Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 1

Transcription

1 Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 1

2 Introduction As a Welsh MEP, I have had the opportunity to visit many of Wales s successful small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and Welsh operations of multinational companies up and down the country, as well as a number of our top Universities, met with some of our brightest young entrepreneurs and visited many of our farmers and fishermen working hard to drive our crucial agriculture and fisheries sectors. One thing that these visits have made me certain of is that Wales remains full of potential. Potential to expand already successful business models, to start-up innovative and promising new business ideas, to pioneer the use of new technology in a sector or to lead the way in a research field. Yet much of this potential often requires a small helping hand to allow it to flourish into a sustainable and profitable business. It is for this reason that I have decided to put together this basic guide to EU funding, which provides a simple overview of some of the EU funds that are available for use here in Wales. My hope is that it will give you a flavour of the types of ideas and projects that EU funding can support and that it may inspire you to seek out an EU funding opportunity that suits your needs. For as long as Wales is in receipt of such funding streams from the EU we need to ensure that they are accessed by a broad range of businesses and organisations and not just allocated to public bodies in Wales. This guide is intended as an introduction to the many types of EU funding that are available and if you are interested in any of the specific opportunities for EU funding, you should visit the relevant programmes website at the links provided. I have also suggested some useful contact points at the end of the booklet for the people and organisations in Wales who will be able to provide you with the information, support and advice you will need to make applying for EU funding a more manageable process. While many of the Funds outlined in this booklet are from the current round of funding that ends in 2013, Wales will continue to be a recipient of structural funds in the next seven year programme and most of these funds will continue in a similar way to now. However, we must ensure that this round of funding is refocused on projects and initiatives that really have the potential to drive growth, create jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of the Welsh economy. I hope that a new approach will be taken in Wales to the remainder of the funding budget for 2013 and to the next allocations made under the financial programmes following the Guilford Review into the current use of Structural Funds by the Welsh Government. In the mean-time I will continue to push in Brussels & Cardiff Bay for the simplifying of EU funding processes and for the removal of overbearing bureaucracy. Dr Kay Swinburne MEP Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 2

3 Contents 2 Introduction 4 EU Funding - what do I need to know? 5 How is EU funding administered in Wales? 6-7 Who can apply for EU Funding 8 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 9 European Social Fund (ESF) European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) funding in Wales - Atlantic Area Programme - Interreg IVC - Ireland/Wales Cross-Border Programme - Interreg IVB North West Europe Programme - URBACT II 12 Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises (JEREMIE) 12 Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) 13 European Investment Bank (EIB) 13 Investment in High-speed Broadband Agriculture and Fisheries - European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) - European Fisheries Fund (EFF) - European Maritime and Fisheries Fund What other EU funding opportunities are out there? - 7th Framework Programme (FP7) - Horizon Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) - Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) - Youth in Action - Europe for Citizens - Culture Media Media Mundus - Life + - Eco-Innovation - DAPHNE III - Health Programme - Drug Prevention and Information - PROGRESS - European Integration Fund - Marco Polo II 26 Who can help me get started? 27 Contact Kay Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 3

4 EU Funding - what do I need to know? A large percentage of the European Union's (EU) funding budget is managed by the national and regional authorities in each Member State, in the form of structural funds and agricultural subsidies. It is estimated that thus far in the current funding cycle of , over 1.88 billion pounds worth of EU structural funds have been administered by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), to a total of approximately 280 projects. The majority of the EU's remaining funding is then allocated centrally by the European Commission via a wide range of grant programmes. The European Commission awards money in the form of grants in order to implement projects or actions that support EU policies across all 27 Member States and sometimes to those countries waiting to join. Therefore, when looking to access various funding streams, it is important that both locally and centrally administered schemes are evaluated for the best fit with the funding stream objectives in order to ensure the highest rate of successful applications. In all cases, grant beneficiaries can be public or private organisations and in some cases they can be awarded to individuals. The application criteria and specific conditions of a grant will however vary dependent on the exact programme and type of funding in question, but some basic principles do tend to apply in every case: Grants can only enable a given operation to break even financially and cannot lead to a profit for their beneficiaries. Grants cannot be rewarded retroactively. Usually only one grant can be awarded for a single project. In order to align the available funding with current European priorities the Commission is required to publish annual work programmes which are available for you to view on their websites. These work programmes outline the details of all centrally administered grants that are envisaged throughout the year within the given field e.g. environment or health and will help you to establish whether a grant in your area of interest is likely to qualify. The more specific elements of the grant application procedure are then laid out in detail in the subsequent calls for proposals. Calls for proposals are the invitation to candidates to submit, within a given deadline, a proposal for action that corresponds to the objectives and required conditions outlined for the programme in question. All of the applications submitted will be evaluated, on the basis of the criteria outlined in the call for proposals and applicants will then be individually informed of the final decision regarding their proposal. In order to ensure transparency is maintained, you can view lists of the projects that have been awarded grant funding centrally during previous years on the European Commission's department websites; these lists are published annually in June. Grants are a form of complementary financing- the EU does not finance 100% of the total costs of a project. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 4

