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Other funding sources

Funding opportunities in the EUSDR – Other funds and instruments

This table provides a non-exhaustive list of interesting funding opportunities for the EUSDR. Assignment of topics according to EUSDR Pillars and website links have been added as available.

Fund / Programme / Network / Organisation Website Objective Priorities/Activities EUSDR Pillars
I II III IV
7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/research/fp7/   The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories: Cooperation, Ideas, People and Capacities. For each type of objective, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy. Cooperation: Research support is provided to international cooperation projects across the European Union and beyond in thematic areas like health; food, agriculture and fisheries, biotechnology; information and communication technologies; nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies; energy; environment (including Climate Change);
transport (including Aeronautics); socio-economic sciences and humanities; space; security.
Ideas: Boost Europe’s competitiveness by helping to attract and retain the most talented scientists, supporting risk-taking and high-impact research, and promoting world-class scientific research in new, fast emerging fields.
People: Improve the human potential in European research and development by covering all stages of a researcher’s professional life from initial training to lifelong learning and career development via several types of actions.
Capacities: Aims to optimise the use and development of research infrastructures, while enhancing the innovative capacities of SMEs to benefit from research.		 x x x
Neighborhood Investment Facility (NIF) http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/regional-cooperation/irc/investment_en.htm The NIF is financial mechanism aimed at mobilising additional funding to cover the investment needs of the EU Neighbouring region for infrastructures in sectors such as transport, energy, the environment and social issues (e.g. construction of schools or hospitals). The NIF also supports the private sector particularly through risk capital operations targeting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. x  x  x  x
Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc78_en.htm The programme enables individuals at all stages of their lives to pursue stimulating learning opportunities across Europe.
Erasmus http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/llp/index_en.php The EU’s flagship education and training programme for 2007-2013 is expanded to cover student placements in enterprises, university staff training and teaching for enterprise staff. The general aim of the Programme is to create a European Higher Education Area and foster innovation throughout Europe. x
Comenius  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc84_en.htm The programme focuses on the first phase of education, from pre-school and primary to secondary schools. It seeks to develop knowledge and understanding among young people and educational staff of the diversity of European cultures, languages and values. x x
Grundtvig  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc86_en.htm The programme focuses on the teaching and study needs of those in adult education and alternative education streams, as well as the institutions and organisations delivering these services. It aims to help develop the adult education sector, as well as enable more people to undertake learning experiences, notably in other European countries. x
Leonardo da Vinci http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc82_en.htm The programme links policy to practice in the field of vocational education and training. Projects range from those giving individuals the chance to improve their competences, knowledge and skills through a period abroad, to Europe-wide co-operation between training organisations. x
Transversal  http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc90_en.htm In order to ensure that the four sub-programmes of the Lifelong Learning Programme reap the best results, a transversal programme with four key activities complements them.
– Policy Co-operation and Innovation aims to enhance the quality and transparency of education and training systems, monitor progress towards fixed objectives and targets, identify areas of concern and strengthen the collection and production of data, statistics and research across the EU.
– Languages – labour force with practical language and intercultural skills is crucial for economic growth and better jobs, enabling European enterprises to compete effectively in the global marketplace;¨
– Information and Communications Technologies – action aims to harness the power of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) to develop innovative education and training practices, improve access to lifelong learning and help develop advanced management systems.
– Dissemination and exploitation of results.
 x
Jean Monnet http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc88_en.htm The programme stimulates teaching, research and reflection on European integration at higher education institutions throughout the world. It includes the creation of Jean Monnet Chairs, Centres of Excellence, Modules, information and research activities as well as support for academic associations of professors and researchers in European integration. x
Tempus IV: Modernisation of Higher Education in countries surrounding the EU 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/education/external-relation-programmes/doc70_en.htm The Programme supports the modernisation of higher education and creates an area of co-operation with the Partner Countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Western Balkans and the Mediterranean region, mainly through university cooperation projects. Tempus funds two types of actions:
– Joint Projects: partnerships between higher education institutions in the EU and partner countries. They can develop, modernise and disseminate new curricula, teaching methods or materials, as well as boosting quality assurance and management of higher education institutions.
– Structural Measures: to develop and reform higher education institutions and systems in partner countries; to enhance their quality and relevance, and to increase convergence with EU developments.
Erasmus Mundus – Scholarships and Academic Cooperation 2009-2013 http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus/index_en.php The cooperation and mobility programme in the field of higher education that aims to enhance the quality of European higher education and to promote dialogue and understanding between people and cultures through cooperation with third-countries. Programme support:
– implementation of joint programmes at postgraduate level or set-up of inter-institutional cooperation partnerships between universities from Europe and targeted third-countries;
– study / research / teaching in the context joint programmes or cooperation partnerships ;
