What can the EU do for you? 21 st November 2011 Linking with Brussels and across boarders Luisa De Amicis Institutional partner of and supported by the European Commission Strategic Partner of the British Government Office for Civil Society Institutional partner of and supported by the European Commission

Agenda 1.Euclid Network: who we are 2.Overview of key EU funds for civil society 1.Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs 2.Progress 3.Europe for Citizens 4.Europe Aid 3.Where to look? 4.How to apply for EU funding 5.Long term trends

Euclid Network: Who we are The European network of third sector leaders Euclid Network

Over 4000 civil society professionals and stakeholders from 30 countries (EU and beyond) Hubs in London, Paris, Stockholm and Budapest Aiming at: Connecting, Facilitating Knowledge-sharing and Cross-border/boundary Partnerships 4 thematic areas: Leadership Sustainability Innovation Influence

2. Overview of key EU funds for civil society

Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Financed by DG Enterprise and Industry Grant - Currently in 3 rd cycle A cross-border exchange programme Benefits of the programme: –for NE new entrepreneurs acquire new knowledge and skills, job-shadowing experienced entrepreneurs –for HE fresh perspectives on his/her business and the opportunities to cooperate with foreign partners 592 completed relations so far; 201 relations in progress

Progress Run by DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Focuses on five key policy areas: -Employment -Social Protection and Inclusion -Working Conditions -Anti Discrimination and Diversity -Gender Equality Runs until 2013 with a budget of EUR million Call for tenders or and call for proposals

Europe for Citizens Supervised by DG Communication, managed by EACEA European Union programme designed to help bridge the gap between citizens and the European Union Budget for the programme ( ) is 235 million. It focuses on four key actions to bring about change: -Active citizenship for Europe -Active civil society for Europe -Together for Europe - Active European remembrance

EuropeAid Part of DG Development and Cooperation Designing EU development policies and delivering aid through programmes and projects across the world Call for tenders and call for proposals Instruments for external assistance: –Geographic instruments : European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), European Development Fund (EDF) –Thematic instruments: DCI- Non-state actors and local authorities in development; European Instrument for Democracy & Human Rights (EIDHR)

3. Where to look?

2.1 Where to look (option 1)

2.1 Where to look (option 3) services/index.cfm?ADSSChck= &do=publi. welcome&userlanguage=en or google europeaid grants

4. How to apply for EU funding: some tips

How to apply for EU money European Guidelines All EU programmes have Guidelines that can be difficult to understand, and/or very specific or very vague Carefully check eligibility, requirements, budgetary regulations and timescales!

Always need co-financing (10-50%) - Only projects taking place outside the EU can be financed in full ! Cannot yield a profit for their beneficiaries Cannot be awarded for actions that are already completed Only one grant may be awarded for the same action How to apply for EU money Grants

Normally require partnerships or consortia High administrative burden –Need official declarations and forms –May require PADOR registration Dont leave it at the last minute! Other requirements How to apply for EU money

Considerations Grant applications take time, energy,staff and resources Can be hard to succeed Often not huge sums Sometimes not financially viable, e.g. 7% for overheads First time better doing as a partner led by an experienced leader If you want the money, beware!

More meritocratic than most donors Less political than most donors Lots of: –Internal expertise (in places) –Different activities funded –Countries covered –...Money available! So why apply? Considerations

EC famously risk adverse and bureaucratic BUT Reform of the financial regulation now possible! Long term trends

European Financial Regulation New principles: Simplification, transparency, flexibility and cutting red-tape Achievements: To allow surplus as reserves To increase contribution to core-costs To increase threshold of small and very small grants (up to and euros) and decrease paper work To set up a database of beneficiaries

Long term trends: Budget Proposal from the Commission discussed on the 29th June and due to be approved by the end of 2012 Budget 1,025 billion in commitments 1.05% of GNI in Budget: –CAP is reduced (from 41% to 37%) –cohesion policy –regional aid and other structural funds- is increase slightly (from 36% to 37%) –External policies is also increased (from 56bn to 70 bn)

Questions? Comments? Asking for advice?

Thank you! For any enquiries, please contact Luisa De Amicis