1 Monterrey Consensus Financing for Development March 2002; Rome Declaration on Harmonization February 2003; Marrakech Negotiations Managing for Development Results February 2004; Paris Declaration Aid Effectiveness March 2005; European Consensus on Development Shared vision of the EU member states and the European Commission towards the main goals of the EU external assistance February 2006; Accra Agenda - September, 2008 Agenda for Change October Bussan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation - December, 2011 Formation of the EU external assistance strategy EU assistance provided to Georgia in (million euros) Programme Programme TACIS Humanitarian Aid Program ECHO Food Assistance Humanitarian Assistance Food Security Programme Rehabilitation Programme in the Conflict Zones Micro Financial Assistance Rapid Reaction Mechanism European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights EIDHR Budgetary Support / Twinning / Technical Assistance More for more TOTAL ,56 Main Programmes/Instruments of EU Assistance for Since 2007 EU assistance to Georgia has been mainly implemented according to the following three directions: 1. Geographical Instruments; (Bilateral, Regional and Cross-Border Cooperation); 2. Thematic Instruments and cooperation with financial institutions (EBRD, EIB, KfW) ; 3. Cooperation with EU programmes and agencies. Main Goal of the EU Assistance: Support to the policy priorities of International Agreements between the EU and Georgia: Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA); European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan (ENP AP) including the Eastern Partnership (EaP) initiative; The Assosiation Agreement (AA) including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA); The Association Agenda; Viza Liberalization Action Plan (VLAP). 5 Geographical Instruments ENPI (European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument) ( ) ENI (European Neighborhood Instrument) ( ) In 2006 the EU Council approved the European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument (ENPI) budget in order to strengthen the partnership between the EU and its neighboring countries (Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morroco, Palestine, the Russian Federation, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine). In 2014 the ENPI was changed by the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) which covers all ENPI countries excluding Russian Federation. 95% of the total budget is focused for the national and regional programmes and 5% is foreseen for the cross-border cooperation programmes. 6 ENPI and ENI have three main directions: I. National Programmes that are implemented according to the Annual Action Plans (AAP) II. Transnational/Regional Cooperation III. Cross-border Cooperation I. ENPI / ENI National Programs From 2007 till 2013 Financial assistance of the national programs under ENPI were carried out by the National Indicative Programmes (NIP) National Indicative Program (NIP) (120.4 million euros) National Indicative Program (NIP) ( million euros) Since 2014, Financial assistance of the national programs under ENI are carried out by the Single Support Framework (SSF) Sinlge Support Framework (SSF) 2014 2017 (410 million euros) 9 Main components of Annual Action Plans: Sector Reform Contracts (SRC former SPSP) More than 65% of AAPs are carried out by the sector reform contracts, which combine various instruments the big part of which is budget support. Programmes related with Technical Expertise (Twinning, TA, Grants, etc.) The goal of these programmes are the institutional strengthening of the recipient institutions. Support to the peaceful settlement of the conflict Increase of the EU participation in the conflict resolution process, improvement of the living conditions of the population affected by the conflict, issues related to their return to homes and the trust restoration. Note: Support to the Peacefull settlement of the conflict was provided from National Indicative Programme ( /2011) Assistance provided to Georgia within the Annual Action Plans in under ENPI / ENI Year Programmes supporting the sector policy Expert assistance programmes Support to the regions affected by the conflict and trust restoration Sum Total EU Budgetary support annually ( ) YearSectorBudget in mln euros 2007 NIP Support to the Ministry of Finance of Georgia in the implementation process of the effective management reform of State funds - Public Finance Management 16 Twinning and TA Facility Instruments4 Support to Conflict Settlement NIP Support to the Ministry of Justice of Georgia in the implementation process of the Criminal Justice Reform 16 Expert Assistance Programmes6.8 Support to Conflict Settlement NIP Support to the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia in the Vocational Education and Training reform process 19 Expert Assistance Programmes6.4 Support to Conflict Settlement3 EU Budgetary support annually ( ) YearSectorBudget in mln euros 2010 NIP Support to the Ministry of Finance of Georgia in the implementation process of the Public Finance Management reform 11 million Euros. 11 Support to the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia in the implementation process of the Regional Development reform 19 Expert Assistance Programmes NIP Support to the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia in the reforms implementation process Conflict Affected/Displaced Population and Host Communities 19 Support to the Ministry of Justice of Georgia in the implementation process of the Criminal Justice Reform 18 million euros 18 Expert Assistance Programmes 9.73 Support to Conflict Settlement4 EU Budgetary support annually ( ) YearSectorBudget in mln euros 2012 NIP Support to the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia in the process of Agricultural Development40 Expert Assistance Programmes NIPSupport to the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia in the implementation process of the Regional Development reform 30 Support to the Ministry of Finance of Georgia in the implementation process of the Public Finance Management reform 21 Expert Assistance