5 How is EU Funding administered in Wales? European Territorial Cooperation - To strengthen cross-border, trans-national and inter-regional cooperation across the EU. Cohesion policy accounts for the second largest proportion of the EU s long term budget, with an allocation of approximately 308 billion for The allocation of funding to foster regional prosperity through job and growth creation and to reduce the disparities between EU regions is a fundamental aspect of the work carried out by the European Union. It is of particular importance for us here in Wales as we are the recipients of different types of structural funding, including Convergence funding in the region of West Wales and the Valleys, which is reserved for regions where per capita GDP is less than 75% of the EU-27 average. Cohesion policy within the European Union is financed by three main funding programs: Wales qualifies for funding under each of these three objective criteria for West Wales and the Valleys receive EU funding under the Convergence objective and East Wales is covered by the Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective. Wales will continue to qualify in the same way during the next seven year funding period. The Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) is the Welsh Government body responsible for the delivery of EU structural funding in Wales, in line with the objectives outlined in the operational programmes. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) European Social Fund (ESF) Cohesion Fund These funds are allocated in accordance with the objectives identified for each Member State. In Wales we focus only on the ERDF and the ESF as neither Wales, nor the rest of the UK, qualify for the Cohesion Fund. The Cohesion Fund is aimed at Member States where Gross National Income per inhabitant is less than 90% of the EU average. For the period a framework of three key objectives has been outlined for the deployment of EU cohesion policy: Convergence - To promote growth-enhancing conditions and real convergence for the least developed Member States and to reduce regional disparities. Regional Competitiveness and Employment - To strengthen competitiveness and to increase employment in regions not covered by the convergence objective. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 5

6 Who can apply for EU Funding? Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) A range of opportunities for funding that include grants, loans and guarantees could be available to you if you are an SME. Funding is available directly from the European Commission in the form of the thematic grants. SMEs can usually apply for EU funding programmes if they demonstrate sustainable, value-added and transnational projects. Funding is also available indirectly via national or regional authorities and financial intermediaries. It is important to note that direct aid to SMEs is only possible in less-economically developed regions. There are also business support services available for the provision of non-financial assistance to SMEs, for example via the European Enterprise Network. The European Commission has produced its own guide to EU support programmes for SMEs which you can read online at this link: _getdocument.cfm?doc_id=7264 opportunities for students to study abroad. The COMENIUS programme is designed to provide opportunities for those in school level and secondary school level education. Leonardo da Vinci and Grundtvig focus on opportunities for those in vocational education and training & adult education respectively. The Youth in Action programme co-funds projects which reinforce active civic engagement of young people. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations It is estimated that over 1,000 million a year is allocated to NGO projects by the European Commission. NGOs are involved in many areas covered by EU policies on a non-profit basis. Funding is available to NGOs under programmes run by national or local authorities via structural funds, or via European Commission programmes. An NGO may receive two types of funding either for a concrete proposal via an Action Grant or for subsiding an organisations activities via an Operating Grant. Individuals & Young People The EU's Lifelong Learning Programme provides a number of funding opportunities for individuals and students. The ERASMUS programme prov ides Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 6

