ENI CBC in motion – May 2017
The calm before the storm? April has been a somewhat quiet month in ENI CBC, but do not be misled. There is plenty of action gradually gaining momentum along the EU external borders, and the forecast for the months of May and June is just thrilling!
Calls for proposals, but not only
First comes first, congratulations to our colleagues from Kolarctic for the 42 proposals received in the first call! The majority of applications tackle environmental issues, and the highest number of lead partners comes from Finland. Building on the successful outcome, the month of May will see the organisation of 6 trainings for beneficiaries invited to the second stage of the 1st call for proposals of Poland-Belarus-Ukraine. With the calls of Estonia-Russia extended until 5 May and those of Karelia and Black-Sea-Basin running respectively until 11 and 31 May, in this issue of the bulletin we will cast light on a totally different process.
Large infrastructure projects funded through direct award are a distinctive feature foreseen in 10 ENI CBC programmes, and the pre-identified projects cover not only the usual fields related to modernisation of cross-border crossing points and road infrastructure, but make it also possible to ensure power supply in isolated arctic settlements, improve railway connectivity, reduce pollution in lakes and coastal areas and recycle waste from livestock activities. Out of the 60 project summaries received, nearly half of them have already been approved by the European Commission, and in 4 programmes this first phase has been fully completed. Work is already underway concerning the preparation of the full application forms and trainings for beneficiaries under the Estonia-Russia, Poland-Belarus-Ukraine and Poland-Russia programmes have taken place in late April. We are eager to know more about these projects!
The countdown to the launching of the calls for proposals in several programmes has started and we are sure that in our June bulletin we will be able to let you know about new funding opportunities.
Behind the scenes
It is not the sexiest of topics, but proper management and control systems are an inescapable milestone in ENI CBC. Several programmes have solidly advanced during the month of April in the preparation of the necessary descriptions, some of which have now been finalised and submitted to the Joint Monitoring Committees for approval, prior to undergoing scrutiny by the Audit Authorities. This is a really positive step ahead!
While we write, an intense three-days training is being delivered by TESIM experts in Palermo for the Italy-Tunisia programme. We welcome back our colleagues from the Joint Technical Secretariat! And, still southbound, if you are tempted to have working experience in Valencia, remember that vacancies for the Western Branch Office of the Mediterranean Sea Basin are open, and that the deadline for applying is 5 May!
Well, all in all, April was not as quiet as we thought!
For further news on specific issues, please visit the relevant section(s) of the website.