– develop projects aimed at enhancing the attractiveness, profile, visibility and image of European higher education worldwide.		 x x
MEDIA 2007 programme 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/index_en.htm The programme supports to:
– strive for a stronger European audiovisual sector, reflecting and respecting Europe’s cultural identity and heritage;
– increase the circulation of European audiovisual works inside and outside the European Union;
– strengthen the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector by facilitating access to financing and promoting use of digital technologies.		 MEDIA 2007 comprises a series of support measures for the European audiovisual industry focusing on:
– training professionals;
– developing production projects;
– distributing films and audiovisual programmes;
– promoting films and audiovisual programmes;
– supporting film festivals.		 x x
Culture Programme 2007-2013 http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/culture/index_en.php The programme encourage and support cultural cooperation within Europe in order to bring the European common cultural heritage to the fore. The Programme is aimed at three specific objectives:
– promotion of the trans-national mobility of people working in the cultural sector;
– support for the trans-national circulation of cultural and artistic works and products;
– promotion of inter-cultural dialogue.		 x x
LIFE+ Programme 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/about/index.htm#lifeplus The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment with the general objective to contribute to the implementation, updating and development of EU environmental policy and legislation by co-financing pilot or demonstration projects with European added value.
Nature and Biodiversity The part of the programme is co-financing best practice or demonstration projects contributing to the implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Natura 2000 network; and innovative or demonstration projects contributing to the implementation of the objectives of Commission Communication (COM (2006) 216 final) on “Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – and beyond”. x
Environment Policy and Governance The part of the programme is co-financing innovative or pilot projects contributing to the implementation of European environmental policy and the development of innovative policy ideas, technologies, methods and instruments. It helps monitor pressures (including the long-term monitoring of forests and environmental interactions) on our environment. x x
Information and Communication The part of the programme is co-financing projects related to communication and awareness raising campaigns on environmental, nature protection or biodiversity conservation issues, as well as projects related to forest fire prevention. x
NGO Operating Grants http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ngos/index_en.htm The grants provides funding of operational activities of NGOs that are primarily active in protecting and enhancing the environment at European level and involved in the development and implementation of Community policy and legislation x
Eco-Innovation Programme 2008-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/contact_en.htm Initiative is addressed to organisations that have developed an environmental product, service, management practice or process which has a proven track record, yet is not fully marketed due to residual risks. Eco-innovative projects are supported in different sectors which aims at the prevention or reduction of environmental impacts or which contributes to the optimal use of resources. x x
Marco Polo Programme 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/transport/marcopolo/ The overall objective of the programme is to reduce congestion, to improve the environmental performance of the transport system and to enhance intermodal transport, thereby contributing to an efficient and sustainable transport system which provides EU added value without having a negative impact on economic, social or territorial cohesion. The programme aims to shift freight transport from the road to sea, rail and inland waterways. x x
Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme 2007-2013 (CIP) http://ec.europa.eu/cip/index_en.htm  The CIP is divided into three operational programmes:
– The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP);
– The Information Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICT-PSP);
– The Intelligent Energy Europe Programme (IEE).
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (EIP) The programme seeks to support innovation and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the EU. The programme focuses on:
– access to finance;
– business services – the “Enterprise Europe Network” (EEN);
– support for improving innovation policy;
– eco-innovation pilot and market replication projects for the testing in real conditions of innovative products, processes and services;
– support for innovation and SME policy-making through contracts and grants.		 x
Information and Communication Technologies Policy Support Programme (ICT-PSP) The programme aims at stimulating a wider uptake of innovative ICT based services and the exploitation of digital content across Europe by citizens, governments and businesses, in particular SMEs. The programme supports pilot actions, involving both public and private organisations, for validating in real settings, innovative and interoperable ICT based services in areas such as:
– ICT for health, ageing and inclusion;
– digital libraries;
– ICT for improved public services;
– ICT for energy efficiency and smart mobility;
– multilingual web and Internet evolution;
– networking actions for sharing experiences and preparing the deployment of innovative ICT based solutions;
– monitoring of the information society through benchmarking, analyses and awareness raising actions.		 x
Intelligent Energy – Europe Programme (IEE) The programme is the EU’s tool for funding action to improve these conditions and seeks to bridge the gap between EU policies and how they impact on the ground.
The objective of the programme is:
– to foster energy efficiency and the rational use of energy resources;
– to promote new and renewable energy sources and to support energy diversification;
– to promote energy efficiency and the use of new and renewable energy sources in transport.		 Funding areas vary from year t to year, but have included:
– energy efficiency (buildings, industry, products);
– renewable energy sources (electricity, biofuels, heating and cooling, domestic and other small-scale applications);
– energy in transport (alternative fuels and clean vehicles, energy-efficient transport);
– integrated initiatives (bio business, energy services, intelligent energy education, product standards, European networking for local action, combined heat and power, sustainable energy communities, creation of local and regional energy agencies).		 x
Eurostars Programme http://www.eurostars-eureka.eu/

