-Border Cooperation Baltic Sea Region Programme. A press release from the Programme said this was the first project among eight with Belarusian partners, selected in the second call for proposals, that had successfully gone through the internal approval procedure in Belarus.
To read more please click here.

Signature of the first ENPI Grant Contracts

On Wednesday 14 July 2010 the first grant contracts within the ENPI CBC Programmes will be signed in Chust, Ukraine for Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine Programme. For more information, click here.

More information on the ceremony of the signature and pictures about it can be found here. 

Project Idea Café and Annual Conference for the Baltic Sea Region Programme

The Joint Techical Secretariat of the Baltic Sea Region Programme invites you to the Project Idea Café and the 18th BSSSC Annual Conference in Tallinn, Estonia on 12-14 October 2010. You can find more practical information at the conference website.

Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme recruits 4 thematic experts

In the framework of the definition of the Terms of Reference for the first call for proposals on strategic projects, the Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme recruits 4 thematic experts in the fields of Integrated coastal management; Waste treatment and recycling; Water management; and Solar energy.

The deadline for sending the applications is set on 14/07/2010.

For more information, please visit the Programme website.

The Baltic Sea Region Programme newsletter, June 2010

The highlights of June issue are:

• Ten new projects selected
• Interviews with project partners: Finnish Environment Institute and Maritime Institute in Gdansk
• Project: BalticClimate
• Programme conference in Jyväskylä
• Project Idea Café in Tallinn

You can find full version of the Newsletter on the Programme website. 

Call for Assessors for the Black Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme

The Joint Managing Authority for the Joint Operational Programme Black Sea 2007-2013 is launching a Call for Assessors in order to identify and select qualified and experienced professionals for establishing a pool of assessors and thus to ensure a proper technical and quality evaluation of the proposals submitted under this Programme.

The deadline for receiving applications is the 20 May 2010 at 13:30 hours, at the headquarters of the Romanian Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism in Bucharest.

Additional information or clarifications may be requested from:

Ms. Dana Onofrei, counselor, Operational Department, Joint Managing Authority, email: dana.onofrei@mdrt.ro

Mr. Leonard Enescu, counselor, Public Procurement Department, email: leonard.enescu@mdrt.ro

The deadline for receiving requests for clarification from potential applicants is 12 May 2010 at 12:00 and the deadline for receiving answers to clarification requests is 14 May 2010. The answers to clarification requests shall be published on the programme's website at www.blacksea-cbc.net/ and on the SEAP website www.e-licitatie.ro/ at Notices/Contract notices (no.99303/03 May 2010), section documentation and clarifications for the notice of the call.

Please click here for downloading the award documentation.

Third issue of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus ENPI CBC Programme E-letter

The third issue of the E-letter of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Cross-border Cooperation Programme within the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 2007-2013 is now available. Please click here to download it.

Vacancy for a Finance Officer at the Joint Technical Secretariat's Rostock office - closure date 31 May 2010

Baltic Sea Region Programme secretariat is looking for a new colleague supporting the preparation and implementation of transnational projects, in particular the monitoring of financial reports. The job can be started as soon as possible. The new colleague will be employed to replace one of the Finance Officers being on parental leave, so the contract will end on 31 December 2011. The candidate shall have a relevant university degree and proven experience with administration of EU-funded programmes.Candidates are requested to send their CV, a Motivation Letter and their expectation towards the annual gross salary by e-mail to info@eu.baltic.net. All documents shall be submitted in English language.

Closing date is Friday, 31 May 2010.

For more information see eu.baltic.net/Vacancies.937.html.

Poland-Belarus-Ukraine ENPI CBC Programme Newsletter, No. 2 of April 2010

In this issue:

- First results of the First Call
- 3 in 1: Partner Search Forum, Launching Conference and the 2nd Joint Monitoring Committee in Lviv
- Summary of Annual Work Programme of the Joint Managing Authority in year 2010
- Trainings in Ukraine and Belarus
- New contact list of the Joint Technical Secretariat

Please click here to get full newsletter from the Programme web-site.

Information on the schedule and indicative amounts to be made available for the 2010 Calls for Proposals

Information on the schedule and indicative amounts to be made available for the 2010 Calls for Proposals have been published in the Annual Work Programme for Grants on the programme websites. Click on the name of the ENPI CBC programme below to go to the relevant website.