7 Public Bodies Farmers Cohesion policy is the main source of funding for local infrastructure projects and employment boosting initiatives. Money is available through programmes under the structural funds. Funding from the European Social Fund is also available to national and local administrations to strengthen their institutions and activities. The centrally administered EU programmes also offer funding opportunities for public bodies in a wide range of fields, such as employment and social solidarity via the PROGRESS programme or information technologies via the ICT Policy Support Programme. The Europe for Citizens programme also offers funding opportunities for town-twinning initiatives. Researchers Many farmers and landowners are eligible to receive direct payments from the EU. Direct payments, which are currently administered via the Single Payment Scheme in Wales, are designed to support farmer s income and they are awarded in return for farmers respecting standards of environmental protection, food safety, animal welfare and maintaining their land in good condition. Proposals to reform the EU s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which regulates the delivery of direct payments, are currently under negotiation. The European Commission has proposed that the CAP, for the period , should see the application of a new Basic Payment Scheme for the delivery of direct payments and that a proposed 30% of a payment received directly by farmers should be conditional on the meeting of specified environmental requirements. The 7th Framework Programme (FP7) is the EU's main instrument for the funding of research, with a budget of 53 billion for The European Commission have proposed to replace this FP7 programme with a financing instrument for research and innovation called Horizon 2020 for FP7, like all EU grants, is based on co-financing. The standard reimbursement rate is 50%, but in some cases some organisations can receive up to 75% funding. Certain activities may be reimbursed up to 100% of the eligible costs. Most, but not all research funding, is allocated to projects that involve scientists from more than one Member State. You can read more about the European Commission proposals for the reform of the CAP and keep up to date with the outcome of the negotiations on CAP post 2013 via the European Commission s Agriculture and Rural Development website: agriculture/cap-post-2013 Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 7

8 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) East Wales The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) finances all three of the EU s cohesion policy objectives; Convergence, Regional Competitiveness and Employment and Territorial Cooperation. The ERDF aims to strengthen the EU s economic and social cohesion, focusing on: direct aid to investments in companies (in particular SMEs) to create sustainable jobs; infrastructures linked notably to research and innovation, telecommunications, environment, energy and transport; financial instruments (capital risk funds, local development funds, etc.) to support regional and local development and to foster cooperation between towns and regions; technical assistance measures. In East Wales ERDF funding is delivered under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment programme. ERDF accounted for 72,451,721 for , this is then subject to match funding. The ERDF Regional Competitiveness and Employment Operational Programme identifies five main priorities for the allocation of ERDF Knowledge and innovation for growth -Business competitiveness and growth -Tackling climate change -Regeneration for growth -Technical assistance ht tp://e c.e uro pa.e u/r e g io na l_po licy / thefunds/regional West Wales and the Valleys In West Wales and the Valleys ERDF funding is delivered under the Convergence programme. ERDF accounted for 1,250,378,189 for , this is then subject to match funding. The ERDF Convergence Operational Programme administered by WEFO outlines six key priorities for the allocation of ERDF Building the knowledge based economy -Improving business competitiveness -Developing strategic infrastructure for a modern economy -Creating an attractive business environment -Building sustainable communities -Technical assistance Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 8

9 European Social Fund (ESF) The European Social Fund (ESF) focuses on employment, seeking to improve people s employability and job prospects across the EU. It supports actions to increase employment, including improving the employment prospects of disadvantaged groups and developing education and training, assisting people to acquire the skills they need to enter the job market and to improve their standard of living. It finances two of the EU s cohesion policy objectives; Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment. Improving skill levels and adaptability of the workforce Improving public services - Making the Connections Technical assistance East Wales In East Wales the ESF is delivered under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment programme. ESF accounted for 63,597,452 for , this is then subject to match funding. The ESF Regional Competitiveness and Employment operational programme identifies three main priorities for the allocation of ESF Increasing employment and tackling economic inactivity Raising skill levels and adaptability of the workforce Technical assistance West Wales and the Valleys In West Wales and the Valleys the ESF is once again delivered under the Convergence programme. ESF accounted for 833,585,460 for , this is then subject to match funding. The ESF Convergence Operational Programme identifies five key priorities for the allocation of ESF funding Supplying young people with the skills needed for learning and future employment Increasing employment and tackling economic inactivity Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 9

