Implementation of the Horizontal Priority “Sustainable Development” of the National Strategic Reference Framework, by Implementing Activities/sub-activities Financed by EU Funds

Objectives of Sustainable Development (SD) Reduction and control of environmental pollution Ensuring of good-quality living environment Preservation of biological diversity Rational use of natural and energy resources Elimination of threats of the surrounding environment to the health of people Increasing awareness about nature protection

MAIN PRINCIPLES (I) Project application appraisal criteria Compliance with environmental requirements stipulated in legislation, inter alia, environmental impact assessment is an eligibility criterion for project applications. The specific criterion of SD project applications depends on the impact of the activity/sub-activity on environmental quality.

MAIN PRINCIPLES (II) Eligible expenditure Eligible expenditure: Expenditure of environmental impact assessment Expenditure of measures which compensate for activities that have an impact on the environment General activities aimed at promoting SD

MAIN PRINCIPLES (III) Performance indicators For all activities/sub-activities in the framework of which projects will be implemented which have impact on SD, corresponding performance indicators shall be envisaged. Performance indicators derive from SD objectives. The indicators shall be measurable, both the existing level and the level to be achieved shall be indicated.

Division of activities/sub-activities according to their impact on SD The objective of the activity/sub-activity corresponds to some SD objective. The objective of the activity/sub-activity does not correspond to SD objectives, but the activity in general has impact on SD. The objective of the activity/sub-activity does not correspond to SD objectives, but individual projects may have impact on SD. The activity/sub-activity does not have direct impact on SD.

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA (I) The objective of the activity/sub-activity corresponds to some SD objective Restricted project selection (projects are not “homogenous”) – SD criterion is an eligibility criterion, because priority is given to achievement of sectoral objectives according to policy planning documents. A project shall list activities aimed at achievement of SD objectives and performance indicators. Restricted project selection (projects are “homogenous”) – SD criterion is a quality criterion, higher valuation is given to projects with bigger effect on achievement of SD objectives. A project shall list activities aimed at achievement of SD objectives and performance indicators. Open project selection – SD criterion is a quality criterion for achievement of SD objectives. A project shall list activities aimed at achievement of SD objectives and performance indicators.

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA (II) The objective of the activity/sub-activity does not correspond to SD objectives, but the activity in general has impact on SD Restricted project selection – SD criterion is the quality criterion “Will project implementation eliminate or reduce impact on environment”. A project shall list activities aimed at achievement of SD objectives and performance indicators. Open project selection – SD criterion is a quality criterion for achievement of SD objectives. A project shall list activities aimed at achievement of SD objectives and performance indicators.

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA (III) The objective of the activity/sub-activity does not correspond to SD objectives, but individual projects may have impact on SD SD criterion shall be envisaged as a quality criterion by giving additional (“bonus”) points. for projects to be implemented in a sphere connected with SD objectives for “environmentally friendly” projects for projects which envisage general activities aimed at promoting SD (green procurement, recycling of paper etc.) A project shall list activities aimed at achievement of SD objectives and performance indicators.

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA (IV) The activity/sub-activity does not have direct impact on SD Applicable to all operational programmes and activities It is recommended to give priority, in addition to already established criteria, to a project that envisages implementation of several measures. Examples: –Best available techniques –Replacing of printed materials with electronic data carriers –Using of recycled paper –Information activities on environmental protection going further than minimum requirements, innovative technologies – Informing of the society Implementation of “green procurement”

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA – EXAMPLES (I) The objective of the activity/sub-activity corresponds to some SD objective Rehabilitation of dump sites that do not meet requirements of legal acts Categorization of dump sites by their degree of hazard and potential environmental pollution: Category I – dump sites operation of which has low threat potential – 1 point Category II – dump sites operation of which has medium-level threat potential - 2 points Category III – dump sites operation of which has high threat potential - 3 points

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA – EXAMPLES (II) The objective of the activity/sub-activity does not correspond to SD objectives, but the activity in general has impact on SD IMPROVEMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN SMALL PORTS The project improves shipping safety The project reduces the risk of environmental pollution The project ensures better organization of surrounding environment of the port Restricted project selection – eligibility criterion, project shall indicate performance indicators

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS CORRESPONDING TO THE APPRAISAL CRITERION The objective of the activity/sub-activity does not correspond to SD objectives, but the activity in general has impact on SD IMPROVEMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN SMALL PORTS Shipping safety measures will be implemented (indicate particular measures) – XX (number and type) Measures aimed at reducing the risk of environmental pollution will be implemented (indicate particular measures) – XX (number and type) Measures aimed at better organization of surrounding environment of the port will be implemented (indicate particular measures) – XX (number and type)

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA – EXAMPLES (III) The objective of the activity/sub-activity does not correspond to SD objectives, but individual projects may have impact on SD Co-financing of the investments in micro and small- sized enterprises operating in the specially assisted areas Implementation of the project will reduce pressure on the environment in one of the following ways (2 points): Ensuring economical use of energy resources Optimization of waste generation Introduction of production and recycling methods which reduce impact on environment during product life cycle Compliance with principles of “green procurement”.

PROJECT APPLICATION APPRAISAL CRITERIA – EXAMPLES (IV) The activity/sub-activity does not have direct impact on SD The project envisages full or partial substitution of printed materials with electronic data carriers or publishing the information on websites. The project envisages printing of materials on recycled paper. The project envisages information activities on environmental protection, which exceed minimum requirements / innovative methods are used for informing the society on SD objectives and principles. The project envisages using of “green procurement”.