Kolarctic
Karelia
South-East Finland/Russia
Latvia/Lithuania/Belarus
Hungary/Slovakia/Romania/Ukraine
Italy/Tunisia
Black Sea Basin
Mediterranean Sea Basin

Baltic Sea Region Programme newsletter, March 2010

The highlights of this newsletter issue are:
- 61 applications received in the 3rd call
- Interview with the Member of European Parliament Wojciech Olejniczak on macro-regional strategy
- Strategic project: TransBaltic
- Review on the latest Programme events

To download the newsletter please go to the Programme website.

Call for Proposals closed for the Karelia ENPI CBC Programme

The first phase of the first call for proposals of the Karelia ENPI CBC Programme closed on 17 March 2010. Within the deadline 52 concept notes were submitted to the JMA. For more details, please visit the Programme website.

Second issue of the E-letter of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus ENPI CBC Programme

Please click here to download the 2^nd issue of the E-letter of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Cross-Border Cooperation Programme within the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 2007-2013.

If you want to be on the recipients' list, please, send an e-mail to giedrius.surplys@enpi-cbc.eu stating "News, please" in the "Subject" field. You can also subscribe for the news on http://www.enpi-cbc.eu/ (Subscribe for news). 

Inside this issue: 

- Deadline of the 1st Call for Proposals and What's Next

- Brochure "How Neighbours Were Creating History"

- 1st Round Trainings

- 2nd Round Trainings: JTS Information Days and RCBI Information Days 

- Questions and Answers Guiding Table

- Last Tips

- EuropeAid News

- Competition - Prophet of the Programme!!!

Partner Search and Project Idea Database available now on the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENPI CBC Programme website

The Partner Search section is intended to give potential Applicants/Partners the opportunity to publish a short description of their project idea on the official website of the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENPI CBC Programme with the aim of finding new partners.

The database is searchable online via specifying the kind of organizations you are looking for by country/region, type of organisation, priority and measure. Shortly after the submission of a project idea, the JTS team will send you a notification of the successful registration and inclusion of your project idea into the database.

Please keep in mind that the project ideas displayed on the Partner Search section have not been assessed by the Programme managing structures. The Joint Managing Authority/Joint Technical Secretariat is not responsible for their content and does not guarantee for their eligibility. The database is only for information and contact purposes, to allow you to develop your project before submitting to the JTS.

Besides, please note that this publication does not substitute in any case the official submission of projects for any opened Calls for Proposals.

If you would like to be included in the database or to make a search, please click here.

BSR Information and Partner Forum Minsk, 18 February 2010

Presentations by Belarus project partners successful in the Baltic Sea Region's first and second calls for proposals was one of the most popular sessions at the BSR Information and Partner Forum conducted by RCBI and the Programme JTS in Minsk on 18 February 2010.

Almost 200 people took part in the event including some representatives from Estonia, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania. Participants received information on the programme and the third call for proposals, had their questions answered by the JTS representatives, exchanged project ideas and found partners.

Click here for the materials presented at the event or visit the Belarus page on the BSR website.

Information event in Petrosavodsk for the launch of the Karelia programme

A wide audience from the eligible regions in Russia were informed about the launch of the Karelia ENPI CBC programme and the first call for proposals at an event in Petrozavodsk on 11 February 2010.

The event was attended by more than 170 people representing all target groups covered by the programme priorities and eligible to be project partners. Materials delivered at the event are available on the programme website (in Russian).

Partner Forum for the Poland-Belarus-Ukraine programme gathered over 220 participants in Lviv, Ukraine

More than 220 potential applicants and partners from Belarus, Poland and Ukraine gathered in Lviv on 26 January 2010 to exchange project ideas and discuss project proposals, in the framework of the current call for proposals open until 1 March 2010.

Over 100 project ideas were presented and discussed during the event, and many partnerships were initiated. Participants also had a chance to ask questions and receive clarifications from the Poland-Belarus-Ukraine ENPI CBC programme Joint Technical Secretariat. Answers are being published on the programme website www.pl-by-ua.eu.