10 European Territorial Cooperation funding in Wales INTERREG IVC Programme The European Territorial Co-operation (ETC) objective is financed by the ERDF Fund with a total budget of 8.7 billion for The Territorial Co-operation objective seeks to strengthen cross-border, trans-national and inter-regional cooperation amongst EU Member State regions. Wales participates in five of the ETC programmes funded under this objective during INTERREG IVC is a Europe wide programme running from and co-financed by the EU's ERDF. The programme encourages inter-regional cooperation and facilitates the exchange of experiences between those who are responsible for the development of local and regional policies in Member States. It focuses on projects in two priority areas of regional development policy; innovation and the knowledge economy and environment and risk prevention. Atlantic Area Programme The Atlantic Area Programme is an ETC programme facilitating trans-national co-operation between Ireland, Spain, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom; focusing on providing support to 33 designated NUTS II coastal areas. The programme seeks to encourage cooperation between these five Member States for the purpose of developing territorial cohesion in the Atlantic Area and furthering the areas cohesive, sustainable and balanced territorial development. Five key priorities for the Atlantic Area have been identified: Promote transnational entrepreneurial and innovation networks Protect, secure and enhance the marine and coastal environment sustainably Improve accessibility and internal links Promote transnational synergies in sustainable urban and regional development Technical assistance Ireland/Wales Cross-Border Programme The ERDF has allocated 52.7m to the Ireland/Wales Cross-Border Programme The programme is designed to foster greater cross-border co-operation between the two countries, promoting the development of shared strategies to tackle common problems and to further the development of the cross-border region. The programme funds actions in two shared priority areas. Priority 1, Knowledge, Innovation and Skills for Growth, focuses upon job creation and competitiveness within the cross-border region. Priority 2, Climate Change and Sustainable Regeneration tackles environmental issues, addressing sustainable management of resources within the region. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 10

11 INTERREG IVB North-West Europe Programme 355m from the ERDF has been allocated to the inter-regional programme North-West Europe , a cooperation programme between eight countries, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Switzerland and Ireland. As with all of the European Territorial Co-operation programmes, the facilitation of trans-national co-operation and partnership building is central to the programme. This programme has identified four areas as priority areas for intervention: Innovation Environmental challenges Connectivity Promoting strong and prosperous communities URBACT II URBACT is the EU programme for sustainable urban development, seeking to further the EU's sustainable urban development policies through learning, networking and knowledge sharing amongst cities. The programme enables cities to work together on a wide range of urban development issues and places a strong emphasis on collecting and sharing project results and encouraging best practice sharing amongst cities. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 11

12 JEREMIE - Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises JESSICA - Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas JEREMIE is an initiative designed in collaboration between the European Commission and the European Investment Fund, it offers Member States, via a national or regional managing authority, the chance to utilise some of their structural funds to invest in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The JEREMIE fund can provide finance in the form of equity, loans or guarantees and these can then be used to support SMEs in a number of scenarios including the creation or expansion of a business, or investments in the modernisation of business activities. JEREMIE offers the advantage of additional flexibility in the utilisation of funding for Member States, facilitating the recycling of funds via reinvestment and offering the opportunity to attract additional investment from the financial sector. Wales's own JEREMIE Fund was the first of its kind in Europe and it was established in It is a 150 million fund financed by a 75m allocation from the European Investment Bank. The Fund also receives 60m from the Welsh Assembly Government via the European Regional Development Fund resources. Finance Wales (a commercial funding provider to small and medium sized businesses in Wales, owned by the Welsh Government) was selected to administer the JEREMIE Fund in Wales. At the end of 2012, 69% of the value of the fund m had already been invested. JESSICA is another of the European Union's special support instruments; however this one focuses on investment in the sustainable development and regeneration of urban areas. JESSICA provides Member States with the opportunity to allocate a proportion of their EU structural funds to urban development funds which can invest in projects or public-private partnerships which support sustainable development of urban areas. The Regeneration Investment Fund for Wales was created using the JESSICA initiative in The total Fund value is 55 million with a contribution of 25 million coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Currently the JESSICA Fund is administered by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) and it focuses on the Convergence regions in Wales. At the end of % of the total value of the fund, 13 million, had been already invested. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 12

13 European Investment Bank Funding Investment in High-speed Broadband The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the European Union's financial institution and it can offer long-term financing support to projects which further EU policy goals. In the UK, the EIB has provided loans for large -scale investment projects in a variety of sectors and looked to increase its support for SMEs via low-cost, long-term loans. Projects with a cost of over 25 million can be financed via direct loans from the EIB, whilst loans for smaller projects and small and medium sized enterprises can be financed by local partner banks. These loans can be offered at a lower-cost to borrowers and can in some cases help to attract additional external financing for projects from other sources. In Wales one example of the huge potential EIB funding has to support forward-thinking and ambitious projects, is the securing of 60 million worth of funding from the EIB by Swansea University, this money will be invested in the expansion of their campus and the development of an exciting new Science and Innovation Campus. The availability of super-fast broadband across the EU has been deemed a priority investment area for growth and economic prosperity. The UK Department of Media, Culture & Sport was recently successful in securing a major sum for UK broadband infrastructure from the EU and they have recently confirmed that 90 million of this funding is to be allocated to support the Super-fast Cymru project. The EU s ERDF fund, in cooperation with the Welsh Government, BT and the UK Government, aim to make fibre broadband available to 95 per cent of Welsh properties over the next three years. This initiative, worth 425 million, in total will begin by p r io r itising supe r - fa st broa db a nd infrastructure in enterprise and local growth zones so as to bring maximum benefit to areas of Welsh economic importance. Download speeds of up to 80Mb will become widely available in Wales under the Super-fast Cymru project, with 330Mb speeds available on-demand in some areas. This facility will make super-fast broadband available in areas which fall outside the roll-out plans of the private sector and thus place Wales in a stronger position to compete in a global market. F u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n : Kay with Pro Vice Chancellor Iwan Davies at the site of Swansea s second campus. If you would like to read more about the financing opportunities that can be made available by the EIB then you may wish to visit their website at the following link: Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 13