Programmes SSFSupport to the Justice Reform in Georgia50 Support to EU Georgia DCFTA and SMEs SSFENPARD II50 Public Administration Reform30 Expert Assistance Programmes4 Total Budget Programmes related with Technical Expertise Programmes are oriented on the institutional building of the Governmental Institutions and are divided in following main directions: Classical Technical Assistance projects (TA) are implemented by hiring the consultation companies chosen on the basis of competition (tender). The above companies are supporting the Governmental Institutions in the implementation process of the goals foreseen by the relevant project documents (ToR). Concrete projects are financed from the component of AAPs related with Technical Expertise. Since 2007, the EU has financed 35 TA projects. Expert/Technical Assistance Programmes Twinning is a long term instrument of expert assistance which aims at a high level cooperation between the similar institutions of the EU member states and Georgia based on the pre-agreed action plan with the goal of sharing the best European practice in three main directions: Structural Reorganization; Legal Harmonization with aquis; Capacity Development; Concrete projects are financed from the component of AAPs related with Technical Expertise. In EU has financed - 25 Twinning projects under the priorities of NIP or SSF. Expert Assistance Programmes Programme SIGMA is a joint European Commission and OECD initiative, mainly funded from the EC budget, which helps to mobilize European Expertise to support reforms in partner countries public administration in fields such as public internal financial control or public procurement. It carries out seminar and workshops targeting public governance institutions, which are responsible for horizontal management systems of government civil service, administrative law, expenditure management, financial control, external audit, public procurement, policy and regulatory capacities, and property rights management. Assesses reform strategies and action plans, reform progress, legal frameworks, methodologies, systems and institutions. Develops methodologies, tools and guidance to support reforms. Provides advice on the design and implementation of reforms; recommendations on improving laws and administrative arrangements; advice on optimizing the use of other EU assistance; opportunities to share good practice from a wide range of countries; multi-country studies. During the reporting period, 5 expert assistance projects have been implemented in the framework of SIGMA. Namely, the OSMEEI has been actively participating in the implementation process of the civil service reform road map, the preparation of concept and legislation which will lay the foundation for the implementation of reforms in such important spheres as: central and regional governance, anti-corruption policy, e-governance and state procurement. Expert/Technical Assistance Programmes Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument (TAIEX) constitutes a flexible EU tool that mainly aims at supporting the governmental institutions by providing a short-term expert assistance in fields as agriculture, economy, environment protection, education, migration and etc Concrete projects are financed from the EC budget not related with the ENPI or ENI allocations. Since 2007, the EU has financed 255 TAIEX projects. Grants Grant is provided to the Governmental institutions as an exception based on the bilateral agreement with the European Commission in the framework of the priorities foreseen by the EU-Georgia cooperation. It is possible to receive 3 types of services within Grants: Service - in the framework of the cooperation, technical and economic support that will ensure the access to know-how through the service contract. As a rule, the subject of this contract is either a research or a technical (expert) assistance. Supply supply contract comprises the purchase of the products, leasing and rental, as well as the on-spot delivery and installation of the product. Works works constitutes the carrying out of the construction work through the company hired on the basis of the competition. Works contract might comprise as the performance of works alone so with the design/planning. Since 2007, the EU has provided grants for 21 projects. 19 1Agriculture and Rural Development30% 2Justice Sector25% 3Public Administration Reform25% 4Capacity Development, Institution Building and other international agreements related support 15% 5Support to Civil Society Organizations5% Total410 MLN. EURO Single Support Framework Priorities SSFSupport to the Justice Reform in Georgia50 Support to EU Georgia DCFTA and SMEs SSFENPARD II50 Public Administration Reform30 Expert Assistance Programmes Single Support Framework Allocations EU support under the More for More programme ( ) YearSectorBudget in mln euros 2012 Integrated Border Management and Migration (VLAP implementation) 16 Support to the Criminal Justice reform (to strengthen the rule of law and human rights protection) SPSP Employment and Vocational Education and Training SPSP Employment and Vocational Education and Training12 Support to Human Rights Protection in Georgia10 Support to the preparation and implementation of the EU-Georgia Agreements (AA, DCFTA, VLAP) Expert Assistance Programmes10 Total Budget EU Regional Programmes Regional cooperation funded by the ENI is mostly implemented through Eastern Partnership flagship initiatives, but also include additional actions from other regional programmes and projects. Regional programmes include activities at regional level (learning lessons, sharing experience, policy recommendations, information on the EU acquis, capacity building). They are tailored to the specific challenges and needs of each partner country, taking particular attention to the Association Agreements and the Association Agendas. Regional programmes should complement national programmes but not substitute them. EU Regional Programmes Eastern Partnership Multilateral Platforms EU Regional Programmes Eastern Partnership Flagship initiatives: 1. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 2. Sustainable municipal development 3. Integrated border management 4. Energy 5. Environmental governance and climate change 6. Prevention, preparedness and response to natural and man-made disasters For more information, see: Other Key Priorities under the regional umbrella: Transport, Governance and rule of law, Youth, Information society, Territorial cooperation, Civil society, Culture and Communication Flagship initiatives 1: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) initiative Create an enabling environment for SMEs SME policies (Support to SME Competiveness Reform) and implementation of related recommendations, but also improving financial reporting - STAREP (Strengthening Auditing and Reporting in the Countries of the Eastern Partnership). Enhance capacity of business organizations (BO) Enhance capacity of BOs to help the development of SMEs (East-Invest) and providing business development services to SMEs through the Small Business Support programme. Improve SMEs access to finance and access to market Supporting SMEs access to finance and access to markets through a wide range of programmes involving EFIs, such as the SME Finance Facility. In addition, for DCFTA countries, a new Facility has been set up to help SMEs to seize new trade opportunities and make the necessary investments to comply with the provisions of the DCFTA. EU Regional Programmes 1. Flagship initiatives 1: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) initiative In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts up to EUR 200 million. EU Regional Programmes NProjectCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1 Strengthening Auditing and Reporting in the Eastern Partnership Countries (STAREP)6 Eap countries mWorld Bank 2 EAST INVEST-support to Business support organizations; Phase Eap countries mEurochambres 3 Supporting SME Competitiveness Reforms in the Eastern Partner Countries - Implementing the Recommendations of the SME Policy Index Eap countries mOECD 4 Implementation of EBRD Small Business Support (SBS) programmes Enterprise Growth Programme (EGP) and Business Advisory Services (BAS) in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countriesbusinesses/overview.html 6 Eap countries mEBRD Flagship initiatives 1: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) initiative In addition to these projects, support to SMEs has been framed as facilities, set up by European financing institutions in the framework of the Neighbourhood Investment facility. In most cases they combine a grant component and a loan component. Only the grant amount is reported below. EU Regional Programmes NDCFTA Facility for SMEsCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1DCFTA Direct Finance FacilityUkraine, Moldova and Georgia mEBRD 2 EBRD DCFTA Facilitation Programme (Phase I) Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia mEBRD 3EIB DCFTA Facilitation ProgrammeUkraine, Moldova and Georgia mEIB 4Small Business Support EBRDUkraine, Moldova and Georgia mEBRD 5SMEs Finance Facility EBRD, EIB, KfW (Phase II) Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia mEBRD/EIB/KfW Flagship initiatives 1: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) initiative The DCFTA Facility for SMEs EU Regional Programmes Flagship initiatives 1: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) initiative Other facilities funded by the Neighbor Investment Facilities (NIF) EU Regional Programmes NFacility - NIFCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1 SME Facility - Includes an EBRD/KfW window for 10.2 million and a EIB window for 5.1 million 6 Eap countries mEBRD/EIB 2 KfW-03 Subscription and management on behalf of the European Commission of a participation in the European Neighbourhood Fund (ENBF) window of the European Fund for South East Europe (EFSE)6 Eap countries mKfW 3 EBRD-04 Framework for Capacity Building to support Financial Intermediaries in Azerbaijan and Georgia Georgia and Azerbaijan mEBRD 4Women in business6 Eap countries mEBRD Flagship initiatives 2: Sustainable municipal development Strengthen local authorities to design and implement local policies and strategies Promote good governance and good administrative practices in policy implementation and reform at local level Increase the financial accountability of local authorities Actions include: Support to Covenant of Mayors, with a view to implement CO2 emissions reduction and sustainable energy action plans. This includes support to the Secretariat and support through Sustainable Urban Demonstration Project (SUDEP) Mayors for economic growth, with the development and implementation of local economic strategies. Development of urban strategies in historic towns (COMUS- Council of Europe). Easing access to finance or investment projects by local authorities (through E5P-Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environmental partnership and the Municipal Project support Facility (MPSF)). For more information, see:EU Regional Programmes Flagship initiatives 2: Sustainable municipal development In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this flagship amounts to EUR million. Under this Flasgship, a new programme is currently being prepared on local economic development. The programme 'Mayors for Economic Growth' will be composed out of a TA part (4,5m) and a grant component (10m). The TA component will be launched in 2016, while the grants will be contracted in EU Regional Programmes N ProjectPurposeCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1 Covenant of Mayors (TA) + grants (CoM) + JRCSupport the cities that have signed up to the Covenant of Mayors. Focus on Sustainable Energy Action plans (SEAP) development. 