Information events organised by Kolarctic, Karelia and South-East Finland Russia Programmes

Over the coming month, three programmes will organise events to support the calls for proposals. Please click below to see the relevant Programme web pages.

Kolarctic ENPI CBC

Kirkenes, Norway, 18 January 2010

Saariselän tunturihotelli, Saariselkä, Finland, 19 January 2010  

Kaupungintalo, Kemijärvi, Finland, 20 January 2010

Folkets Hus, Kiruna, Sweden, 20 January 2010

Scandic Hotel, Luleå, Sweden, 21 January 2010

Sverigefinska folkhögskolan (Swefi institute), Haparanda, Sweden, 26 January 2010

Murmansk, Russia, 26 January 2010

Arkhangelsk, Russia, 2 March 2010
Naryan-Mar, Russia, 4 March 2010
 

Karelia ENPI CBC

Oulu, Finland, 4 February 2010

Kajaani, Finland, 9 February 2010

Joensuu, Finland, 10 February 2010

Petroskoi, Russia, 11 February 2010

 

South-East Finland-Russia

Lappeenranta, Finland, 21 January 2010

Kouvola, Finland, 22 January 2010

Mikkeli, Finland, 26 January 2010

St. Petersburg, Russia, 4 and 5 February 2010

Second Black Sea Basin Programme Newsletter now available

The Joint Managing Authority of the Joint Operational Programme Black Sea 2007-2013 has published the second newsletter with the following headlines:

-Good bye 2009!
-Welcome 2010!
-INTERACT's contribution
-RCBI's contribution

Click here to download the newsletter.

Financing Agreements signed in December 2009

On 16 December, Belarus signed the Financing Agreements for the two trilateral Programmes it is participating to, namely Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus and Poland-Belarus-Ukraine.

Ukraine also signed the Financing Agreements for all the CBC ENPI Programmes - Poland-Belarus-Ukraine, Romania-Ukraine-Moldova, Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine and Black Sea Basin - on 24 December 2009, while Azerbaijan signed for the Black Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme also in December.

Successful Partner Forum for the Italy-Tunisia Programme

A Partner Forum organised by RCBI for potential applicants and partners from the Italy-Tunisia ENPI CBC programme was held in Tunis on 21 December. The event also launched in Tunisia the first call for proposals, which will be open until 1 February 2010.

The event was a success with almost 200 participants who showed a great interest and motivation to participate in the programme. In addition to those present, around 40 projects ideas were received by e-mail from other potential applicants from Tunisia and Italy.

Many new partnerships were formed, not only between partners from Tunisia and Italy but also between two or more organisations from Tunisia. In some cases draft partnership agreements were drawn up and work plans made for developing and submitting project proposals. Project ideas presented at the event, with the corresponding contact details, are currently available on the programme website. 

First issue of the E-letter of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus ENPI CBC Programme

The first issue of the E-letter of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Cross-border Cooperation Programme within the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 2007-2013 was launched. This E-letter is issued once every three months.
 

Periodical E-shots will be sent once there are important news related to the Programme.
 

If you want to be on the recipients' list, please, send an e-mail to giedrius.surplys@enpi-cbc.eu stating "News, please" in the "Subject" field. You can also subscribe for the news on http://www.enpi-cbc.eu/ Subscribe for News section.

Inside this issue:

- Announcement of the 1st Call for Proposals
- Trainings foreseen
- Everyday information, assistance and equal treatment

- Partner search

Launching event for the Italy-Tunisia ENPI CBC Programme

The launching event of the Italy-Tunisia programme was held last 24 November in Trapani (Sicily, Italy). The event was also the launching in Italy of the first call for proposals, which will be open until 1 February 2010.

The event was a success and showed a big interest and motivation to participate in the programme by Italian potential applicants and partners. JMA announced that a Partner Forum organised by RCBI will be held in Tunis by mid-December, where both Italian and Tunisian institutions will have the opportunity to agree partnerships for proposals.

European Neighbourhood Policy in action: launch of cross-border co-operation programmes with Russia

The EU and Russia have signed Financing Agreements for five cross-border co-operation programmes (CBC) at the EU-Russia Summit in Stockholm on 18 November.

Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner and the Russian Minister for Regional Development, Viktor Basargin, signed the agreements, which are central to the implementation of cooperation programmes between the border regions of the European Union and Russia. 

