WORK PROGRAMME FOR GRANTS of the European Union represented by the European Commission, DG NEAR, Regional Cooperation and Programmes Unit

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1 WORK PROGRAMME FOR GRANTS 2015 of the European Union represented by the European Commission, DG NEAR, Regional Cooperation and Programmes Unit Agreement with the European Investment Bank for the management of the EDIF TA Pillar 1. Basic act and Financing source Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 of 17 July 2006 establishing an Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) (OJ L 210, , p. 82.) Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The need for a single manager responsible for the TA/Supervisory Pillar coordination and operational implementation has been stressed since the launch of EDIF in December 2012 and outlined in the EDIF Terms of Reference. This action further specifies the tasks and responsibilities of the pillar manager with particular reference to the process of preparation, selection, approval, delivery and coordination of TA actions. Having a single interlocutor for the EDIF support services will benefit the platform in terms of efficiency, coherence and consistency in the deployment of TA resources. The project will result in improved coordination of TA and Support Services to governments and companies in the area of Private Sector Development at the regional, Western Balkans, level. Direct award to EIB The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide. 100% Direct award Q EUR 2,500,000 Page 1 of 2

2 Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (1PAII). Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The objective of the Action is to strengthen capacities, networking and partnership development for agriculture, rural and economic development of rural cross-border areas in order to accelerate the EU accession process of the Western Balkans and the proper implementation of EU policies. Priority is given to the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders including local administration, the private sector and civil society as well as other relevant regional bodies so as to create the necessary framework conditions to bring along overall economic development and private sector investments in rural crossborder areas. This is to be achieved through the promotion of Area Based development (ABD) approach to facilitate sustainable growth in defined geographical areas of cross-border regions, in particular rural areas characterized by specific complex development problems. Main expected results are related to the enhancement of the political and policy discussion on the subject among the participating IPA II Beneficiaries, the development of analysis and strategic planning of cross-border areas as well as of project proposals for economic and rural development. In addition the action also aims at improving the conditions for sustainable use of natural resources and environmental protection at the designated border areas. The action will be implemented by means of a direct grant awarded to the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) in South Eastern Europe (SWG) with a duration of two calendar years on the basis of Article 190(l)(f) of the rules of application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. RRD SWG is a particular type of body with relevant technical competence and has been involved since the beginning in the development of ABD programmes and continues to be an informed and active participant of the entire evolution of this process. Direct award to the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) in South Eastern Europe (SWG) 100% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount EUR Page 2 of 2

3 WORK PROGRAMME FOR GRANTS 2015 of the European Union represented by the European Commission, DG NEAR, Regional Cooperation and Programmes Unit and Thematic Support, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) No 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results Reform of the Public Administration is a key aspect of the EU Enlargement Strategy and a key condition for successful modernisation and delivery of services to the public. OECD/SIGMA contributes to strengthen public administrations in the Western Balkans and Turkey and build up administrative capacities for the adoption and correct implementation of the Union "acquis" so as to create adequate conditions for the integration of the Beneficiaries into the EU. SIGMA assistance encompasses several aspects of democracy, good governance and public administration reforms, such as civil service and public administration organisation and functioning, policy making, PAR coordination, public finance management and Audit and public procurement. The Action will achieve improved performance by beneficiaries through a stronger focus on how reforms can be taken forward, implemented and assessed. Article 190 (l)(f) of the Rules of Application, since a particular type of body on account of its technical competence and its high degree of specialisation is required. Direct award to OECD/SIGMA. 98.4% Direct Award: Q Total amount: EUR 18,306,122; EU contribution: EUR 18,000,000. Page 1 of 4

4 Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) No 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The Action will strengthen the cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and will provide targeted technical assistance for the implementation of country-specific policy guidance issued in the context of the enhanced economic governance approach and based on country-specific needs supporting the implementation of public financial management reform priorities in the beneficiaries. Article 190 (l)(f) of the Rules of Application, since a particular type of body on account of its technical competence and its high degree of specialisation is required. Direct award to IMF. 100% Direct Award: Q Total amount: EUR 8,000,000 Page 2 of 4

5 Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) No 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results Trade facilitation and liberalisation in the Western Balkans remain important objectives for the EU, in the context of the economic modernisation of these economies and their abilities to face competitive pressures. The action will co-finance the regular functioning of the CEFTA Secretariat, which has a key driving role in the liberalisation process. The CEFTA Secretariat will provide technical and administrative support to the CEFTA Joint Committee and to any subcommittee, expert group or other body established by the Joint Committee. The CEFTA Secretariat shall also coordinate with the implementation of SEE2020 Strategy. Article 190 (l)(f) of the Rules of Application, since a particular type of body on account of its technical competence and its high degree of specialisation is required. Direct award to the CEFTA Secretariat (operating grant). 44.5% Direct Award: Q Total amount: EUR 1,890,300; EU contribution: EUR 840,300. Page 3 of 4

