Reference: EU0010000274
European Commission - Directorate General Enlargement

Actions on the Impact of Enlargement in the Border Regions of the EU
Deadline: 10 November 2003

The aim of this call is to strengthen the competitiveness of regions and economic sectors particularly affected by enlargement, by helping them to cope with social and economic changes resulting from enlargement.

The total amount for this budget line is EUR 17 million.

Activities must take place in the EU border regions from the following list:

• Austria - Burgenland, Karnten, Niederosterreich, Oberosterreich, Steiermark, Wein;
• Finland - Etela-Suomi, Uusimaa; Italy -Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto;
• Germany - Berlin, Brandenburg, Chemnitz, Dresden, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niederbayern, Oberfranken, Oberpfalz
• Greece - Anatoliki Makedonia-Thraki, Kentriki Makedonia, Kriti, Notio Aigaio, Voreio Aigaio

The three initiatives to be supported under this call are:
1. Regional Events for Micro-enterprises in EU Regions Bordering the Candidate Countries with a Focus on support services.
The objective is to strengthen access to support services, for entrepreneurs of small and medium sized enterprises situated in the EU regions bordering the Candidate Countries and in particular small and micro businesses and sole proprietorships. The idea is to facilitate their inter-regional and cross-border co-operation.
Activities must take place in at least two different EU border regions.
Organisations eligible to apply are: Micro, small and sole proprietorship businesses; sectoral organisations and federations; business support service providers located in an EU Member State.
Funding will be a minimum of EUR 600,000 and a maximum of EUR 1 million and should not exceed 75% of the total eligible costs.

2. Qualification Initiatives for Vulnerable Groups of the Labour Force in EU Regions Bordering the Candidate Countries.
The objective is to qualify, train and increase occupational and geographical mobility of those potentially and currently working in small and medium sized businesses of sectors affected by enlargement. The focus will be on the most vulnerable groups such as unskilled workers.
Activities must take place in at least three different EU border regions.
Organisations eligible to apply are: Social partners, educational institutions, vocational training centres and universities located in an EU Member State.
Funding will be a minimum of EUR 500,000 and a maximum of EUR 1 million and should not exceed 75% of the total eligible costs.

3. Cross Border Initiatives for Local and Regional Authorities in EU Regions Bordering the Candidate Countries.
The objective is to improve the capacity of regional administrations to develop and manage sustainable cross border networks. The areas envisaged are: youth; culture, health, social affairs, environment and civil protection, energy, transport and consumer protection including the organisation of people to people activities in these areas.
Activities must take place in at least two different EU border regions.
Organisations eligible to apply are: Local authority or administration; regional authority or administration; municipality or association of municipalities located in an EU Member State.
Funding will be a minimum of EUR 300,000 and a maximum of EUR 750,000 and should not exceed 75% of the total eligible costs.

Deadline: 10 November 2003
 
> Key documents
• Qualification Initiatives for Vulnerable Groups of the Labour Force in EU Regions Bordering the Candidate Countries (OJ C/206)
internet: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/c_206/c_20620030902en00250026.pdf
• Regional Events for Micro-enterprises in EU Regions Bordering the Candidate Countries with a Focus on support services (OJ C/206)
internet: http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/c_206/c_20620030902en00240025.pdf
• Cross Border Initiatives for Local and Regional Authorities in EU Regions Bordering the Candidate Countries (OJ C/206)
internet: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/borderregions/
 
> Contacts
• DG ELARG - Information Unit
DG Enlargement - Information Unit
European Commission
200 rue de la Loi
B-1049 Brussels
phone: + 32 2 299 14 44
fax: + 32 2 299 17 77
email: enlargement@cec.eu.int
internet: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/index.htm