6 EaP countries + 5 Central Asian countries ,35mEnergy Cities 2 Sustainable Urban Demonstration projects (TA) + grants (SUDEP) Investment and implementation support support to cities that have signed up to the Covenant of Mayors 5 EaP countries (no activities in AZ) mKummunal Kredit 3 Community-led Urban Strategies in Historic Towns (COMUS) Testing of local development strategies based on rehabilitation of heritage 6 EaP countries m Council of Europe 4 Municipal Project Support Facility (MPSF) Support to the preparation of bankable projects issued from the Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAP) 6 EaP countries mEIB 5Eastern European Energy Efficiency Partnership (E5P) Financing of urban development projects4 EaP countries mEBRD Flagship initiatives 3: Integrated border management The key expected results include improved security, reduced smuggling and human trafficking, and mobility facilitated. IBM strategies are developed, and best practice is adopted in line with EU standards, also in the context of the bilateral Visa Dialogues between the EU and partner countries. A regional capacity building programme is implemented by Frontex (4.5 million), while pilot projects (small infrastructure investments, equipment and specific technical assistance to implement the IBM approach at local level) are implemented at bilateral level. In total, the number of ongoing programmes under this flagship amounts to EUR 4.5 million. Projects are selected through annual call for proposals. In addition, bilateral pilot projects are managed by the relevant Delegations (for a total amount of about EUR 32 million). EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurpose Countries concerned Time frameBudgetImplementation 1Eastern Partnership Integrated Border Management Capacity Building Project Training on Integrated Border Management 6 EaP countries mEU agency: Frontex Flagship initiatives 4: Energy Targeting EaP countries national authorities, the INOGATE programme supports the economic convergence of energy markets and the enhancement of energy security within the EaP region, implementation of national energy efficiency and renewable energy action plans, including improving the legal framework, and encouraging private investment in energy projects. For more information, see: In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 20 million. EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurposeCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1INOGATE ITSFocus on 4 main components : converging energy markets, enhancing energy security, sustainable energy development and attracting investment 6 EaP countries + central Asia mPrivate sector consortium Flagship initiatives 4: Energy Additional assistance for the Energy Efficiency Facilities are provided through the Neighbourhood Instrument Facility (NIF) within the framework of the Sustainable Energy Finance Facility of the EBRD and the Green for Growth Programme with various EFIs. Main purpose is to stimulate private sector and SMEs to move towards more energy efficient production systems. In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 30.2 million. EU Regional Programmes NFacilityCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1 Caucasus Sustainable Energy Finance Facility: Implementation SupportArmenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan mEBRD 2 Green for Growth - Extension to NIF East Regionbt_funds/green_for_growth_fund.htm 6 Eap countries mEIB 3EBRD- 05 Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for Corporate sectorpdf Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Ukraine and Armenia mEBRD Flagship initiatives 5: Environmental governance and climate change projects are targeted to the following areas: air quality governance, biodiversity protection, improving forest law enforcement and governance, good environmental governance, river basin management, implementation of the EU water initiative, promoting Green Economy, waste governance and environmental monitoring of the Black Sea. Implementation of these projects is directly related to the implementation of the related international environment agreements as well as harmonization of environmental legislation with the EU Acquis. For more information, see: EU Regional Programmes Flagship initiatives 5: Environmental governance and climate change In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 67.5 million. EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurposeCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1 Support to the EU Water Initiative in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asiapromoting the water initiative and national dialogues on water 6 EaP countries + central Asia+Russia mOECD (and UNECE) 2 Environmental Protection of International River basinspromoting implementation of river basin management plans,& approximation to the EU WFD 6 EaP countries m Private sector consortium 3 ENPI Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) IIpromoting forest law enforcement and governance 6 EaP countries + Russia m World Bank (with IUCN and WWF) 4Greening Economies in the Eastern Neighbourhood (EaP-GREEN)promoting green economy, sustainable consumption and production, EIA & SEA 6 EaP countries mOECD (with UNEP, UNECE and UNIDO) Flagship initiatives 5: Environmental governance and climate change EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurposeCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 5 Emerald Network IInetwork Biodiversity network of protected areas 6 EaP countries + Russia mCouncil of Europe 6 Improving capacities to tackle obsolete pesticides and other unused hazardous chemicals in the former Soviet Unionaction/pesticides- fsu/home/en/ Improve capacities to address the risks posed by the obsolete chemicals 6 EaP countries + Central Asia mFAO 7 Shared Environmental Information systems (SEIS)In preparation6 EaP countries mEEA 8Environmental Monitoring of the Black Sea (EMBLAS)Strengthen capacities on biological and chemical monitoring of water quality in the Black Sea, in line with EU water related legislation Georgia, Russian Federation and Ukraine Phase I Phase II mUNDP Flagship initiatives 5: Environmental governance and climate change EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurpose Countries concerned Time frameBudgetImplementation 9 Clima East: Supporting Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Neighbourhood East and Russia (part I : policy)Contribute to improving climate change policies, strategies, and market mechanisms 6 EaP countries + Russia m Private sector consortium 10Clima East: Supporting Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Russia and eastern