14 Agriculture and Fisheries Funding European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Providing support for Europe s rural environments is a key objective of the EU s agricultural policy. Europe's Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) finances rural development policy that supports healthy natural landscapes and rewards the delivery of environmental objectives and sustainable land management. The key objectives for the EAFRD are: Improving the competitiveness of the farming and forestry sectors. Improving the environment and the countryside. Improving the quality of life and encouraging diversification of the rural economy. In Wales EAFRD funding is administered by the Welsh Government, via the Rural Development Plan for Wales (a jointly funded Welsh Government and EU strategy) which covers both the convergence area of West Wales and the Valley and the non -convergence area of East Wales. The EAFRD contributes approximately million to the overall million budget of the Rural Development Plan for Wales This Rural Development Plan enables the delivery of support for rural communities and sustainable rural development policy in Wales. Rural development policy comes under what is known as the second pillar of the EU s CAP and therefore the final details of how rural development policy and the EAFRD will look post 2013 are also subject to the on-going negotiations on the reform of the CAP. environmentcountryside/ farmingandcountryside/ruraldevelopment Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 14

15 European Fisheries Fund (EFF) The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) is the financial instrument complementing the goals of the EU s Common Fisheries Policy. Its financial aid supports restructuring in the fishing industry, the protection and conservation of marine environments and the development of a sustainable fisheries sector. The EFF s five key priority areas for funding are: Measures for adjustment of the EU fishing fleet. Support for aquaculture, processing and marketing, and inland fishing. Measures of common interest. Sustainable development of fishing areas. Technical assistance. In Wales the European Fisheries Fund is administered by the Welsh Government and priorities for funding are informed by the Wales Fishing Strategy (the Government strategy for the support and development of the fisheries industry in Wales). h t t p : / / w a l e s. g o v. u k / t o p i c s / environmentcountryside/foodandfisheries/ fisheries/europeanfundforfisheries The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) fishing, as well as coastal communities in the diversification of their economies. The fund will finance projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts. Red tape will be cut so that beneficiaries have easy access to financing. How the Fund works The new Fund will be used to co-finance projects with Member States. The total budget will be allocated to the Member States based on the importance of the fisheries sector in each country. Then the principles of sharedmanagement between the Commission and the Member States will apply. Each Member State draws up an operational programme for the period, specifying how they intend to spend the money allocated to them. Once the Commission approves this programme, it is up to the Member State to decide the actual projects to be financed. Both the eligibility of the actions to support and the implementation of the programme are monitored by the Member States and the Commission. More information: ht t p : //e c.e ur o pa.e u/f ishe r ie s/r e fo rm / index_en.htm This new fund will replace the existing European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and a number of other instruments. The proposed envelope amounts to 6.5 billion for the period 2014 to will see the launch of a new fund for the EU's maritime and fisheries policies which will run until the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). The Fund will help deliver the ambitious objectives of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and will help fishermen in the transition towards sustainable Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 15

