1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. PA1: Entrepreneurship & Innovation in the framework of TNCP INTERREG V-A Balkan Mediterranean
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

9. 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 , 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. “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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

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