Neighbourhood countries (part II - Pilot Projects)Demonstrate ecosystems-based approaches to climate change through pilot projects 6 EaP countries + Russia mUNDP Flagship initiatives 6: Prevention, preparedness and response to natural and man- made disasters This programme aims at supporting partner countries to further strengthen disaster management capacities at local, regional and national level, by establishing effective cooperation between the EU and the partner countries, and among the partner countries themselves, in response to the increasing number and impact of natural and man-made disasters. There is one programme under the PPRD flagship, for a total of EUR 5.5 million. It is managed from the EU Delegation in Ukraine. For more information, see:EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurpose Countries concerned Time frameBudgetImplementation 1PPRD Prevention, preparedness and response to natural and man-made disasters phase 2Regional disaster risk reduction, floods management, approximation with the EU civil protection mechanism 6 EaP countries mPrivate sector consortium EU Regional Programmes EU Regional Programmes Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Transport Most of the projects fall under the TRACECA programme, covering the Eastern partnership countries (except Belarus) and 5 Central Asian countries (while Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania are associated). TRACECA refers also to a multilateral institution, with a permanent secretariat in Baku. In general, the projects cover technical assistance (trade facilitation/customs, logistics, safety, security, legal approximation, investment prioritization and appraisals). Focus is made on collaboration with EU-Agencies, through direct grants (EASA, EMSA), with a focus on safety for the different modes of transport. Of increasing importance is the Eastern Partnership Transport panel, in which intensive collaboration with DG Move (chair) is underway. Transport is also an important sector in the Neighbourhood Investment Facility, where focus is placed on interconnectivity of networks and in particular on supporting infrastructure on the EaP transport network (extension of TEN-T network). EU Regional Programmes Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Transport In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 13 million. EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurpose Countries concerned Time frame BudgetImplementation 1 TRACECA Civil aviation II -EASA contractTechnical assistance and capacity building (air safety norms, governance, legal approximation) 6 Eap countries + Central Asia m EU agency : EASA 2 IDEA - Transport Dialogue and Networks Interoperability IIassistance/transport-dialogue-and-networks- interoperability-ii-idea-2/ Technical assistance and capacity building (transport networks, attracting investment, project prioritization and preparation, regional dialogue) 6 Eap countries + Central Asia m Private sector consortium 3TRACECA - Maritime Safety and Security II Technical assistance and capacity building (ships and ports safety, security and pollution prevention) 6 Eap countries + Central Asia m Private sector consortium 4 Implementation of the regional road safety action plan GRSProad-safety-ii implementation of TRACECA Regional Road Safety Action Plan, 6 Eap countries + Central Asia mRed Cross 5 Implementation of the regional road safety action plan - service contractassistance/traceca-road-safety-ii/project- description/ implementation of TRACECA Regional Road Safety Action Plan 6 Eap countries + Central Asia m Private sector consortium 6Maritime safetytasks/training-a-cooperation/traceca-ii.html raising the maritime safety and marine pollution prevention/preparedness and response standards 6 Eap countries + Central Asia mEU agency : EMSA Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Governance and rule of law This is a new cooperation framework with the Council of Europe for the period which is based on a more result-oriented approach. the Council of Europe will provide support to EaP countries in 5 key areas (Human Rights, justice, threats to the Rule of Law, information society democratic governance). In addition, there is a regional programme on police to increase police cooperation on issues related to cross-border crime between the EU and EaP countries and among the Eastern European countries themselves. In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 41.3 million. EU Regional Programmes Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Governance and rule of law Total - EUR 41.3 million. In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 41.3 million. EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurposeCountries concernedTime frameBudgetImplementation 1 Council of Europe Programmatic Cooperation Frameworkpcf/home Support activities of the Council of Europe in the field of human rights, justice and the rule of law, information society and democratic governance. 6 EaP countries mCouncil of Europe 2 Eastern Partnership Police Cooperation programme To increase police cooperation on issues related to cross-border crime between EU and Eastern Partnership countries and among Eastern Partnership countries themselves, thus contributing to strengthening rule of law in these countries. 