16 What other EU funding opportunities are out there? Here you can find a non-exhaustive list of alternative funding opportunities administered by the European Union. If you would like to know more about any of the grants and initiatives listed here, as the priorities for many funding streams are regularly updated it is strongly advised that you begin by visiting the programmes website at the links provided. There you will be able to view the full details and application criteria for each programme as outlined by the European Commission and establish whether it currently offers any open calls for proposals. It is important to note that as we approach the end of 2013, we also approach the end of the EU's funding window. I hope that you will use the various contact points provided here, and at the end of this booklet, to monitor the changes that the introduction of the new framework will bring to the programmes listed below and to also inform yourself of new opportunities for funding that it will present. 7th Framework Programme (FP7) FP7 is the EU's main instrument for research funding; it runs from with an overall budget of approximately 53.2 billion. Research is a high priority in Europe and the FP7 programme is designed to strengthen the scientific and technological base of our industry and encourage Europe's competitiveness, whilst generating research that supports EU policies. Despite the budget freeze for the next funding cycle, the overall research budget will be increased overall as part of the European growth and competitiveness initiative. The current research framework FP7 is made up of five specific programmes, all focusing on different research priorities: Cooperation Ideas People Capacities Nuclear research FP7 funding is allocated by the European Commission via calls for proposals in each of its five research programmes. The funding is open to a range of collaborating organisations including industrial and research organisations, companies and universities. Projects usually require a minimum participation of two independent organisations from different Member States. These requirements, along with rates of reimbursement and eligibility rules do vary in accordance with the specific research-funding scheme. The UK until very recently was not taking up as significant a proportion of these funds as could be expected given the size of our research community, as seemingly researchers were using alternative sources of research funding. However, this has now improved with predominantly English universities in particular beginning to successfully apply for large amounts of FP7 funding. Although some Welsh universities are in receipt of FP7 funding, they are under-represented and this has been the case for consecutive programmes. In particular, Welsh industrial entities seem absent in the applications and it is hoped that under Horizon 2020 this will be remedied. Meanwhile, in priority research areas, further funding is still available under this scheme and should be a target for Welsh researchers. UK FP7 contact point: cordis.europa.eu/united_kingdom/ home_en.html CORDIS, EU FP7 portal: cordis.europa.eu/home_en.html Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 16

17 Horizon 2020 The next European Union funding window, , will see the introduction of a new Horizon 2020 programme. Horizon 2020 is designed to be the financial instrument that will implement the Innovation Union, one of the flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 goals for growth and job creation. Horizon 2020 proposes to simplify the rules on European research funding and to amalgamate all funding streams related to research and innovation, including FP7 into one singular program. This programme, with the assistance of Welsh Government, needs to become an important resource for Welsh innovators and researchers whether in an industrial setting or academic institution. Negotiations on the final details of Horizon 2020 are still continuing but you can keep up to date with the development of the programme at the following link: index_en.cfm use of ICT and to support innovation activities. These resources are not being used by many Welsh entities; a missed opportunity, which will hopefully be filled once Horizon 2020, comes into being from The CIP has three operational programmes and these are designed to stimulate competitiveness and innovation within dedicated sectors. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP) Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) The CIP's main focus is improving the competitiveness of European enterprises, primarily SMEs. The programmes main goals are to provide business support services, to generate access to finance, to promote greater The EIP is an initiative designed to support the development of innovation, eco-innovation, entrepreneurship and SMEs in Europe through a range of measures. Key features of the EIP include actions to develop better access to finance, to promote entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting the improvement of innovation policy and to provide regional support to enterprises delivered via the Enterprise Europe Network. The EIP also facilitates the EU s Eco-Innovation programme, for further details please see page 23. The EIP is designed to assist enterprises in the various Member States. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 17

18 Information and Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICT-PSP) The ICT-PSP aims to facilitate the increased uptake and best practice use of innovative ICT based services by citizens, governments and businesses. The program focuses particularly on areas of public interest, aiming to remove the barriers to the development of innovative ICT based services and to encourage knowledge sharing within this field across the EU. Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) The LLP looks to foster the development of the EU as an advanced knowledge society and to promote participation for all in accessible, quality lifelong learning. The LLP aims to provide funding for all stages of lifelong learning, focusing not just on individuals, but also on trainers and the workplace. The program is designed to assist enterprises in the Member States of the EU; both public and private organisations, including SMEs, can take part in appropriate actions. The LLP consists of six key programmes: Intelligent Energy Europe Programme (IEE) In line with EU policies on energy efficiency and renewable energy, the IEE programme supports actions to further energy sustainability. The programme aims to facilitate the wider uptake of renewable energies, to improve energy efficiency and to foster compliance with the EU energy regulatory framework, as well as assisting to increase the level of investment in new and best performing technologies. The objectives of the IEE are outlined in annual work programmes, measures can include - Community financial instruments for SMEs, networks bringing together a variety of stakeholders, pilot projects, market replication, projects and other measures to support the take-up of innovation. Erasmus Erasmus is perhaps the LLP's best known initiative and it acts as the formal higher education and vocational education, arm of the programme. Erasmus facilitates opportunities for students to experience study and placement exchanges abroad. Erasmus is also for those organisations and institutions providing such education and training. It aims to improve cooperation between higher education institutions within the EU. It also supports cooperation activities between higher education institutions and businesses from different countries, and provides opportunities for staff to participate in mobility initiatives. UK: Wales: Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 18

