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1Interreg IVB North West Europe
INTERREG IVB Programme North-West Europe
INFO DAYS 1st call for proposals
All you need to know to prepare your application
Paris, Conseil régional Ile-de-France13 Septembre 2007
NWE Secretariat, Lille
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Content
1. Introduction to INTERREG IVB North West Europe2. Features of the 1st call3. Project selection procedure 4. How to apply – the content of the Application Form
Project design Project Partnership Eligibility and Selection Criteria Project Management Structure Eligibility of Project Expenditures
5. Project Implementation 6. Key references for project development
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The added value of transnational cooperation
1 Introduction to INTERREG IVB North West Europe
Find transnational solutions to problems that go beyond borders… Find efficient and innovative solutions for common problems using
knowledge from other countries and regions… Participation in transnational exchange networks… Reinforce the image, opportunity and European expertise of your
region… Build a common culture of cooperation and territorial
development… Take advantage of the significant budget for projects covering a
large and coherent geographic zone
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NWE eligible area
Only difference with IIIB:
All of Switzerland is now
participating
1 Introduction to INTERREG IVB North West Europe
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Some key figures
844,239 square km 21% of EU25 area 179 million people 39,5% of EU25 population 307 inhabitants/km2 EU25 average 118 inhabitants/km2 75% of population live in urbanised areas with more than 500 inhabitants/km2 23% of cooperation area is sparsely populated (180,000 km2)
1 Introduction to INTERREG IVB North West Europe
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Aim of the Programme
“The North West Europe Programme aims to capitalise on the cooperation between key actors to address territorial issues across the NWE area. This is in order to contribute to the NWE’s economic competitiveness while equally promoting regionally balanced and sustainable development”
Cross cutting themes To strengthen the economic competitiveness (Lisbon agenda) To increase the environmental sustainability (Gothenburg agenda) To achieve a stronger territorial balance (EU Cohesion Policy)
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Thematic Priorities for IVB NWE
Priority 1: Developing the NWE knowledge-based economy by capitalising on our capacity for innovation
Priority 2: Sustainable management of natural resources and of natural and technological risks
Priority 3: Improving connectivity in NWE by promoting intelligent and sustainable transport and ICT solutions
Priority 4: Promoting strong and prosperous communities at transnational level
1 Introduction to INTERREG IVB North West Europe
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NWE Budget
Total ERDF funding available: EUR 355 million
Maximum grant rate: 50% at partner and project level (Priorities 1-4)
Total budget: EUR 696 million +
ERDF funds are allocated per Priority
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Budget per Priority
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Priority 1 -Innovation
Priority 2 -Environment
Priority 3 -Transport & ICT
Priority 4 -ProsperousCommunities
Priority 5 -Technical
Assistance
EU
R m
illio
ns
1 Introduction to INTERREG IVB North West Europe
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Lisbon and Gothenburg focus (= whole EU regional policy)
NWE projects are expected to be more operational, demonstrate tangible results to the common benefit of all partners, beyond a mere exchange of experience : no study projects!
Demonstration that the partnership clearly capitalises on existing results (earlier EU funded projects etc) : no repetition/ duplication!
New approach on Strategic initiatives
What is new in IVB?
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Transnationality! Tangible and innovative results Impact: long-term perspective, laying the ground for further investments Types of projects: action projects, small-scale investments Integrated approach: vertical, horizontal and geographical cooperation Consistent bidding partnership
Higher quality requirements
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Check if the priorities of the Programme match your own Network transnationally through the Contact Points, seminars and
the Secretariat Register Project Idea on website Arrange meeting with the Secretariat to discuss the project (specific
advice given on content, finances and management) Calls for Proposals: Twice a year
How to get started?