6 Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) No 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results In order to better support negotiations among the CEFTA Parties and the smoothly implementation of the Agreement, the Action will strengthen the institutional and technical capacities of the CEFTA Structures through secondment of national experts from the CEFTA Parties to the Secretariat and the development of the CEFTA Management Information System. In addition, the CEFTA Secretariat will provide technical assistance for the implementation of the Agreement in areas where specific technical knowledge on trade and investment is needed and will strengthen consistencies between trade related initiatives in the region, the CEFTA agenda and the SEE 2020 strategy. Article 190 (l)(f) of the Rules of Application, since a particular type of body on account of its technical competence and its high degree of specialisation is required. Direct award to the CEFTA Secretariat (action grant). 100% Direct Award: Q Total amount: EUR 2,579,700 Page 4 of 4

7 WORK PROGRAMME FOR GRANTS 2015 of the European Union represented by the European Commission, DG NEAR, Regional Cooperation and Programmes - Unit D7 Annual Multi-country Action Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The action is supporting EU Agencies by allowing them to carry out preparatory measures with the Beneficiaries and stakeholders in view of their future participation in these EU Agencies upon membership or earlier. The support aims as well at knowledge transfer and capacity building in the area of expertise of the EU Agencies. The following Agencies are awarded a grant: 1) European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction EUR ) European Institute for Gender Equality EUR ) European Aviation Safety Agency EUR ) European Railway Agency EUR ) European Maritime Safety Agency EUR ) European Food Safety Authority EUR ) European Chemicals Agency EUR ) European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control EUR ) European Environment Agency EUR ) Eurofound EUR ) European Occupational Health and Safety Authority EUR 41C o Expected results are established and effective networks between EU agencies and an increase in the availability of relevant data (environment, drug monitoring) or enhanced security (transport agencies) or increased participation in society (E1GE). Furthermore, an increased protection against transmissible diseases, safer food and competitiveness are targeted by the action. Direct award to the EU Agencies Award of a direct grant to each of the EU agencies as the implementation of the actions require a particular type of body on account of its technical competence and its high degree of specialisation (Article 190 (l)(f) of the Rules of Application). 100% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q1/Q Indicative amount Total amount: EUR 4,460,000 Page lof 15

8 Annual Multi-country Action Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The objective of the Action is to strengthen the capacity of authorities in Western Balkans and Turkey to search, seize and confíscate cybercrime proceeds and prevent money laundering on the Internet. This is to be achieved through seven expected results related to public reporting systems, legislation, interagency cooperation, risk management and guidelines for financial sector entities, public/private information sharing, judicial training and international cooperation. The Action will be implemented following the conclusion of a direct Grant Contract with Council of Europe (CoE), based on Article 190 (l)(f) of the rules of application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 on account of its technical competence and high degree of specialisation on cybercrime legislation. In fact, with the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and the Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism, the CoE has two instruments that are most relevant for the beneficiaries in the cybercrime area. Moreover, the CoE has the necessary expertise in the subject-matter not only with respect to cybercrime and money laundering but also the specific field of criminal money flows on the Internet. The CoE successfully implemented the CyberCrime@IPA joint project which prepared the ground for the present Action. The CoE will start activities without delay given the ground work already done and tools and the network of counterparts already available. With the Cybercrime Programme Office (C-PROC) - in addition to external offices in most of the beneficiaries - the CoE has the infrastructure for cost-efficient implementation of multicountry actions on cybercrime. Direct award to Council of Europe 100% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount EUR 5,000,000 Page 2 of 15

9 Annual Multi-country Action Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The objective of the Action is to measure and assess organised crime in the Western Balkans, and to develop and implement a framework for quantifying and analysing organised crime and mechanisms to monitor it in the beneficiaries. This framework will be based on reliable data and a set of common benchmarking systems available in the Rule of Law area for evidence-based policy-making and monitoring progress in a comparable manner across the beneficiaries. The Action will be implemented following the conclusion of a direct Grant Contract with United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC), based on Article 190 (l)(f) of the rules of application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 on account of its technical competence and high degree of specialisation. UNODC has particular competencies in coordinating and facilitating the development of benchmarks, methodologies and approaches for a global, experience-based assessment of organised crime and corruption. Direct award to United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime 90.9% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q EUR 2,000,000 Page 3 of 15