19 Comenius Comenius is the LLP's programme for school education. As well as providing support for those in pre-school and school education right through to the end of upper secondary education, it also applies to the organisations and institutions providing this education. It aims to promote awareness and understanding of the diversity of European cultures amongst both the young people and the educational staff involved in school education. UK: comenius.htm Wales: training at tertiary level. It is also open to the organisation and institutions providing such education and training. Transversal The Transversal programme is complimentary to the four initiatives listed above, supporting the development of EU level lifelong learning with activities in key areas including policy cooperation, ICT, languages and the provision and sharing of project results within the lifelong learning field. The programme is designed for all pupils, staff and educational institutions, as well as the people and bodies responsible for education systems and policies within the Member States, at local, regional and national level. Jean Monnet Grundtvig The Jean Monnet programme focuses on the topic of European integration and it aims to encourage teaching, research and reflection on this topic in higher education institutions both within and outside of the EU. Grundtvig focuses on the teaching and study needs of those learners who are taking nonvocational adult education courses. It is also relevant for those organisations involved in the delivery of these services. Leonardo da Vinci Leonardo da Vinci is a programme aimed at those involved in vocational education and training, focusing on projects that improve mobility of training (providing opportunities to train abroad), promote innovative policies within the field of training and facilitate cooperation between organisations in the vocational education sector. The programme is available to all those involved in vocational education and training, other than advanced vocational education and It focuses on providing support to a selection of key institutions dealing specifically with the European integration process and also on supporting the existence of high-quality European wide associations in the fields of education and training. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 19

20 Erasmus for All The European Commission has proposed that the funding window will see the introduction of a new Erasmus for All framework covering initiatives in the fields of Education, Training, Youth and Sport. It would see the creation of a single integrated and simplified framework to support activities in these sectors. Negotiations on the details of the Erasmus for All programme are still on going but you can read more about the planned programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport post 2014 at the following link: Youth Support Systems - support for youth organisations and youth workers. Support for European co-operation in the youth field. Young people or groups between 15 and 30, youth workers, youth organisations and other partners working in the field of youth are eligible. Youth in Action Youth in Action is an EU programme dedicated specifically to young people. It looks to facilitate active citizenship amongst young people by promoting intercultural dialogue and facilitating mobility within Europe. The programme is built upon five actions: Youth for Europe - encouraging youth participation in democratic life. European Voluntary Service - encouraging participation in voluntary activities in another country. Youth in the World - promoting cooperation and exchanges between young people and youth organisations around the world. Europe for Citizens This programme targets local and regional authorities, municipalities and town twinning communities. It is designed to give citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever closer Europe, thus developing citizenship of the EU. It also looks to foster a sense of ownership of EU identity amongst its citizens and to develop a European identity promoting its values and achievements, as well as its cultural and linguistic diversity. Funding goes towards citizen meetings through the town twinning mechanism for example, local authorities and organisations, educational institutions and citizens' groups. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 20

21 Culture 2007 MEDIA 2007 The Culture programme for the EU ( ) aims to promote the celebration and appreciation of our shared European cultural heritage and our cultural diversity through cross-border initiatives. The programme supports actions in three key strands, support for cultural actions, support for organisations operating at European level in the field of culture and support for cooperation between organisations involved in cultural policy analysis. The programme's main objectives are: Transnational mobility of members of the cultural sector. Transnational circulation of artistic and cultural works. Fostering of intercultural dialogue. Culture 2007 supports activities in all branches of culture, excluding audiovisual for which the European Union has its own dedicated programme entitled MEDIA (please see below). Cultural operators, including cultural enterprises, can participate in the programme if they are acting in a non-profit-making cultural capacity. It is important to note that applicants to this programme must be a public or private organisation with legal status, whose principal activity is in the cultural sphere (culture and creative sectors). They must also have their registered legal seat in one of the eligible countries. UK Contact Point: about-the-eu-culture-programme/ EU Culture 2007 Website: eacea.ec.europa.eu/culture/programme/ about_culture_en.php MEDIA is an EU funding programme designed to support the audiovisual sector in the production, development and distribution of its audiovisual works. The programme looks to foster greater cooperation in the European audiovisual sector and to facilitate the increased circulation of European audiovisual works, both inside and outside of the EU. The programme also aims to create a stronger European audiovisual sector that is fully accessible to the public and that respects European cultural and linguistic diversity and the cinematographic and audiovisual heritage of the EU. The programme funds a range of activities including those relating to training and new technologies; it also supports European film festivals. Companies working in the audiovisual sector are eligible to apply to the MEDIA 2007 programme. Applicants should be registered in the EU Member States. / MEDIA Antenna Cymru (Tel: +44 (0) ) MEDIA Mundus MEDIA Mundus is the successor to the EU Preparatory Action MEDIA International. With a budget of 15m for MEDIA Mundus is designed to reinforce global cooperation between EU professionals and non European professionals, within the audiovisual sector. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 21