6 EaP countries mPolice Consortium 3Support to the European Endowment for Democracy https://www.democracyendowment. eu/ Supports journalists, bloggers, non- registered NGOs, trade unions, loosely organised or fledgling pro- democratic movements and political movements 6 EaP countries + South Neighbours mEED Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Youth The ongoing Youth programme aims to support capacity development of government and civil society actors in the youth sector, and to help involve young people in youth policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. It also strives to help government and civil society stakeholders acquire skills and methods for the analysis of youth affairs. A new programme focusing on mobility and capacity building activities is being prepared for EU Regional Programmes N ProjectPurpose Countries concerned Time frameBudgetImplementation 1Youth regional unit to support the development of evidence-based youth policy within the Eastern Partnership countries 6 EaP countries ,8 mGDSI Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Information society A project has just been launched to increase the access of the EaP countries to European research and education institutions via building a Research &Education network. A high-speed regional network of optical fibres will be notably established and access to scientific databases (publications, web services, software, educational material etc.) will be ensured. Integrating / harmonising digital markets may also become a priority. In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 14 million. EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurpose Countries concerned Time frameBudget Implementatio n 1EaP ConnectCreating a regional high-speed Internet network dedicated to research and education (R&E) with high-speed regional network of optical fibres, access to scientific databases and wifi coverage at campus level for students and researchers. 6 EaP countries 5 years ( ) 13M (EU contribution ) GEANT Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Territorial cooperation Four cooperation programmes have been launched along the Armenia-Georgia, Azerbaijan-Georgia, Belarus-Ukraine and Moldova Ukraine borders to strengthen cross border relations between local authorities, communities and civil society organizations to develop joint solutions to common social and economic development challenges in the participating border regions. Cross border projects are selected through calls for proposals. A technical assistance project is conducting capacity building and communication activities to prepare applicants and beneficiaries and to promote the programmes in all participating countries. In total, the budget of ongoing programmes under this sub-priority amounts to EUR 17.9 million. EU Regional Programmes NN ProjectPurpose Countries concerned Time frame BudgetImplementation 1 Eastern Partnership Territorial Cooperation ProgrammesPromote sustainable development in the neighbouring regions of the Eastern Partnership countries through territorial cooperation 6 EaP countries m MS agency : GIZ (DE) 2Eastern Partnership Territorial Cooperation support programmeTechnical assistance6 EaP countries mPrivate sector consortium Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries EU Support to the Civil Society Since 2011, EU support to civil society organisations has mostly been channeled through the Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility. The overall objective of the Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility is to strengthen and promote the role of civil society in reform and democratic change taking place in their respective countries. More specifically, the Facility aims to strengthen CSOs capacities to promote reform and increase public accountability, increase interaction between CSOs and authorities at the national level and local level, and improve CSOs involvement in programming, implementation and monitoring of EU assistance and policies in the region. Additionally, with the creation in 2009 of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum the EU sought a broader and more intensive engagement with all civil society stakeholders already involved in the implementation of the Eastern Partnership. The Forum brings together civil society organisations from the six EaP countries and from EU Member States to exchange views and formulate policy recommendations on national and EU policies. EU has supported the Forums activities from its inception, by financing its plenary meetings, working groups and Steering Committees, the EaP CSF website and its Secretariat (since its creation at the end of 2012). EU Regional Programmes Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries EU Support to the Civil Society In the Commission decisions for the Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility included both regional and bilateral allocations. Until now almost 100 projects were financed from these allocations out of which the following are managed in the EU Headquarters: EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurposeCountriesTime frameBudgetImplementation 2 Technical Assistance: Strengthening Non- State Actors' Capacities to Promote Reform and increase Public AccountabilityTo strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations in partner countries 6 EaP countries m Services contract (Konrad Adenauer Foundation) 3 Civil society as an advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in government decision-makingmes/education-society/ideas To strengthen the role and capacity of disability focused CSOs to work with government 6 EaP countries m Grant (British Council) 4Strengthening capacities of the National Platforms (NP) of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF)To strengthen the capacities of the EaP CSF working groups and National Platforms 6 EaP countries2012 mGrant (Regional Environmental Centre Moldova) Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries EU Support to the Civil Society In addition, a new programme is in preparation in 2015, with a double focus on creating a monitoring tool for enabling environment for civil society environment in the EaP countries, and a regional technical assistance to act as integrator and capitalization center. EU Regional Programmes NProjectPurposeCountries Time frame BudgetImplementation 5 Various projects to be selected under the regional call EuropeAid/135811/DH/ACT/Multi i. CLEEN Civil society Local Energy Efficiency Network To contribute to CSO capacity development at the individual, organisational and sector/network level To build a sectorial regional partnership of civil society organisations (CSOs) in four countries (Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia) 6 EaP countries Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Armenia m Grant (Women in Europe for a Common Future) ii. The way forward for reforms in the housing sector: empowering grass-root homeowners associations in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine To strengthen and promote the role of CSOs in grass-root decision-making processes in the housing sector in AZ, BY, GE, MD and UA. Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine m Grant (Initiative Wohnungswirtschaft Osteuropa (IWO) e.V. Initiative) iii. Partners in Empowerment To increase public accountability and effective policy- making towards sustainable development. 6 EaP countries m Grant (Sdruen pro podporu oteven spolenosti PASOS) 6Support to the activities of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society ForumTo improve the functioning of the structures of Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum; to encourage further cooperation between organisations from the Forum 6 EaP countries mGrant (EaP CSF Secretariat) Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Communication The EU continues its support to the EU neighbourhood Info-Centre with the objectives of enhancing access to information and comprehension to the targeted public; and reinforcing the main disseminators capacities and competences in the field of communication and information. A new regional communication programme (OPEN Neighbourhood) is expected to be launched by the end of OPEN (Opportunities, Participation, Engagement and Networking with the citizens in the European Neighbourhood area) will be a 4-years communication programme ( ) to support journalists from EaP countries (training and networking), and support information and communication activities of EU-funded projects in the region. The programme covers all 16 countries of the Neighbourhood with an overall budget of 20 million. 10 million will be for the Eastern Partnership countries. It will be implemented through three different, coordinated projects: one project focusing on journalists and media professional training and support to media productions (8 million EUR 4 million EUR for the East) one project supporting communication activities on EU funded programmes, projects and activities in the Eastern Neighbourhood (5.5 million EUR) one project supporting communication activities on EU funded programmes, projects and activities in the Southern Neighbourhood and ensuring coordination and synergies among all three projects (6.5 million EUR) In particular the latter two projects will complement and support the EU Delegations in their communication activities and Headquarters for communication on regional projects. EU Regional Programmes Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Culture The Eastern Partner Culture Programme II aims to support capacity development of state actors, cultural operators and civil society actors in the cultural and creative industries sector. The development of urban strategies for historic towns as well as developing a modernized concept of culture aims at further strengthening the role of culture as a vector for economic growth. The COMUS project also deals with culture and is reported under the municipal flagship. EU Regional Programmes N ProjectPurposeCountriesTime frameBudgetImplementation 1EaP Culture Programme II. Culture Capacity Development Unit Building capacities of public administration, cultural operators and civil society within the Eastern Partnership countries 6 EaP countries mService Contract (British Council) Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Cross Border Cooperation (CBC) In addition to regional programmes, EU implements Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) programmes which takes an important place in the cooperation under the Eastern partnership and beyond. CBC promote co-operation on the borders between EU Member States and the European Neighbourhood countries and the Russian Federation. The objective is to deliver a clear and tangible impact on both sides of the borders (cross border impact) in a variety of sectors targeting the local population needs. The ENPI Cross-border cooperation concentrates on building direct contacts between societies and local administrations. 13 CBC programmes for the ENPI period have been established along the Unions external land and sea borders for a total Unions financial contribution of 950.5M (50% from ENPI and 50% from ERDF). The CBC programmes are implemented in shared management by Joint Managing Authorities (JMAs) located in the Unions Member States. Projects are normally selected through calls for proposals. However, certain programmes are also implementing large scale projects often including large infrastructure components - selected via direct award by the participating countries. EU Regional Programmes Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Cross Border Cooperation (CBC) In total, over 984 projects have been contracted for the whole seven year programme duration. Projects are implemented in the fields of environmental protection, tourism, education and culture. The main project beneficiaries are local and regional authorities and civil society organisations. Out of these 984 projects, 51 are large scale projects focusing on investments mainly on border crossing point infrastructure, energy, transport and environmental protection for a total contribution of approximately 254M. The CBC programmes will continue to be funded under ENI with some adjustments. In total, 17 programmes are envisaged, including a new programme between Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the "Mid- Atlantic". The Baltic Sea Region programme will be managed by DG REGIO. The total CBC budget is 1,052 M out of which the ENI part amounts to 543 M. Georgia participates in the Black Sea Basin Cross Border Cooperation programme (BS CBC) which unites 8 countries of the region: Georgia, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia. Russia and Azerbaijan were supposed to participate at the initial stage but they refused to participate with their own decision because of different political reasons. EU Regional Programmes Other Regional initiatives involving Eastern Partnership Countries Cross Border Cooperation (CBC) EU Regional Programmes Land Border Programmes Budget (ME) Sea crossing Programmes Budget (M) Kolarctic/Russia24.7Italy/Tunisia33.3 Karelia/Russia21.6 SE Finland/Russia 