To read more visit: http://www.enpi-info.eu/maineast.php?id_type=1&id=20096&lang_id=450

December issue of the newsletter from the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013

The December issue comes with the following highlights:

- Quo Vadis, Programme?

- Third call for project applications open from 4 January till 22 March 2010

- Project: JOSEFIN - Joint SME Finance for Innovation

- Enlarged DEEP user group met in Vienna

To download the newsletter, please go to http://eu.baltic.net/Baltic_Sea_Programme_newsletter_December_2009.9539.html.

Fifth ENPI CBC bulletin

Please click here to download the fifth ENPI CBC newsletter with information about the state of play of all ENPI CBC programmes.

High Interest in the Italy-Tunisia Programme by Tunisian Potential Applicants and Partners

RCBI and the Tunisian National Contact Point (NCP) organised three Follow-up Information Events for the Italy-Tunisia Programme on 27 and 28 October and 17 November 2009. The events were held in Tunis, Nabeul and Tabarka, as a continuation of the Project Preparation Events held in the same locations on 6, 8 and 9 October. Around 105 persons attended the events, which consisted in open workshops for questions from the participants and answers from both the NCP and the RCBI experts.

The events showed a big interest and motivation to participate in the programme by Tunisian potential applicants and partners. The main challenge facing the participants is finding partners in the eligible territories in Sicily (Italy). A launching seminar organised by the Joint Managing Authority will be held in Sicily in the coming weeks and a Partner Forum organised by RCBI will be held in Tunis two weeks later.

Financing Agreement for the Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme

Seven countries have now signed the Financing Agreements with the European Commission and are fully eligible to receive Programme funds: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, Syria and Tunisia.

Two more Financing Agreements signed for the Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme

The Palestinian Authority and Lebanon have recently signed the Financing Agreement with the European Commission. Following Syria and Jordan, four countries have signed the Financing Agreements up to now. Negotiations are ongoing with the other Mediterranean Partner Countries participating in the Programme.

According to article 10 of the ENPI CBC Implementing Rules (EC Regulation No 951/2007), Financing Agreements shall be signed by Mediterranean Partner Countries before 31 December 2009 in order to allow subjects belonging to these eligible territories to receive Programme funds.

Baltic Sea Programme newsletter of September 2009

The September issue of the newsletter from the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 comes with the following highlights :

- Further 17 projects approved in the 2nd call
- Under the Swedish EU presidency, interview with Ulf Savbäck on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
- Project communication plans - lessons learned
- Strategic project: BRISK

To download the newsletter, please follow this link.

Black Sea 2007-2013 News Letter

The Joint Managing Authority of JOP "Black Sea 2007-2013" has published the first newsletter with the following headlines:

- Launching Conference of the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea 2007-2013”
- First Call for Proposals opened on 30th of June 2009
- Tools available for potential applicants/partners to develop project proposals

Click here to download the newsletter.

Eligibility of international organisations in the Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme 2007-2013

The JMA informs that a recent decision of the Joint Monitoring Committee specifies the conditions of eligibility of international organisations: they can participate as Applicant or partner but as per the recent decision of the Joint Monitoring Committee, they cannot be taken into account for the fulfillment of the geographical partnership requirement, even though they participate through a local office registered in the eligible territories. A partnership should thus be composed of a minimum of three entities - different from international organizations - which represent three different countries, including at least one EU Mediterranean Country and one Mediterranean Partner Country.

The Guidelines for Applicants have been modified accordingly (section 3.1.2). For more information, please check the programme website.

Programme Management Q&A now available on EuropeAid's ENPI CBC website

The EC have published the first set of ENPI CBC Questions and Answers on the Cross-Border Cooperation within the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) website.

You will find them on the right-hand side of the page under the FAQ option in the menu: "Frequentely Asked Questions".

The Q&A are mainly addressed to Managing Authorities. Information related to specific programmes will be available on the relevant programme websites.  Click here to visit the site.

Signature of Financing Agreements with the EC for the Black Sea Basin and Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova Programmes

Moldova becomes the third partner country to conclude the Financing Agreement with the European Commission, after Armenia and Georgia. The signature of the Financing Agreement allows Moldova to fully take part at the Black Sea Basin Programme 2007-2013. Armenia signed in May and Georgia in August. The remaining Partner Countries have until the end of 2009 to conclude their Financing Agreements with the EC.  