22 MEDIA Mundus looks to benefit audiovisual professionals from both European and non- European countries by facilitating opportunities for co-operation, information exchange and networking and by promoting the circulation of film worldwide. The programme also funds activities in areas such as training and facilitating market access for audiovisual professionals. Projects that are proposed, and also implemented, jointly by professionals from Europe and professionals from any other country can apply to MEDIA Mundus. Each project usually requires a minimum of three partners. Life + Life + is the EU funding programme dedicated to the environment and nature conservation. It supports innovative development projects with a strong emphasis on nature and biodiversity, environment policy and governance and information and communication. The Life + programme is made up of three key components: Life + Nature & Biodiversity To protect, conserve, restore, monitor and facilitate the functioning of natural systems, natural habitats, wild flora and fauna, with the aim of halting the loss of bio-diversity, including diversity of genetic resources within the EU. Life + Environment Policy & Governance Will co-finance projects that contribute to the implementation and development of community environmental policy, this includes those that seek to incorporate the environment into other policy areas for the purpose of sustainable development. Life + Information & Communication To support projects that facilitate information, communication or awareness raising on environmental protection and conservation issues, and to make information on the state and trends of the environment accessible to citizens. Eligible applicants will be public and/or private bodies, and institutions who are registered in the European Union. UK contact point: Eco-Innovation The Eco-Innovation initiative offers funding support to facilitate the market uptake of new and innovative processes, services or technologies that are beneficial to the environment. The initiative is not designed to fund research, it focuses on assisting developed environmentally friendly approaches, services or products to enter the market, so that they can be adopted by businesses or industry and then sustained and replicated. Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 22

23 Currently the following five activities are identified as the initiatives priority funding areas: Materials recycling Sustainable building projects Food and drink sector Water Greening business This initiative is open to all legal persons based in eligible countries, but it focuses on giving priority to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Daphne is open to participation from public and private organisations, local public authorities and institutions (mainly universities and research institutes) as well as NGOs, who are working to prevent violence, to protect against violence or to support victims of violence. programmes/daphne DAPHNE Toolkit: justice_home/daphnetoolkit/html/welcome/ dpt_welcome_en.html Drug Prevention and Information Programme (DPIP) The Drug Prevention and Information programme (DPIP) is the EU's only funding stream dedicated solely to projects tackling the issue of illicit drugs. DAPHNE III Daphne III builds on the policies of the EU s previous programmes (Daphne & Daphne II) and is dedicated to preventing and combating violence against children, young people and women, and seeking to protect groups at risk. Daphne III s key objective is to contribute to the fight against, and prevention of, violence in all forms, occurring in both the public and private domains. It looks to do this via a range of actions including providing support to NGO s and organisations within this field and the development of awareness raising actions. A Daphne Toolkit has been developed, which provides an archive of the projects that have been funded by Daphne, as well resources for organisations interested in Daphne funding. The programmes main objectives are: To prevent and reduce drug use, dependence and drug-related harm. To contribute to the improvement of information on drug use. To support the implementation of the EU drugs strategy. The programme supports actions which encourage EU wide co-operation and best-practice sharing on drug prevention and treatment, in the hope of improving the provision of these services, promoting awareness and understanding of the social and health problems caused by drugs and preventing / reducing drug use. This programme is aimed at public or private organisations, institutions, local authorities, university research departments, research centres and NGOs who are working in the fields of information on drug use or the reduction, prevention and treatment of drug-use. ec.europa.eu/ justice/grants/ programmes Guide to European Funding Dr Kay Swinburne, Conservative MEP for Wales 23