1st Balkan Forum Thematic Workshop Promotion of cooperation and networking between social economy actors and civil society in the Balkan area Cross-Border European Territorial Cooperation Programmes INTERREG Mr. Kiriakos FOTIADIS Managing Authority of European Territorial Cooperation Programmes - Interreg The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

“INTERREG V-A Greece - Bulgaria 2014 - 2020” The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Social Entrepreneurship in the framework of the CP INTERREG V-A Greece-Bulgaria 2014-2020 Indicative types of actions: Support in the establishment of Social Enterprises Running joint information campaigns/events for promoting social entrepreneurship Organization of joint fora, in order to present best practices of social enterprises Main target groups: Unemployed, vulnerable groups, marginalized communities Indicative types of beneficiaries: Social economy organisations, NGOs, Non-Profit organizations, collective institutions and public bodies active in the area of social economy 02 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Social Entrepreneurship in actual implementation Investment Priority 9c “Providing support for social enterprises” with 11 projects under implementation The projects aim to the overall promotion and expansion of social entrepreneurship in the cross-border The ultimate expected result is the encouragement of sustainable inclusive growth through the creation of more and better opportunities Main selected eligible activities are the creation of social enterprises, incubators and one-stop-shops as support structures and tools; raising awareness; exchange of experience and good practices; The Programme aims to effectively address social inclusion 03 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Examples of implementing activities SE incubators, local information and support offices, one-stop-shop helpdesk Social Enterprises in the following sectors for people from vulnerable social groups with vocational trainings for their integration in the labor market: Temporary housing Composting Gardening and decorations from recycled materials Agro-tourism and outdoor sports for people with special needs Handicrafts Food donation and its distribution SE tools such as e-learning platforms and business plans, information on funding opportunities, marketing and management of SEs 04 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Expected results from the implementing projects Influence policy makers towards promoting social entrepreneurship Encouragement of sustainable inclusive growth through the creation of more and better jobs, especially for the vulnerable groups Improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of policies and measures for the social economy Linking the social economy with the education system 05 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

“INTERREG V-B Balkan Mediterranean 2014 - 2020” 06 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

PA1: Entrepreneurship & Innovation in the framework of TNCP INTERREG V-A Balkan Mediterranean 2014-2020 Indicative types of actions: Support in the establishment of clusters, incubators and business cooperation networks, in order to improve transnational competitiveness Joint organization of training schemes for the promotion of entrepreneurial culture, tailor-made learning schemes for enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs Creation of transnational entrepreneurial mentoring networks; Main target groups: Umbrella organisations of SMEs Development and planning agencies Local, regional and national authorities involved in business’ management Innovation support networks Non-governmental and Civil Society organizations 07 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Entrepreneurship & Innovation in actual implementation Investment Priority 10a “Investing in education, training and vocational training for skills and lifelong learning by developing education and training infrastructure” with 17 projects under implementation For 2014-2020, the transfer of experience between actors, territories and programme is considered as a major goal for the Balkan-Mediterranean Operational Programme The projects aim is to facilitate innovation and support the commercialisation of innovation The ultimate expected result is the advancement of existing knowledge about business model innovation and creation of common understanding on business models 08 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Examples of implementing activities (non-exhaustive list) Creation of clusters and business networks, sharing, transfer and testing activities Entrepreneurship tools such as E-learning platforms, information on funding opportunities, marketing and management business plans Promote SMEs’ networking and structured exchanges focused on specific and customised expertise Joint actions to assist fast access of the SMEs into various instruments/procedures targeting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth 09 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Expected results from the implementing projects Development of Transnational Cooperation business links Improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of policies and measures for entrepreneurship & innovation Develop joint mechanisms that will allow exchange and transfer of knowledge between regions and countries in the Balkan-Mediterranean space Reduce the “brain – drain” phenomena 10 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