10 Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The specific objective of the Action is to build capacity of the national prosecutors and young professional of post-yugoslav countries to carry out effective war crimes investigations and trials at national level and improve cooperation among the national prosecutors' offices. The action has three intended effects: firstly, the formal and on-the-job training for Visiting National Prosecutors (VNPs) and Visiting Young Professionals (VYPs) represent a direct investment in their knowledge and skills. Secondly, the Visiting National Prosecutors act as contact points for their domestic offices, increasing greatly the efficiency and quality of searches for evidence material through requests for assistance. Thirdly, the Action provides participants - legal professionals from the region - with possibilities for cooperation and networking opportunities. Visible cooperation between prosecutors' offices in the region is of crucial importance. When national prosecutors cooperate as professionals they give a very strong message to their respective communities: that everyone's rights will be respected and that rule of law will prevail. As a result, effective investigations and prosecution of war crimes will, in the long run, contribute to the rule of law, reconciliation processes and regional stability in the Western Balkans. Direct grant to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (1CTY) based on Article 190 (l)(f) of the rules of application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 on account of its technical competence and high degree of specialisation. Only the ICTY, responsible for the war crime judgements, has the technical capacity and knowledge to conduct this assignment. Direct grant to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia 100% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q EUR 500,000 Page 4 of 15

11 Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The specific objective of the Action is to strengthen regional news exchange from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Activities involve and focus around: Daily written and audio reports Weekly television program - TV Tribunal Documentary production Technical and information support to media in the Western Balkans β Synergies wiťn tne Western Balkans Τransitional Justice NGO's Video Archive Project The Action will be implemented following the conclusion of a direct grant with SENSE News, based on article 190 (l)(f), of the rules of application of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union on account of its technical competence and high degree of specialisation. Only the SENSE News Agency, who has been covering regularly and systematically all the trials and other relevant activities at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for a number of years, has the technical capacity to conduct this assignment. Direct grant to SENSE News Agency 80% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q EUR 500,000 Page 5 of 15

12 Annual Multi-country Programme Basic act and Financing source NB: respective financing decision has not yet been adopted Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: = Objectives of the project, priorities and expected results The specific objective of the Action is to have (more) witnesses of crime coming forward to denounce and report criminal acts and to collaborate with justice to get the perpetrators convicted. This because these witnesses (and of also victims) can be assured that their lives and livelihood are duly protected and secured throughout the region and abroad, thanks to a reinforced institutional capacity of the Witness Protection Units and other relevant agencies in the beneficiaries to offer protection to witnesses and collaborators of justice, before, during and after the trial, within and/or outside their territory a better inter-agency co-operation in witness protection at the national level across the beneficiaries effective compensation mechanisms for victims of crime and appropriate facilities to shelter, provide education, work, etc. as evidenced by a clear legislative framework and police and judiciary practices. The Action will be implemented following the conclusion of a Grant Contract to NI-CO - Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas Ltd who implemented phase 1 and 2 and has thus become the particular type of body on account of its technical competence, its high degree of specialisation, permitting a direct award based on article 190 (1) (f) RAP. Financing in full is essential since it is in the interests of the European Union to be the sole donor of this action, in particular to ensure visibility of this action. Direct award to Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas Ltd 100% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount EUR 5,000,000 Page 6 of 15

13 Civil Society Facility and Media Programme Support to regional thematic networks of civil society organizations 1. Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results To empower civil society and media organisations from the Western Balkans and Turkey to be effective and independent actors on issues relevant to freedom of expression and association with capacity to influence policy and decision making processes. The programme will finance mainly the constitution and/or consolidation of cross-country thematic network of civil society organizations through long-term grants. The thematic priorities for 2015 will be defined ;.Γ έ the Guidelines for applicants. In addition to the standard eligibility conditions for call for proposals under IPA, to be eligible the applicant must be based in one of the beneficiary countries and be active' in and/or group CSOs from at least four of the seven IPA Beneficiaries in the Western Balkans and Turkey. CSOs from EU Member States could be co-applicants of the actions. The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions. 90% Call for proposals launch: Q Indicative amount of call for proposals EUR 16,100,000 1 To be active in a country includes: having offices, being registered, having implemented recently and/or at present activities in a given country. Page 7 of 15

14 Civil Society Facility and Media Programme Operating grants for Civil Society Organizations 1. Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results To empower civil society and media organisations from the Western Balkans and Turkey to be effective and independent actors on issues relevant to freedom of expression and association with capacity to influence policy and decision making processes. This is a follow-up programme to the Call for Proposals EuropeAid/136034/DH/ACT/Multi and it is meant to award a new operational grant to support the second year of activities of the CSOs that were successful in the initial call. In addition to the standard eligibility conditions for call for proposals under IPA, to be eligible the applicant must be based in one of the beneficiary countries and be active in and/or group CSOs from at least four of the seven IPA Beneficiaries in the Western Balkans and Turkey. CSOs from EU Member States could be co-applicants of the actions. The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions. 90 / в No new call for proposals will be open since the grants will be a follow up of the operating grants awarded with the Call for Proposals EuropeAid/136034/DH/ACT/Multi. 7. Indicative amount of call for proposals EUR 1,400,000 Page 8 of 15

