Experiences from the period and outlook for Transnational Chamber Training on EU-funds The IPA and the Balkan area: case studies for a successful participation to the funding opportunities Brussels, 27 March 2015

IPA – funding opportunities for chambers Service contracts: majority of tenders  potential conflict of interest with members  commercial aspect versus non-profit concept Grants: minority of tenders  depending on co-financing rate  return on staff costs must cover expenses for other direct costs (travel, events, etc.)  number of grants does not justify establishment of an internal project unit  search for lead partners Twinning:  availability of staff  low expert fees  management fees to be shared with external project management experts  project platform AED in Austria Budgetary support: replacing tender activities

BRO-suport: from business support to socio- economic programme PHARE Objectives:  support the ability of BROs to take on and implement the Community acquis and support its implementation in their member companies  contribute to the full familiarisation of target business representative organisations with the relevant acquis and its implications vis-à-vis their company members Budget: 10 Mio. EUR Grant size: 500 – 750 kEUR Co-financing by EU: 80% WKÖ: participation in SME FIT IISME FIT II consortium led by UEAPME as country coordinator IPA Objectives:  strengthening of civil society within a participative democracy, stimulating a civil society friendly 'environment' and culture  promoting the principles and values of the European Union in the potential member states in the region,  respecting the sensitivities of those involved and  enhancing regional cooperation and good neighbourhood relations Budget: 5 Mio. EUR Grant size: 50 – 500 kEUR Co-financing by EU: % WKÖ: no participation; 1 expert involved as a speaker in a conference in a environmental project led by the Austrian Red Cross

BRO-Requests for the current period Re-Focus on BROs instead of civil society as a whole  main driver/multiplyer in the accession process, needs expressed by local BROs (e.g. Serbia) Pragmatic opening to private sector experts  project development  TAIEX  Twinning Result driven budgeting/financial reporting instead of real cost based  more flexibility in implementation Establish a project development facility in order to increase the absorption capacity in the target countries

Outlook – recently closed and forthcoming calls Civil Society Dialogue between EU and Turkey - IV Civil Society Dialogue between EU and Turkey - IV Enterprise and Industrial Policy Grant Scheme (CSD - IV/ENT) Civil Society Facility Operating Grants to IPA CSO Associations Support to regional thematic associations Civil Society Facility Operating Grants to IPA CSO Associations Which calls to be expected? + specifically designed for business + decent co-financing (up to 90 %) - budget available ( EUR) + improvement of social dialogue and strengthening of the capacities of social economic partners - regional approach (new institutions to be established) - budget available ( EUR)