PA2: Environment in the framework of TNCP INTERREG V-A Balkan Mediterranean 2014-2020 Indicative types of actions: Development of transnational action plans and transfer of concepts models for the protection, promotion and development of natural and cultural heritage sites, of designated areas and the Natura 2000 areas Establishment of transnational cooperation networks Awareness raising campaigns Develop environmental friendly behaviours that can also lead to resolve conflicts on land use issues Main target groups: Local, regional and national authorities Environmental and development agencies Non-governmental and Civil Society organisations SMEs umbrella organisations 11 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Environmental activities - actual implementation Investment Priority 6c “Conserving, protecting, promoting and developing natural and cultural heritage” with 20 projects under implementation Projects under PA2 aims to an integrated, holistic approach to improve the environment, to strengthen sustainable development and to generate sustainable growth and employment The ultimate expected result of PA2 is to map and assess join biodiversity challenges and in order to reduce ecosystems’ degradation and protect/conserve natural capital, through increasing sustainable employment opportunities 12 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Examples of implementing activities (non-exhaustive list) Awareness raising campaigns Joint pilot projects for promotion of innovative technologies to improve environmental protection and resource efficiency in the waste sector and water sector Cooperation schemes and exchange of experiences regarding the harmonization of environmental management concepts and tools at transnational level Protection, development and promotion of public cultural and heritage assets Tailor-made training schemes 13 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Expected results from the implementing projects Increase the level of use of innovative technologies regarding climate change and overall resource management efficiency, including energy efficiency Contribute to implement the Natura 2000 network Enhance ecosystems restoration and green infrastructure development that have important socio-economic benefits 14 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

“INTERREG IPA-CBC GREECE - The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 2014 - 2020” 15 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

PA1: Development and Support of Local Economy Development and Support of Local Economy which promotes employment and mobility of human resources as well as aims to improve health and social investments and services though: The creation of employment opportunities, preferably with the use of innovative tools and practices The improvement of preventive health care and social services of children and elderly population mainly in the rural cross-border areas The Improvement of the attractiveness and promote tourism in the cross-border area by promoting and capitalizing natural and cultural assets 16 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Development and Support of Local Economy Indicative Types of Actions: Initiatives to encourage support of unemployed and self employed to innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship Communities development initiatives to support social and family care Joint action on potential tourism activities and/or on the demand for new tourist destinations Main Target Groups: Young People Unemployed Vulnerable Groups People facing poverty Eco-friendly Organizations 17 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

PA2: Protection of Environment – Transportation Indicative Types of Actions: Monitoring, early warning and decision support systems for the sustainable management of waste Water resources vulnerability assessment and mitigation measures Mobilization of citizens and support of volunteering to increase disaster resilience and emergency procedures Main Target Groups: Regional/ Local Authorities Region residents Eco-friendly Organizations/NGOs Affected population of the CB regions 18 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

“Interreg IPA-CBC Greece - Albania 2014 - 2020” 19 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

PA1: Promotion of the environment, sustainable transport and public infrastructure Indicative type of actions: Awareness raising for energy efficiency and the use of RES Joint early warning and disaster management systems Awareness raising related to natural and manmade disaster management for all social groups (including vulnerable groups) Improvement of planning, cooperation and response capacity for disaster management covering all social groups(including vulnerable groups) 20 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Expected results from the implementing projects Improved waste management system: Compost infrastructure Green points Plans and studies on waste management Improved plans and management of natural and manmade disaster Main focus is the inclusion of people with disabilities Early warning monitoring systems 21 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

PA2: Boosting the local economy Indicative type of actions: Rehabilitation/protection/adaptation/promotion for eco-tourism Capacity building Business support services Creation of clusters/ networks Support of exports Cross-border business plans Priority will be given to projects promoting accessibility and the employment of people with disabilities 22 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

Expected results from the implementing projects Improvement in accessibility: Infrastructure with respect to people with disabilities Awareness raising activities for social inclusion Support of vulnerable groups in entering the market Development of support mechanisms for SMEs 23 The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries

THANK YOU www.interreg.gr The ETC Programmes are co-financed by European Union and National Funds of participating countries