The Republic of Moldova has also signed the Financing Agreement with the EC for the Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova ENPI CBC Programme.

Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme Partner Countries sign Financing Agreements with the EC

After Syria, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is the second country to sign a Financing Agreement with the European Commission and the Joint Managing Authority, allowing for the participation of beneficiaries from these countries to the different calls that will be launched under the ENPI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme.

Information events for the Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova Programme

The Joint Technical Secretariat of the Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova Joint Operational Programme 2007-2013, in cooperation with the Joint Managing Authority, organises in July 2009 information events in the three participant countries. See the calendar of events.

For additional information please contact:
Regional Cross Border Cooperation Office Suceava
Mrs Ingrid Bucsa
Info.ro-ua-md@brctsuceava.ro
Regional Cross Border Cooperation Office Iasi
Mr Sebastian Costea
Info.ro-ua-md@brctiasi.ro

First Mediterranean Sea Basin RCBI Project Preparation workshops held in Palestine, Israel, Jordan and Egypt

Following the information events that were held at the end of last year, RCBI organised the first Project Preparation Workshops for the Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme in Ramallah, Tel Aviv, Madaba, Aqaba, Alexandria and Port Said in May 2009. 

As the first call for proposals is expected any moment now the workshops focused on the application package, how to fill this in, how to develop the logframe and the budget as well as on how to find partners and develop sustainable partnerships. Similar events in Lebanon, Syria and Tunisia will follow soon. 

For the agenda and materials presented at the Project Preparation Workshops, click on the location of the event above.

Follow-up information sessions focussed on the application package and forming partnerships will be held in July/August 2009.

Specific Partner Search Forums are also expected in July 2009 in Jordan and in Tunisia.

BSR June Newsletter is now available

The June issue of the newsletter from the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 is now available online.

Highlights include:

- Five transport projects approved in the 2nd call

- The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region - a common vision for development

- State aid & extension stage

- Strategic project: Bioenergy promotion

Click here to download the newsletter.

News from the Baltic Sea Region Programme

Find out about the closing of the BSR second call for proposal in the latest BSR newsletter which is now online. Topics covered include:

- 85 applications received in the 2nd call
- Project duties after approval
- How to designate a first level controller
- Strategic project: EfficienSea

Click to download the newsletter or go to the Programme website. 

Newcomers to CBC cooperation introduced to the Black Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme

Regions new to cross border co-operation were among the locations for eight RCBI Information events for the Black Sea Basin held in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in late January early February 2009.

One event was held in Georgia, two in each of Armenia and Moldova and three in Ukraine. A further event is expected to be held later in Poti, Georgia.

As well as receiving information about the programme and the coming call for proposals, participants had the opportunity to start identifying which of their regional needs matched the programme priorities.

A hot topic at the event was how to find partners or how organisations can be found by EU partners. Participants were encouraged to register themselves as partners in the RCBI partners database and to search for partners on the BSB Programme website.

Click on the dates below for the agenda and materials presented at each event.

Georgia:

Tbilisi: 29 January 2009

Ukraine:

Donetsk: 2 February 2009

Sevastopol: 3 February 2009

Kherson: 5 February 2009

Armenia

Yerevan: 5 February 2009

Gyumri: 6 February 2009

Moldova:

Chisinau: 10 February 2009

Edinets: 11 February 2009

Lots of Interest in Ukraine in the HSRU ENPI CBC Programme

There is a lot of interest in Ukraine for the Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine ENPI CBC Programme. The number of participants at recent RCBI Information Events exceeded organisers' expectation. Events were held in regions eligible for the programme, Ivano-Frankivsk on 26 January and Uzhgorod on 27 January 2009 and included participants from Chernivtsy which is an adjoining region.

The events were attended by representatives of the Programme Management from Hungary and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine which acts as the National Contact Point for the ENPI CBC programmes.

Participants received information on the Programme and the coming Call for Proposals and interactive sessions gave them the opportunity to clarify issues directly with the programme management.

RCBI Project Preparation events will be held in the same regions as soon as the Call for Proposal is announced.