36.1 Estonia/Russia 16.8 Latvia/Russia 15.9 Lithuania/Russia 19.0 Poland/Russia 48.6 Latvia/Lithuania/Belarus74.0Sea Basin programmes Poland/Belarus Ukraine175.8Baltic Sea Region8.8 Hungary/Slovakia/Romania/Ukraine74.0Black Sea39.0 Romania/Ukraine60.0Mediterranean209.0 Romania/Moldova81.0Mid-Atlantic100.0 OBJECTIVE 1: PROMOTING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE BORDER AREAS Support to the cross-border cooperation with the aim of supporting economic and social development Support to the information exchange, communication, development of transport and trade networks Creation of tourism networks in order to promote joint tourism development initiatives and traditional products Creation of administrative capacity for the design and implementation of local development policies OBJECTIVE 2: WORKING TOGETHER TO ADDRESS COMMON CHALLENGES Experience sharing with the aim of supporting the cooperation in the environmental field Overcoming environmental challenges information and experience sharing. Support to the scientific researches in order to protect the protected territories and awareness raising. Promotion of cooperation initiatives aimed at innovation in technologies and management of solid waste and wastewater management systems OBJECTIVE 3: PROMOTING LOCAL, PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE COOPERATION Supporting the cooperation in the fields of culture and education in the Black Sea Region Supporting the cultural ties and education cooperation in the Black Sea Region Black Sea Cross Border Cooperation Programme (BSCBC) Goals and Priorities of the Programmes Thematic Programmes of the EU Assistance European Instrument for Development and Human Rights (EIDHR) Supporting the non-governmental sector in the process of improving democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law. The selection and funding of the projects is carried out through call for proposals on the EC web-page: Non-State Actors and Local Athorities Development Thematic Programme Programme is financed within the EU Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) and foresees support to the non-governmental sector and local government in the partner countries (co-financing is imperative for participating in the programmes). Financing of the grants is carried out by the means of call for proposals on the EC web-page: Erasmus Mundus Fostering the cooperation between the higher education institutions (student and scientific programmes, educational grants). The grants funding is carried out by the means of the call for proposal available on the EC web-page: Tempus University Cooeperation Programme Supporting the higher education system reform and cooperation with the EU Universities. Currently, there 14 ongoing Tempus projects involving 16 Georgian educational institutions. Selection of the projects is carried out by the EC with the support of the Georgian Tempus informational office. Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF) Investment projects Black Sea Electro-Transmission Line Construction (228 million Euros). NIF funding: 8 million Euros. Raised funds: 220 million Euros (EIB, EBRD credit). Georgian Water Supply System Rehabilitation (81 million Euros). NIF funding: 6 million Euros. Raised funds: 75 million Euros (EIB, EBRD credit). Samtredia-Grigoleti Highway Construction (190 million Euros). NIF 20 million Euros. Raised funds: 200 million Euros (EIB credit). Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF) Investment projects Enguri Falls Hydro Electric Power Station Rehabilitation (40 million Euros). NIF funding : 5 million Euros. Raised funds: 35 million Euros (EBRD and EIB credit). Water Supply System Rehabilitation in Batumi and its Neighbouring Regions (44 million Euros). NIF funding: 4 million Euros. Raised funds: 35 million Euros (EBRD and EIB credit). Co-financing of the Georgian Government: 5 million Euros. South Caucasus Integrated Solid Waste Management Project NIF 6 million Euros. Project is under consideration. Development and Reconstruction Bank of Germany (KFW) is foreseen as a possible co-financer. In 2014, Georgia signed Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the general principles for the participation of Georgia in Union programmes. Based on this protocol Georgia, is eligible to participate into the new generation of programmes EU Community Programmes, which open up new opportunities for strengthening partnership with the EU. Such programmes are implemented on regional level through call for proposals principles and requires co-financing from the beneficiary state. Currently, Georgia has already joined EU Community programme CREATIVE EUROPE (Cultural and Creativity) and based on successfully finilised negouthiations with the EC Georgia will join HORIZON 2020 programme (Science and Innovations) in 2016 as an associated member. Proposal for joining SME Support Community Programme COSME was received from the EC, but due to the low interest of the beneficiary institutions from the Georgian side, programme is still not eligible for the country. 61 Participation into the EU Community Programmes and cooperation with the EU Agencies. On December 4, 2006 the European Commission issued a communication to the European Council and the European Parliament "On possibility for the ENP partner countries to participate in certain Community policies and programmes or to participate in the work of Community agenciesCOM (2006) 724 final. The communication provided chance to Georgia to take part in the EU sectorial agencies and thematic programmes. To date, the ENP partner countries can participate in 22 EU agencies. Currently, the Georgian state institutions cooperate with following EU agencies: European Space Agency (ESA); European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (FRONTEX); European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF); European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); European Police Office (EUROPOL); European Police College (CEPOL). European Agency for Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters (EUROJUST) 62 Participation into the EU Community Programmes and cooperation with the EU Agencies.