ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME 2009 FOR GRANTS

of Joint Managing Authority of Estonia-Latvia-Russia Cross Border Cooperation Programme within European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 2007-2013

1. Basic act and Financing source

Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument;

Decision of the European Commission No C(2008) 8332 of 17 December 2008 adopting the Estonia-Latvia-Russia Cross Border Cooperation Programme within European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 2007-2013 (hereinafter – Programme).

Financed by European Community funding (budget line No 19 08 02 01 and 19 08 02 02).

2. Objectives of the Programme, priorities for year 2009 and expected results

The global objective of the Programme is to promote joint development activities for the improvement of the region’s competitiveness by utilising its potential and beneficial location in the cross roads between the European Union and the Russian federation.

The specific objective of the Programme is to make the wider border area an attractive place for both its inhabitants and businesses through activities aimed at improving the living standards and investment climate.

The Programme will be developed on the basis of the following three priorities and related measures:

Priority I: Socio-economic development

Measure 1.1 Fostering of socio-economic development and encouraging business and entrepreneurship;

Measure 1.2 Transport, logistics and communication solutions

Measure 1.3 Tourism development.

Priority II: Common challenges

Measure 2.1 Joint actions aimed at protection of environment and natural resources;

Measure 2.2 Preservation and promotion of cultural and historical heritage and support of local traditional skills;

Measure 2.3 Improvement of energy efficiency and promotion of renewable energy sources.

Priority III: Promotion of people to people cooperation 

Measure 3.1 Development of local initiative, increasing administrative capacities of local and regional authorities.

Measure 3.2 Cooperation in spheres of culture, sport, education, social and health;

Each measure will be implemented through different types of cross border joint actions such as among others research and innovation activities, promotion of networks, exchange and transfer of know-how, training, awareness raising campaigns, etc. (Further details can be found in the Programme and Guidelines for Grant Applicants).

3. Eligibility conditions

Applicants must be located (have their legal address) in the Programme area as defined in the Programme.

The Programme funding up to a limit of 20% may be used for financing the expenditure incurred by the partners from adjoining areas in Estonia and Latvia.

Different types of actors can participate in the Programme: national, regional and local public authorities, associations of these, public equivalent bodies and associations formed by these, NGOs and other non-profit making bodies, educational organizations as well as certain types of small or medium sized enterprises (only within priority 1). More detailed definition of eligible partners can be found in the Programme.  

Partnerships should include a minimum of two partners of which at least one from Republic of Estonia or Republic of Latvia and one from Russian Federation.

Additional information will be available once the Guidelines for Grant Applicants for the 2009 call for proposals are published.

4. Selection and award criteria

The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with:

The Programme;

The Guidelines for Grant Applicants approved by the Joint Monitoring Committee;

Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument;

Commission Regulation (EC) No 951/2007 of 9 August 2007 laying down implementing rules for cross-border cooperation programmes financed under Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument;

The procedures set out in the Practical Guide to Contract procedures for EC external actions.

5. Maximum rate of Community financing

The Community financing rate of ENPI funds for Priorities I - III shall be up to 90% of total eligible project expenditure. In case of private enterprises, the Community financing rate may be up to 50% of total eligible project expenditure.

6. Schedule of calls for proposals

Expected date for the launch of call for proposals depends on date of signing the Financing Agreement between the European Commission and the Russian Federation.

The Call for Proposals will be published on the Programme’s website: www.estlatrus.eu

7. Indicative amount of calls for proposals

1st Call for Proposals shall be for EUR 10 749 314.  Accordingly, funding for priority 1 shall be EUR 4 299 725 (40%), priority 2 – EUR 4 299 725 (40%) and for the priority 3 – EUR 2 149 864 (20%).