Click on the dates below for the agenda and materials presented at each event.

26 January, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

27 January, Uzhgorod, Ukraine

Review of BSR Programme Conference 2008 now available

The review of the Baltic Sea Region Programme Conference 2008 held in Tallin on 26 November 2008 is now available on the BSR website. The review includes selected photos, quotes from the speakers and summaries of the panel discussions.

MSB's Second Joint Monitoring Committee approves Application Pack for first call

The entire Application Pack, containing the text of the call for proposals, application form, budget, guidelines for applicants, grant contract and related annexes, was approved by representatives from 14 Mediterranean Member States and Partner Countries in Aqaba at the Mediterranean Sea Basin's second Joint Monitoring Committee on 14-16 February 2009.

As a result of this work, the first Call for Proposals is now expected at the end of February 2009.

For more information click here. 

Four programmes held their first JMC Meetings in November and December 2008

Four Programmes held their first Joint Monitoring Committee meetings in November and December 2008. They are the Mediterranean Sea Basin (5-6 November) Black Sea Basin, Romania-Ukraine-Moldova and Hungary-Slovakia-Romania-Ukraine (16, 17 and 19 December respectively) Programmes. In general, the JMC meetings approved work programmes and work plans, the TA budget, the JMC rules of procedure and the communication plans.

Second JMC, to approve the Application Packs, are expected for each programme in January and February 2009.

BSR INTERREG III B Programme and the BSR Programme 2007-2013 Newsletter November 2008

The latest Baltic Sea Region Programme newsletter has been published. It is the last newsletter for the Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B Programme, and it puts the spotlight on the achievements of the Programme which will close at the end of this year.

Highlights in the newsletter include:

- 24 projects approved in the 1st call

- How to design a successful transnational project: lessons learned

- 2nd call & support to the applicants

- BSR INTERREG III B Programme achievements

- Programme calendar

For the newsletter and more information about the Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 and the 2nd call for project applications (19 January - 31 March 2009) please visit the Programme website.

First Mediterranean Sea Basin RCBI Information Events held in six Mediterranean Partner countries

The first RCBI information events for the Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme first call for proposals have been held in Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian Authority territories, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt. Local eligible actors at the events were able to learn about ENPI CBC, the Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme, the coming call for proposals and finding partners.

Events were held in Amman, Jordan - 16 November; Al Aqaba, Jordan - 18 November; Tel Aviv, Israel - 19 November; Ramallah in the Palestinian Authority territories - 20 November 2008; Beirut, Lebanon - 25 November; Lattakia, Syria - 27 November; Ismailiyah, Egypt - 1 December; Alexandria, Egypt - 3 December 2008.

For the agenda and materials presented at the information events, click on the location of the event above.

A further event is planned for Tunis in Tunisia.

Follow-up project preparation workshop will be held in all these locations in January and February 2009 after the call for proposals is launched.

All JMA staff together for the first time at RCBI training in Bucharest

Almost all JMA staff who manage the Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova (Ro-Ua-Md) and the Black Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programmes, some of them newly appointed, came together for the first time at a two-day, demand driven, specific RCBI JMA training in Bucharest on 11-12 November 2008.

 

Participants included members of the Black Sea Basin and Ro-Ua-Md JMA, the Ro-Ua-Md JTS Branch Offices and those responsible for the National Control System for both programmes including representatives from the Romanian Internal Audit Directorate, Payments Directorate, Legal Department and the Economic and Financial Department.

 

Examples of "audit trails" and risk analyses, monitoring at programme level , management of irregularities, management structures, management of TA funds, organisation of the first JMC, financial flows EC - JMA and what can and cannot be told to potential applicants were some of the issues addressed.

Click here for the agenda and materials presented at the event.

Delegates from 13 countries briefed prior to the Mediterranean Sea Basin first Joint Monitoring Committee meeting

Representatives from 13 countries took part in a briefing delivered by RCBI in Cagliari, Italy on 4 November prior to the Mediterranean Sea Basin first Joint Monitoring Committee meeting held on 6-7 November. People from EU Mediterranean Countries and Mediterranean Partner Countries took part in the event which covered topics such as, the aims of the first JMC meeting, the roles of each programme management structure, the procedures and JMC responsibilities for the first call for proposals and the project selection process.

