PROJECT MANUAL Galina Georgieva Project Officer Alexandroupolis 15-04-2011

Project Manual Introduction – General information of the Programme Project Applicant’s Manual Project Implementation Manual

Annexes (1/2) Annex I. PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA Annex II. SUBSIDY CONTRACT Annex III. PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT Annex IV. PROGRESS REPORT Annex V. JUSTIFICATION BUDGET INSTRUCTION Annex VI. GUIDANCE ON MANAGEMENT VERIFICATIONS

Annexes (2/2) Annex VII. MINISTERIAL DECISION FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL SYSTEMS OF THE TERRITORIAL COOPERATION OPERATIONAL PROGRAMMES, as in force (regards Greek beneficiaries) Annex VIII. INTERNAL RULES ON THE ELIGIBILITY OF EXPENDITURE FOR OPERATIONS UNDER THE EUROPEANN TERRITORIAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME “GREECE – BULGARIA 2007- 2013”, as in force (regards Bulgarian beneficiaries)

PROJECT APPLICANT’S MANUAL The development of a project idea/proposal; The submission procedure; Main features of projects; Filling in the Application Form; Evaluation procedure.

THE APPLICANT’S PACKAGE Call for Proposals Summary of the Call for Proposals Project Manual Application Form Partnership Declaration The Declaration of not generating revenues The Declaration of non distribution of profit Justification of the budget The original application package is provided only in electronic form on the Managing Authority’s website.

The development of a project idea/proposal The starting point in a project idea development is to identify the need. Every project applicant needs to combine the programme’s priorities with what regions on both sides really need. The project development is a process of translating the idea into specific objectives and activities, presented as a proposal. Beside needs assessment and close study of the OP this process depends on involvement of the key stakeholders as they have crucial role in using the results of the project.

Finding the Right partners The main challenge is finding the right partners. With the right ones involved in a cross-border partnership, a project idea, documented in a clear and simple way, can be turned into a unified set of actions well targeted to the identified needs. Choosing them should be based on their experience, skills, needs and interests, the knowledge about the related programme area, as well as their capacity (administrative, professional, institutional, financial). The right time to involve potential partners is as soon as possible, given that the project should be a combination of needs and contributions of all the partners involved.

How to define the CONTENT Main steps to follow: The project needs to strongly demonstrate its cross border focus -joint development, joint implementation, joint staffing and joint financing. The project should take into account the horizontal issues of the Programme - sustainable development, positive environmental impact, equal opportunities and non discrimination, fair competition. The project should complement and not duplicate other projects being carried out in the Programme area. The project has to be realistic. Describe how objectives could be realized through a detailed action plan. Demonstrate common added value. Have a regular contact with Programme management structures.

How to fill the Application Form Applicant’s Manual provides the instruction to the potential beneficiaries how to complete the Application Form. The requirement of submitting an Application Form duly filled in, according to the instructions provided, is one of the formal criteria used for project evaluation, therefore applicants are strongly advised to carefully read and follow these instructions.

Eligibility of Expenditure Detailed information about the eligibility of expenditure per country is available in: Annex VII Ministerial Decision for the Management and Control Systems of the European Territorial Cooperation Objective Operational Programmes, as in force (concerns Greek beneficiaries, see annex VII) Annex VIII Internal rules on the eligibility of expenditure for operations under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece – Bulgaria 2007-2013”, as in force Annex VI Guidance on Management Verification.

Justifying the Project Budget Significant part of project proposal development is the elaboration of the Project Budget, which can assure the project objectives and results achievement using reasonable amount of financial resources. To prove the project “value for money”, the project expenditure should be well justified(Annex V, PM, Justification of Budget Instruction)

Evaluation Procedure After the submission, each project proposal will be subjected to a two-phase selection procedure, carried out by the Joint Technical Secretariat, based on the selection criteria (Annex I, Project Manual).

Project Implementation Manual Contracting of a Project Proposal Reporting procedures Payments /cash flows Project modifications First Level Control

Payments and Cash Flows ERDF – 85% of total Budget Following the approval of the progress reports, the Certifying Authority will transfer the European Union’s contribution to an interest-free bank account indicated by the Lead Partner in AF. National Contribution For Greek Partners the national contribution (15%) will be granted through the Public Investments Programme. The Bulgarian National Contribution (15%) shall be transferred to the Certifying Authority. Having received the necessary amounts the CA shall transfer them to the respective Bulgarian partners.

Thank you for your attention