1 Introduction to INTERREG IVB North West Europe
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2
Features of the 1st call
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No fixed budget Expected 1st Callers per priority:
Expected 1st callers
2 Features of the 1st Call
Number of expected projects
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
PR 1 PR 2 PR 3 PR 4
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Call opens: 17th September 2007
Call closes: 15th October 2007, 7pm
1st Programme Steering Committee Meeting: 13-14 December
Dates
2 Features of the 1st Call
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Project selection procedure
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Two calls for proposals per year Properly filled-in application form (1st call: Word and Excel documents) Official annexes (Partnership Agreement and Letters of Support)
Assessment report prepared by the SecretariatPrinciple: project development and assessment in separate handsEligibility of projects
Final decision made by the Programme Steering Committee Selection of projects to be approved Decision on conditions or major modifications
Project Selection Procedure
3 Project selection procedure
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1 Lead Partner is an organisation within the eligible area. 2 Lead Partner is a public or a public-similar organisation.3 The project is transnational: projects involve co-operating partners from
at least two different countries (one of which from the NWE area).4 Each partner is contributing to project funding.5 Each partner will be active in the development and implementation of
the joint action plan. 6 The scope of the project renders it ineligible under cross-border
programmes as mapped by the European Commission. 7 The project addresses at least one of the objectives within the priorities
defined in the Operational Programme.8 The project tackles the territorial challenges of NWE.
Eligibility Criteria (i)
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9 The following types of projects will be supported: action projects, small-scale investments, and feasibility or supporting studies where these can be linked to concrete actions. Study projects without concrete actions will not be supported.
10 The project does not receive any other Community grant and there is no double-financing of expenditure with other Community or national schemes and with other programming periods.
11 The solvency of the project Lead Partner is demonstrated or covered by a bank guarantee. The solvency of public bodies is assumed.
12 The Lead Partner confirmed that the mutual financial and legal responsibilities of the project partners have been defined in a Partnership Agreement.
13 All sections of the application form have been properly and accurately filled in, signed and submitted on time.
14 The project will be completed by 30 September 2015.
Eligibility Criteria (ii)
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15 The willingness for project partners to engage in the partnership has been fully demonstrated by a complete set of Letters of Support
16 The project does not contravene EU legislation (in particular the rules applying to the eligibility of expenditure of Structural Fund support, to competition policy, to State aid, to environmental impact assessment and to equal opportunities).
Eligibility Criteria (iii)
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I Capacity, quality and intensity of cooperationSel.1: the project involves a high level of transnational cooperation
II General approachSel.2: the project adopts an innovative approach to tackle the territorial challenges of NWESel.3: the project will promote cross-sector integration
III Overall quality: competitiveness, sustainability and cohesionSel.4: the project strengthens the economic competitiveness of NWE in response to the Lisbon
agenda for growth and jobs; it capitalises on different regional potentials for developmentSel.5: the project increases the environmental sustainability of NWE in response to the Gothenburg
agenda for more sustainable developmentSel.6:The project achieves a stronger territorial balance of NWE by reducing regional disparities
reflecting the aim of the EU Cohesion Policy
Selection Criteria (i)
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IV Durability and leverage effectSel.7: The project takes into account earlier EU-funded programmes. It represents a significant
added-value compared to already approved projectsSel.8: The bidding partnership is consistent, i.e. it brings together the relevant partners with the
capacity to deliver and make use of project resultsSel.9: The project provides good prospect for long-lasting activity and leverage for extra investment
V Management and communication strategySel.10: The project has an effective communication strategy. The results and experience acquired
by the project will be transferable and clearly communicatedSel.11: The project financial and management structure is sound and presents good prospect for a
quick start and efficient running
VI Value for moneySel.12:The individual elements of the project budget breakdown are reasonable compared to their
market priceSel.13:The project budget represents good value for money as it is proportionate to the expected
outputs and results
Selection Criteria (ii)
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How to apply – the content of the Application Form Project design Project Partnership Project Management Structure Eligibility of Project Expenditure
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Good content of a project proposal a in-depth project description (very detailed for work packages +
investments) describe the objectives and particular relevance to NWE contextualise the existing problem and show how will help address it all partners involved in the whole project throughout all stages identify and describe participants and their role describe project activities in concrete terms (clear, well-structured work
packages) describe the expected concrete results and the deliverables foreseen,
with quantified impacts and outputs limit investments – ‘pilots’ are essentially to test transnational strategy credible project budget + detailed financial plan broken down by partner
4 How to apply – the content of the Application Form
Project Design
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The Application Form
1 IN SHORT – Basic information on your project2 THE BIGGER PICTURE – In what way are you contributing to the
Programmes’ Objectives?3 WHY, WHAT and HOW? WHAT you would like to achieve and HOW
are you going to achieve it?4 WHO? WHO is going to contribute to your project?5 WHICH BUDGET? The finances of your project6 WHO needs to know WHAT? How you are going to promote your
project to your audiences?7 FORMALITIES – Confirmation, certification and signature
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The Application Form
The Keep it Short and Simple principle. Remember that not everybody has an expertise in the field you are dealing with. Explain your project as simply and precisely as possible.