This first JMC meeting adopted the JMC rules of procedure, approved the Programme Work Plan for 2008-2009 which includes the timing for calls for proposals, and the Communication Plan. The provisional budget was also approved along with the Terms of Reference and recruitment procedures for the Joint Technical Secretariat and Branch Office staff. The draft guidelines for applicants and application form were presented for comment and are expected to be approved at the next JMC to be held in December.

Click here for the agenda and materials for the RCBI briefing.

Kolartic JMA and Branches together for a specialised training in Lulea

Representatives from the branch offices in Murmansk (Russia), Luleå (Sweden) and Vadsø (Norway) as well as JMA staff took part in an RCBI training focused on the organization of calls for proposals, project selection and contracting, and financial management and auditing. The practical and interactive workshop facilitated, in particular, the development of the relevant documents such as the application pack which need to be ready for the first JMC meeting.

The training was delivered by RCBI Key experts Franck Sottou and Karine Leroy on the 16 and 17 October 2008. Click here for the agenda and materials presented at the event.

24 projects approved in first Baltic Sea Region programme Call for Proposals

27 October 2008

The Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 Monitoring Committee approved 24 transnational cooperation projects at its meeting in Copenhagen on 23-24 October 2008. Around 66.1 Million Euro or 29.8% of the total available EU/Norwegian programme co-financing was allocated. The approved projects involve around 443 project partners from 11 countries in the Baltic Sea area. In total 110 project applications were received in the 1st call which closed on 30 May 2008. Click here for a media release with more details and the list of approved projects.

RCBI supports JMA Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme at start of new phase

After the recent adoption of the Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme (MSB) by the European Commission, this programme is entering a new phase. Soon there will be a first meeting of a Joint Monitoring Committee. Furthermore the JMA has started preparations for the launch of the first Call for Proposal which is expected at the beginning of December.

RCBI took the opportunity to support the Joint Management Authority of the MSB Programme for this new phase. In Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy), where the JMA is based, the complete JMA staff received a two day training workshop on project management structures, financial project management, auditing principles, evaluation and monitoring.

The workshop took place on 24 and 25 September and was delivered by Albert Sorrosal, RCBI Key expert Finance, Management and Control and Pam van de Bunt, RCBI Key expert Project Development and Awareness Raising. Click here for the materials presented during the event.

Specialised training for Joint Management Authorities in Poland

Warsaw 4-5 September 2008

Key national bodies from Belarus, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine, and all the Polish national bodies involved in the management of the Lithuania-Poland-Russia and Poland-Belarus-Ukraine ENPI CBC Programmes, took part in RCBI specialised training in Warsaw on 4 September 2008. The Kaliningrad Regional Authority was also represented.

More than 30 people took part in the event which explored in depth topics such as the development of guidelines for applicants, and the interface between ENPI CBC and PraG, the guidelines which must be used for implementing projects.

A follow up training was held the next day specifically for 14 staff from the Polish national bodies which have a key role in the management of the two programmes

Training was delivered by RCBI key experts, Franck Sottou, Albert Sorrosal and Veronica Vann in conjunction with representatives from the EC Delegations to Russia and Ukraine, Natalia Zabrodotskaya and Dzmitry Korbut.

Click here for the agenda and materials presented at the event.

ENPI CBC briefing in Tunis

More than 65 national and local officials and representatives from academic institutions and development agencies took part in an ENPI CBC briefing/training in Tunis from 2-4 July 2008. The event was organised by the Ministry of Development and International Cooperation with contributions from RCBI Key experts, Karine Leroy and Albert Sorrosal.

Participants were given information on ENPI CBC, Programme Priorities and management structures, eligible regions, applicants and activities and procedures for applying for funding and project selection. For more information, click here for the agenda and materials presented at the event (in French). 

Consulting Environmental Stakeholders in Belarus

20 people from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and territorial subdivisions, local authorities, NGOs, and research and scientific institutions took part in a consultation held in Minsk on 19 June 2008 as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus Programme.

 

The event was also attended by representatives from the Programme Joint Management Authority from the Ministry of Interior, Lithuania.

 

At the event, people commented on the SEA Environmental Report and draft programme. They also received information on ENPI CBC opportunities, and the support available from RCBI.

