Part-financed by the European Union The Baltic Sea Region Programme by the Joint Technical Secretariat BSR INTERREG III B Neighbourhood Programme 5th Quality Workshop “Implementation of joint ERDF/Tacis financed projects” 26 September 2007, Riga

The programme: unique the only transnational co-operation programme integrating ERDF (Objective 3) ENPI (European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument) Norwegian funds in terms of: –eligible area –co-operation priorities –implementation rules

Eligible area EU Member States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and northern parts of Germany Norway north-west regions of Russia Belarus

Environment of the Programme Interregional co-operation (IV C) Cross-Border Programmes

New component: ENPI  extended eligible area to North-West Russia and the whole of Belarus  co-operation topics prioritised by Russia and Belarus included in priorities  management and control is based on ERDF legal system but considers ENPI legal framework where needed

Implementation structure adjusted to the legal regulations for both, - the Structural Funds and - the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument. Bodies:  Monitoring Committee, supported by national sub-committees  single Managing Authority (Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein), assisted by the Joint Technical Secretariat (Rostock/Riga)  Certifying Authority (Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein), certifying legality of expenditure  Audit Authority (Land of Schleswig-Holstein), assisted by a Group of Auditors

Strategic objective and priorities To make the Baltic Sea region an attractive place to invest, work and live in 1. Fostering innovations 2. External and internal accessibility 3. Baltic Sea as a common resource 4. Attractive and competitive cities and regions

Priority 1: Fostering innovations Objective: To advance innovation-based regional development of the Baltic Sea region support of innovation sources and their links to SMEs => e. g. transnational platforms supporting the interaction between SMEs, R&D organisations and public authorities in order to commercialise inventions facilitation of transnational transfer of technology and knowledge => e. g. transnational networks enabling better access of SMEs in rural areas to knowledge and competence available in the BSR strengthening the societal foundations for absorption of new knowledge => e. g. transnationally transferable solutions increasing absorption of technical knowledge among various age groups

Priority 2: External and internal accessibility of the BSR Objective: to increase the accessibility of the BSR areas regarding diffusion of innovation and traffic flows promotion of transport measures e.g. => solutions to improve interopearbility of transport links => solutions for more sustainable transport alternatives => institutional arrangements for integrated decision making on transport, environment and health improving ICT connections => e. g. preparation of ICT investments in disadvantage areas further development of transnational development zones along transport corridors =>e.g. elaboration of common brand products

Priority 3: Management of the Baltic Sea as a common resource Objective: to improve the management of the Baltic Sea resources and the environmental state of the Sea better water management => e. g. transnationally transferable new solutions for water treatment sustainable management of open sea areas and use of marine resources => e.g. introduction of new technologies for offshore wind energy enhanced maritime safety => e. g. actions increasing preparedness in case of oil spills integrating the development of off-shore and coastal areas => e. g. intervention plans for minimising the impacts of climate change

Priority 4: Promoting attractive and competitive cities and regions Objective: to ensure the co-operation of cities and regions making use of common potentials for enhancing the BSR identity and attractiveness strengthening cities and metropolitan areas as engines for economic development => e. g. joint solutions for high quality health services support for integrated BSR development => e. g. implementation of joint strategies for rehabilitation of industrially degraded areas

Priority 4: Promoting attractive and competitive cities and regions Specific ENPI activities => Joint actions in the field of public health to counteract major communicable diseases and to address social and environmental factors of health problems => Joint actions securing good governance practice in the public domain and better involvement of public actors in transnational territorial development and implementation of cross-sectoral strategies => Joint actions counteracting social exclusion of immigrants, disabled persons and other groups vulnerable to segregation or social problems

How much money is available for projects? Slightly more than in the present programme Plus own contribution from project partners MEURfrom European Regional Development Fund 20.3 MEUR from European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 5.7 MEURfrom Norwegian national funding MEURin TOTAL

How much money is available per priority? ERDF/NOR (MEUR) ENPI (MEUR) Priority 1 FOSTERING INNOVATIONS ACROSS THE BSR Priority 2 IMPROVING INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ACCESSIBILITY Priority 3 MANAGING THE BALTIC SEA AS A COMMON RESOURCE Priority 4 PROMOTING ATTRACTIVE AND COMPETITIVE CITIES & REGIONS TOTAL

Co-financing rate ERDF and Norwegian funds up to 75 % for partners from Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Finland up to 85 % for partners from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland up to 50 % for partners from Norway Co-financing rate ENPI up to 90 % for partners from Belarus and Russia

Guidelines for project makers: quality requirements  address real needs and deficiencies  demonstrate added value through joint actions  raise policy-making competence  produce durable results  generate investments of transnational relevance  specify achievements and quantify targets  market and disseminate results

Each project must address at least one of the common results Increased political recognition Increased sustainability of co-operative networks Unlocking public /private investments

New financial features are planned! Preparation costs might be reimbursed (only ERDF) Increased flexibility within budget lines and work packages Less budget lines (5 instead of 7) (1) Personnel costs(4) Equipment and investment (2) External Services(5) Other direct costs (3) Travel & Accommodation Additional 3 months for project closure AFTER implementation of activities ONLY project co-ordination costs to close the project are eligible Stronger observation of planned spending

Programme preparation status: Programme at the European Commission for approval Further Programme documents (Programme Manual, Application Form etc.) in preparation First call planned in the beginning of 2008 Follow the webpage eu.baltic.net

Thank you! We hope to see you in the BSR Programme !!