The Application Form has to be filled in in English. Only the project summary (section 1.6-1.8) needs to be translated into each of the partners’ languages.
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The Application Form
1 IN SHORT – Basic information on your project This section should provide basic information on your project. Once a project is approved, this
section will be published in our online project database.
2 THE BIGGER PICTURE – In what way you are contributing to the Programmes’ Objectives? Within INTERREG IVB NWE, a project’s approval will not only depend on the merits of its own application; it will also need to prove that it complies with the Programme’s aims and, more specifically with the Priority Objective(s) as outlined in the Operational Programme. This section is devoted to exploring your project’s possible contribution to the “Bigger Picture”.
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The Application Form
3 WHY, WHAT and HOW? WHAT you would like to achieve and HOW are you going to achieve it? This section deals with the “core” of your project. You are asked to describe:
WHY there is a need for your project (section 3.1) WHAT you would like to achieve with your project (section 3.2), i.e. which are your aims and
objectives HOW (section 3.3) you are going to reach your objectives, and By WHICH MEANS you are going to reach your objectives (section 3.4). Please cluster all
your activities within work packages (max.6). WP should cluster different actions and related outputs, according to a common objective.
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The Application Form
4 WHO? WHO is going to contribute to your project?
In this section, you are asked to describe your project partnership in detail. In order to reflect a fully functioning partnership, please ensure that a Partnership Agreement is negotiated between project partners and tailored to the project’s needs. At least a draft copy of the Partnership Agreement must be submitted with this application form as annex 1 (see CHECKLIST). The final Partnership Agreement will have to be signed and sent to the JTS before the first payment claim. Please find further information on project partnerships in Guidance Note 3.
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The Application Form
5 WHICH BUDGET? The finances of your project In this section you are asked to describe your project budget in detail. To ease the handling
with financial figures, an Excel file is provided.
6 WHO needs to know WHAT? How are you going to promote your project to your audiences? The Communication Strategy must be prepared and budgeted for well before the Project is approved. Target audiences are the people who care or should care about the project’s outcomes, they need to be contacted and engaged progressively all along the Project lifecycle to ensure that they are not overwhelmed with information when the Project delivers tangible results, and can contribute to the success of the project either directly or indirectly.
All the project partners must agree on who to engage (target audiences), why to engage them (objectives) and how to engage their support (messages + actions).
7 FORMALITIES – Confirmation, certification and signature
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Project Structure
PROGRAMME PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
PROJECT AIM
Project objective 1 Project objective 2
Work package 1 Work package 2
• Action 1.1
• Action 1.2
• ...
• Action 2.1
• ...
• Output 1.1
• Output 1.2
• ...
• Output 2.1
• ...
Strategy and methodology
Project mangement and communication
Project objective X
Work package X
• Action X.1
• ...