 

A wide range of comments were received and will be taken into account in the finalisation of the programme.

 

Click here for more information on the Programme.

109 applications received in the Baltic Sea Region first Call for Proposals

109 project applications, requesting €373m in total, were submitted under the Baltic Sea Region Programme first Call for Proposals which closed on 30 May 2008. Of these, 86 applications involved partners from Belarus (14 projects) and/or from Russia (84 projects). More information about the outcomes of the first call, click here for the June issue of the BSR newsletter.

Informing people in Belarus and Russia about the Baltic Sea Region Call for Proposals

Pskov, Novgorod, Minsk, Petrosavodsk, Kaliningrad - March-April 2008

More than 275 people in regional areas of Russia and Belarus were given information on how they can participate in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) Programme's first call for proposals. Events were held in Pskov, Novgorod, Minsk, Petrosavodsk, and Kaliningrad during March and April 2008. Participants heard about the success of the previous BSR INTERREG III B Neighbourhood Programme, learned about the new BSR programme, and received information on priorities and eligibility requirements for the open Call for Proposals. People were also introduced to RCBI and had the opportunity to ask questions and receive more information in one on one meetings with the BSR Secretariat and RCBI experts.

For information on the BSR Programme and the Call for Proposals, follow the links in the story below.

Photos

Above right: Kaliningrad participants hear about the opportunities under the BSR Programme

Below right: RCBI expert Sergey Balenev at one of several individual meetings in Kaliningrad

Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007 - 2013: New partnership opportunities for Russian and Belorussian regions

St Petersburg - 16-17 April 2008

More than 500 potential beneficiaries and others attended a Baltic Sea Region Programme event held in St Petersburg on 16-17 April 2008 to give information on funding opportunities under an open Call for Proposals. Participants heard about projects funded under the previous programme, received information on the new programme and had the opportunity to receive practical help on developing projects and finding partners. The event ended with a 'Partner Search Cafe' and individual consultations with BSR project managers and RCBI country specific experts, Sergey Balanev and Georgui Baranets.

Click here for the event agenda and presentations.
Click here for the presentation by RCBI Team Leader, Veronica Vann. The presentation includes information on the other programmes in which Russia and Belarus participate.

The Call for Proposals will close on 30 May 2008. Click here for more information on the Call and how to apply. People in Russia and Belarus wanting to ask questions about the opportunities to participate in the Call can contact the Programme secretariat, or the RCBI experts Sergey.Balanev@rcbi.info (Russia) or Georgui Baranets@rcbi.info (Belarus).

Informing and Consulting Stakeholders

Mediterranean Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme 2007-2013

Cairo - 9 September 2007, Amman - 10 September 2007 and Tel Aviv - 25 November 2007

To see the outcomes of the meetings click on Cairo, Amman or Tel Aviv.

Click here to read the article "EU's commitment to support areas around the Mediterranean with the framework of Cross border Cooperation Programme" in Arabic (Al Rai - The Opinion - page 3, 11 September 2007, Amman, Jordan).

Seminar "The European Union is 50. Integration in the ENP Area. From TACIS to ENPI"

Yerevan - 18-19 November 2007.

CBC featured in a seminar on the ENP held recently in Armenia. Click here for the presentation by Sorina Canea from the JMA Black Sea Basin ENPI CBC Programme, Marianna Puntea from the JTS for the Romania-Moldova NP and Veronica Vann from RCBI.

4th Annual All Russia Forum of Strategic Planning Leaders

St Petersburg - 18-19 October 2007

 

For more information in Russian, please click here.

INTERACT Seminar

ENPI CBC Programme implementation 2007-13

Brussels - 18-19 September 2007

 

A two day conference focused on defining the best management practises for the localised implementation of decentralised programmes in external border cooperation by creating common understanding how the programme and project management can be best implemented. Participatory intensive workshops gave participants the opportunity to have a detail exchange of information on management aspects of ENPI CBC including application of the PraG (the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EC external actions) in the specific context of CBC.

 

Fore more information, please visit also the INTERACT website.

United by Borders

INTERREG IIIA Priorities of the Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B Neighbourhood Programme

 

Riga - 24-25 September 2007

 

Click here to see the "United by Borders" Programme Conference Newsletter