Transnational Cooperation or
how to implement Local Development Strategy efficiently through the Leader measure 421
Matej Štepec
Rural Development Division
The Hudičevec Tourist Farm, 3.7.2009
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIAMinistry of Agriculture and the Environment
European Agricultural
Fund for
Rural Development
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WHY TO COOPERATE?
• to improve what already exists (existing activities, methods …)
• to acquire know-how, a method or a skill that was not initially present in the local area
• to achive critical mass(more funds, new experts, biger market for products)
To implement a local development strategy more effective!
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BEFORE STARTING .ask yourself
Each cooperative LAG must have answered the following questions:
What have we implement good so far – where are our strenghts?
What problem do my local area has and cooperation could help solving it?
giving – taking relationship
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BEFORE STARTING .be prepared
Before the first visit take place LAG should:
– Get informed about the hosting country and hosting LAG area - geography, history, economy, people, culture etc.
– Inform your host about your expectations, areas of your interests, what kind of good practices you would like to know etc.
– Technical preparations: pre-program, logistic organisation, working languages etc.
– Specify the methods for payment of costs to avoid any misunderstanding.
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– exchange information about the issues in situ -“it is time to discuss”
– have enough time - allow some time also for the informal events
– keep to the agenda
– get the information how all partners implement the Leader measure 421
GET TO KNOW .in-depth observation on a visit
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PREPARING A COOPERATION PROJECT
Partners should prepare a draft document and set:
• common objectives of the project,• structure to manage and implement the project,• communication tools,• timetable,• funding (own fund, Leader fund)• mechanism for monitoring and evaluation of the
implemantation
Ask yourself questions – leave no stone unturned:What can go wrong?
And prepare answers:If there will not be sufficient funds/time we will …If one of the partner will withdraw we will …If new partner would like to join we will …
Include in the Cooperation agreement!
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How we implement the Leader measure 421 MEASURE DESCRIPTION
What kind of TNC we support:
– the exchange of experience, – transfer of good practices and – information flow between
LAG areas of Member States and with LAG-like areas of third countries.
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How we implement the Leader measure 421 BENEFICIARIES
Operating LAGs with approved local development
strategies who would be eligible to implement
cooperation projects.
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app
rove
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AG
s
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How we implement the Leader measure 421 JOINT ACTION
Cooperating LAGs or similarly formed groups draw up a joint cooperation project
=
take an active role in the
project
share out responisbilities:
financial, implementing,
promoting,evaluating
gain something
Each of the cooperating partners should:
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• preparatory costs,• material costs arising from the implementation
of the cooperation project, • experience exchange costs and• information actions costs
between the cooperating LAGs.
Support is granted only for expenses related to the areas within the Community.
Each cooperating LAG may claim the support only for its own expenses.
How we implement the Leader measure 421 ELIGIBLE COSTS
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How we implement the Leader measure 421 FINANCIAL PROVISION 1
Ten percent of all the funds for axis 4 or 844,000 EUR is devoted between 33 LAGs tothe cooperation projects. But there is no cumpulsoryfor the individual LAG.
The indicative allocation of funds per individual LAG is set on:
• the basis of the number of inhabitants, • LAG surface (km2) and • the quality of the development strategy
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LAG can spend:
• up to 20 % of dedicated resources on running costs and
• at least 80 % of dedicated resources on implementing LDS(individual, inter-national and/or TNC)
Maximum aid rate for the implementation of TNCis up to 85 percent of the eligible costs.
Minimum aid amount granted is EUR 2,000 andmaximum amount EUR 50,000.
How we implement the Leader measure 421 FINANCIAL PROVISION 2
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The Leader Office on the Ministry makes the administrative control:
Is the project coherent with the goals set up in the LDS?
Is there a clear joint action?
Does the application clearly shows the tasks and responsibilities divided between partners?
Is the cooperation agreement signed by all cooperation partners?
Is the cooperation project approved by managing authorities of all cooperating LAGs?
How we implement the Leader measure 421 APPROVAL PROCEDURE 1
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How we implement the Leader measure 421 APPROVAL PROCEDURE 2
When cooperation project proposal:
a) meets all administrative control demands andb) is approved by managing authorities of all cooperating LAGs
than the project is approved by slovenian Ministry with the decision.
The project can be implemented and the first claim can be submitted for payment.
The last claim can be submitted not later than two years after approval of the project (N+2 rule).
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This is how we implement the Leader measure 421GOOD LUCK
Leader Office is there to help!
Contact: [email protected]@[email protected]
THANK YOU! HVALA!