15 Civil Society Facility and Media Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results The project will support the Council of Europe in implementing activities aimed at obtaining judiciary acting in conformity with article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights as well as a reformed and professional Public Service Media ensuring content pluralism in an independent and accountable manner. The expected results are: 1. Independent and professional regulators preserve media pluralism and prevent unfair competition in media market 2. Judiciary acting in conformity with article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights 3. Reformed and professional Public Service Media ensure content pluralism in an independent and accountable manner Direct award to the Council of Europe (CoE) Direct award 90% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount of the grant EUR 2,500,000 Page 9 of 15

16 Civil Society Facility and Media Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results The project will support UNESCO, in partnership with international media CSOs and local selfregulatory bodies, in implementing activities aimed at increasing the public demand for quality media through Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and for improving internal governance and transparency of media outlets. The expected results are: 1. Public demand for quality media is increased and citizens are empowered through Media and Information Literacy (MIL) to better understand the role of online and offline media 2. Improved internal governance and transparency within media outlets through the implementation of internal rules, labour standards and enforcement of ethical codes 3. Media accountability towards users increased thanks to efficient and sustainable self-regulation mechanisms and the inclusion of professional standards in the basic education of journalists Direct award to UNESCO Direct award 90% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount of the grant EUR 1,500,000 Page 10 of 15

17 Civil Society Facility and Media Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results The objective of the project is to offer advocacy and institutional support in order to complete the transition of the Initiative for RECOM from the civil to the political level. To this aim the project will coordinate the functioning of the different bodies of the Initiative (Assembly, RECOM regional Council); facilitate the interstate efforts to participate in the process; support the organization of public debates, press conferences, etc. The project will also support RECOM in fulfilling its core mandate, namely completing the empirical research related to the list of victims, concentration camps and other places of detention. The expected results are: 1. Post-Yugoslav countries established a RECOM interstate Commission in cooperation and consultation process with their civil societies 2. Researching and documenting human losses and detention sites during the war in Kosovo; the war in Croatia; in Bosnia and Herzegovina and during the NATO bombing of FR of Yugoslavia is completed Direct award to the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) coordinating the Coalition for RECOM Direct award. 90% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount of the grant EUR 700,000 Page 11 of 15

18 Civil Society Facility and Media Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results The programme aims at enhancing the capacities of CSOs to better monitor the realisation of children's rights, in particular with regard to the protection of children from violence and the social inclusion of children with disabilities. Any differences between girls and boys relating to these issues will be addressed. The expected results are: 1. Mechanisms for identifying and responding to violence against children and ensuring social inclusion of children with disabilities are in place 2. Data on child victims of violence and children with disabilities is available. Direct award to UNICEF and EDF (European Disability Forum). Direct award. 90% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount of the grant EUR 5,000,000 Page 12 of 15

19 Annual Multi-country Action Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results This project is part of a programme aiming at developing and rendering operational support to comprehensive migration management systems in the IPA II Beneficiaries. More precisely, the project will support FRONTEX in implementing activities that seek to improve the capacity of IPA II Beneficiaries to offer a protection-sensitive response to mixed migration flows by strengthening identification mechanisms and therefore allowing for the adequate linking of the correctly identified group of migrant to the relevant national referral mechanism. The programme will further aim to enhance information exchange mechanisms and build up mechanisms for non-voluntary return solutions. The expected results are: 1. Identification of mixed migration flows at first and second point of contact and within the territory as well as screening on nationalities improved 2. Identification is linked to the relevant national referral systems taking into account the classification of the migrant as an irregular migrant, asylum seeker or person with other protection needs (such as unaccompanied minor, potential victim of trafficking in human beings or other) Direct award to Frontex Direct award. 100% 6. Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount of the grant EUR 5,500,000 Page 13 of 15

20 Annual Multi-country Action Programme Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) 231/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession assistance (IPA II). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities and expected results This project is part of a programme aiming at developing and rendering operational support to comprehensive migration management systems in the IPA II Beneficiaries. More precisely, the project will support IOM in implementing activities that seek to improve the capacity of IPA II Beneficiaries to offer a protection-sensitive response to mixed migration flows by setting up effective improving mechanisms for voluntary return solutions. IOM will also be in charge to provide operational support to the overall regional programme. The expected results are: voluntary return mechanisms established at regional level and operational cooperation established with selected countries of origin Direct award to the International Organisation for Migration Direct award. 90% 6= Indicative time-schedule Direct award: Q Indicative amount of the grant EUR 2,500,000 Page 14 of 15