• Output X.1
• ...
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Project Partnership (i)
What is a IVB NWE Project partner? Active in implementation
Contributes to match funding
Partners can be public and / or private bodies National, regional and local authorities
Transnational bodies and partnerships
Universities, research & development agencies
Non-profit organisations
Private organisations if they act as "non-profit" in the context of the project
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Project Partnership (ii)
Lead Partner or Partner
Partnership Agreement – liabilities and obligations
Sub-partners: official list of sub-partners to be provided with application form
Partners outside the NWE area
Average IIIB partnership
9 partners
Timeframe: 3 – 4 years
Total Eligible costs: EUR 6 million (EUR 3 million ERDF)
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Project Partnership (iii)
Partners from outside the eligible area and within the EU territory
possible according to the new EU regulations
must be crucial to the Programme and must have a positive effect on the NWE area
the Member State of this partner will need to sign an agreement with the Programme Managing Authority
Partners from outside the EU:
no problem for Swiss partners (part of the eligible area); however they are not entitled to receive ERDF; but Swiss federal funding is available
in theory, possible; but in practice difficult
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Project Management Structure (i)
Sound financial and management structure A great project idea with a bad structure = bad project
Poor coordination between partners = delayed or partial implementation of the Action Plan
Difficulties to collect invoices = delayed ERDF payment
Weak audit trail = danger of recouping ERDF
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Basis: Partnership agreement (signed by all project partners)
Lead Partner Principle
Overall responsibility for project implementation
Responsibility for Project Management
Signing of Subsidy Contract;
Transfer of received ERDF grant to other project partners;
Supervise the First Level Control of the entire project expenditure
Contact with JTS
Submission of Activity Reports, Payment Claims, Control Reports, project modifications
Project Management Structure (ii)
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Eligibility of Expenditure (i)
Reference Documents Commission Regulation (EC) 1080/2006: ERDF Regulation
Project Handbook)
Project Audit Guidelines (not yet available)
Expenditure actually paid out is the basis for assessing eligibility under the INTERREG IVB NWE Programme. This means expenditure directly linked to the approved budget and supported by receipted invoices or
documents of equivalent probative value.
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Eligibility of Expenditure (ii)
Eligible costs one year prior to the closure of the call for proposals starting from 01/01/2007
ultimate end date: 30 September 2015
same budget lines as for IIIB + Audit + Revenue – Preparation cost (TEC €100,000)
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Project implementation
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Reporting
Activity Report and Payment Claim submitted to the Secretariat
Implementation of the approved Action Plan by the partners
Twice a year
Required documents for each claim: Completed Audited Payment Claim and Activity Report
Completed expenditure verification sheets
Supporting Documents for Activity Report
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Paying Authority
Programme Bank Account
JTS
Assesses the Activity Report and the Payment Claim received
Prepares the payment request to the Paying Authority
Payment Claim
Project Lead Partner
Submits an Activity Report and a Payment Claim every 6 months
Reimburses the other project partners according to their expenditure
Project Partner Project Partner
Payment Claim Flow
Money Flow
Cash Flow
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Controls
First level control (audit of payment claim) will be stricter than in the current IIIB Programme and will apply at partner level:
requirements of the new Regulation (Article 16 of reg. No 1080/2006)
system to be defined at Member State level
more information in the coming months (audit guidelines…)
Possible complementary audits:
Member State controls at the Secretariat’s request (check of 1st level control)
Member State sample checks (Second Level Control)
European Commission checks
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Key references for project development
6 Further Reading
Operational Programme INTERREG IVB NWE Project Handbook Secretariat + Contact Points Structural Funds Regulations
Council Regulation 1083/2006: General Regulation Council and Parliament Regulation 1080/2006: ERDF Regulation Commission Regulation 1828/2006: Implementing Regulation
www.nweurope.org
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GOOD LUCK &Fingers crossed!