International Visegrad Fund: Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 International Visegrad Fund: Visegrad Group’s Tool for Regional Cooperation [place], February 16, 2019

Visegrad Fund: Basic Characteristics Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Visegrad Fund: Basic Characteristics preceded by the foundation of the Visegrad Group (CS+HU+PL) in 1991 → CZ+HU+PL+SK as of 1993 created as a counterpart to gov’t cooperation key principle: gov’t funds → non-gov’t recipients key aims: development of civil society, fostering the region’s internal cohesion focus on non-EU neighborhood (since 2004): Western Balkans (grant and scholarship funding) Eastern Partnership countries (grant and scholarship funding, capacity building of civil servants)

Visegrad Fund: Basic Characteristics Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Visegrad Fund: Basic Characteristics V4’s only (solid) organization to date international organization accredited with SK MFA equal rights of member states: annual rotating presidency (January–December) (presidencies in the group: July–June) rotating management (3-year missions) consensus in decision-making equal contributions of member states (€2M p.a.) external funding (CA, DE, NL, KR, SE, CH, KR, US…) 2-member management + 14-member staff (+ interns)

The fund’s budget (2000–2014) 100% = €65,278,494 (total allocations)

Visegrad Fund: Main Aims Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Visegrad Fund: Main Aims support of movement of people and ideas (“soft power”) strengthening the internal cohesion of the region, (weakening of historical animosities, awareness-building) instrument of joint V4 foreign policy (since 2004) Western Balkans + Eastern Partnership cooperation with EU/non-EU partners key leverages: grant programs + “mobilities” (scholarships, fellowships, artist residencies) other projects: NEE100, Visegrad Insight/V4Revue, CSMP

Program Overview (2015/2016) Academic and Mobility Programs Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Program Overview (2015/2016) Academic and Mobility Programs Grant Programs Visegrad Scholarship Program: Small Grants Intra-Visegrad, In-Coming, Out-Going Standard Grants Visegrad Artist Residency Program (VARP): Visegrad Strategic Grants VARP—Visual & Sound Arts Visegrad Strategic Conferences VARP—Performing Arts Visegrad+ (Western Balkans) Visegrad Literary Residency Program Visegrad 4 Eastern Partnership Program: VARP in New York Flagship Projects Visegrad University Studies Grants V4EaP (Extended) Standard Grants Visegrad–Taiwan Scholarships V4EaP Visegrad University Studies Grants Visegrad Scholarships at OSA IVF–NSC Taiwan Joint Research Projects Civil Servant Mobility Program (UA, GE, MD) Visegrad Insight/V4Revue/New Europe 100

Project Topics: Grant Programs 2000–2014 Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Project Topics: Grant Programs 2000–2014 culture and arts—2,056 (29%) education and trainings—1,745 (24%) science and research—542 (8%) public policy—326 (5%) networking/partnerships—312 (4%) media/ICT—295 (4%) common identity—277 (4%) social inclusion—220 (3%) … 100% = 4,581 grant projects approved in 2000–2014

Grant projects— all categories (2000–2014) €61,942,850 4,583 grant projects 578 cities

15% (+ 7% tangible/intangible assets) April 23–25, 2013 Basic Grant Programs Small Grants Standard Grants Strategic Grants Project budget < €6,000 > €6,001 (ca. €13,000 on average) €40,000 (on average) Max. IVF share 80% 70% Timeframe 6 months 12 months 12–36 months Cash limit 50% 30% 20% Overheads 15% 15% (+ 7% tangible/intangible assets) Evaluation 50 working days 60 working days Deadlines March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, Dec. 1 March 15, Sept. 15 April 15 Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Mostar

Key Grant Principles projects must have “Visegrad added value” Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Key Grant Principles projects must have “Visegrad added value” projects involve entities from at least 3 V4 countries* grants cover up to 80% project costs (70% w/in Strategic Grants, 100% w/in Strategic Conferences) reimbursements in tranches with advance payments (up to 80% of project costs) 15% overhead costs costs documented through copies of invoices and bills only a single project per applicant* (multiple project-partnerships possible) * Strategic Grants, Visegrad+ projects and the V4EaP chapter are exceptions

Who Can Apply? majority of applicants are CSOs and other NGOs Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Who Can Apply? majority of applicants are CSOs and other NGOs primary/secondary schools, colleges + universities municipalities, regional governments other public institutions (museums, galleries, sports clubs) individual citizens or even private companies not organizations fully funded from state budgets, and/or state administration institutions (ministries, cultural institutes, etc.)

Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 What Cannot Be Covered? tangible/intangible assets (with the exception of 7% allowed within Strategic Grants) indirect costs (utilities, bills…) exceeding 15% overhead costs internal costs and expenses exceeding 15% overhead costs employments ruled by labor code (and related costs, such as per diems)

What Can Be Covered? printing and publishing costs Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 What Can Be Covered? printing and publishing costs website design and updates rent of premises expert fees and honoraria accommodation and board translation and interpreting awards and prizes advertising and promotional costs office supplies, etc.

Visegrad Scholarship Program—Key Facts Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Visegrad Scholarship Program—Key Facts Individual academic mobility: within V4 region between V4 region and the Western Balkans between V4 region and the Eastern Partnership countries MA/post-MA levels (PhD/postdoc) no age limit, affiliation with university not required 1–4 semesters (MA level), or 1–2 semesters (post-MA) support for both scholar and host institution: €2,300/semester + €1,500/semester (+ €200 travel grant) annual deadline: January 31

Visegrad Scholarship Program Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Visegrad Scholarship Program SCHOLAR/APPLICANT: has completed min. 6 semesters of higher education (= BA equivalent at the time of assuming the scholarship) picks any academic field , and any language of instruction finds a host university/institute and requests (preliminary) acceptance letter applies and submits on-line by January 31, and sends signed printout & accompanying documents is eligible for €2,300/semester + €200 travel grant (where applicable)

Visegrad Scholarship Program Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Visegrad Scholarship Program HOST UNIVERSITY/INSTITUTE: any public of private accredited higher-education institution (college, university, art academy, science academy—lists of schools available at http://visegradfund.org/scholarships/instructions) confirms scholar’s acceptance (or his/her applying, where entrance exams required) is eligible for a €1,500 lump sum per semester/each scholar

Funding by Recipient Regions (2000–2014) 100% = €61,934,733

The Western Balkans (2004–2014) Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 The Western Balkans (2004–2014) * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence. 100% = €1,650,715 (= 2.67% of total funding)

Eastern Partnership Countries (2004–2014) April 23–25, 2013 Eastern Partnership Countries (2004–2014) 100% = €7,003,761 (= 11.31% of total funding) Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Mostar

Main Results stable and visible component of V4 cooperation Podgorica, Sept. 19, 2014 Main Results stable and visible component of V4 cooperation stronger level of regional cooperation and cooperation with neighboring regions good promotion of the region in the EU contribution to “Visegrád” as a brand name to date (by the end of 2014): more than 4,500 grant projects ca. 2,500 “mobilities” (scholarships/residencies) total worth of nearly €62 million

Thank you for your attention. Dr. Piotr Bajda E-mail: bajda@visegradfund.org /VisegradFund @visegradfund