ENPI CBC MED
The multilateral cross-border cooperation “Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme” is part of the new European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and of its financing instrument (European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument – ENPI) for the 2007-2013 period: it aims at reinforcing cooperation between the European Union (EU) and partner countries regions placed along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
14 participating countries, which represent 76 territories and around 110 million people, are eligible under the Programme: Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Palestinian Authority, Portugal, Spain, Syria and Tunisia.
The Operational Programme, approved on August 14th 2008 by European Commission decision C (2008) 4242, establishes a strategic framework of 4 Priorities jointly defined by the participating countries:1) promotion of socio-economic development and enhancement of territories2) promotion of environmental sustainability at basin level3) promotion of better conditions and modalities for ensuring the mobility of persons, goods and capitals4) promotion of cultural dialogue and local governance.
Public and private actors organized in Mediterranean cross-border partnerships are invited to submit projects proposals following the launch of public calls, which will be largely publicized. Main beneficiaries include regional and local public authorities, NGOs, associations, development agencies, universities and research institutes, as well as private actors operating in the fields of intervention of the Programme.
As main decision-making body, the Joint Monitoring Committee, composed of the representatives of the participating countries, supervises and ensures the quality and effectiveness of Programme implementation and approves projects for funding. The Joint Managing Authority, the Autonomous Region of Sardinia (Italy), is responsible for the operational and financial management of the Programme. It will be supported by a Joint Technical Secretariat, an international bureau also located in Cagliari while a network of National Contact Points contributes to the promotion of Programme opportunities and results in the eligible territories.
The ENPI CBC “Mediterranean Sea Basin” Programme has a budget of € 173 million, coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Heading 4 – “EU as global partner” – of the EU budget.Projects can be funded up to a maximum of 90% while partners have to provide a minimum of 10% co-financing.