The Eurostars Programme (‘Eurostars’) is a European innovation programme. Its purpose is to provide funding for market-oriented research and development with the active participation of specifically research and development performing small and medium-sized enterprises (R&D-performing SMEs).

The programme supports European research and development projects addressing any technological area, but having a civilian purpose and aiming at the development of a new product, process or service.

 x
Fiscalis 2013 Programme http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/taxation/tax_cooperation/fiscalis_programme/fiscalis2013/index_en.htm The programme aims to
– enhance the fight against tax fraud, in particular against “VAT carousel fraud”;
– continuously improve administrative procedures and practices to the benefit of administrations and business within the EU;
– ensure the exchange of information between national tax administrations as well as with traders through projects such as trans-European tax IT systems.		 x
Trans-European Transport Network Programme 2007-2013 (TEN-T) http://ec.europa.eu/transport/infrastructure/index_en.htm TEN-T Programme is one of the most important Community financing means for European transport infrastructure projects.
Trans-European transport networks are cofinanced by several Community instruments.		 TEN-T projects can generally be classified as studies or works, and include all modes of transport:
– road
– rail
– maritime
– inland waterways
– air
– logistics
– co-modality
– innovation
TEN-T projects aims to:
– establish and develop the key links and interconnections needed to eliminate existing bottlenecks to mobility;
– fill in missing sections and complete the main routes — especially their cross-border sections;
– cross natural barriers;
– improve interoperability on major routes.		 x
Second Programme of Community Action in the Field of Health 2008-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/health/programme/policy/2008-2013/index_en.htm The programme aims to improve the level of physical and mental health and well-being of EU citizens and reduce health inequalities throughout the Community. The proogramme priorities:
1.Priority To improve citizens’ health security:
– developing EU and Member States’ capacity to respond to health threats;
– actions related to patient safety, injuries and accidents, risk assessment and community legislation on blood, tissues and cells.
2.Priority To promote health, including the reduction of health inequalities:
– action on health determinants – such as nutrition, alcohol, tobacco and drug consumption, as well as social and environmental determinants;
– measures on the prevention of major diseases and bridging health inequalities across the EU;
– increasing healthy life years and promoting healthy ageing.
3.Priority To generate and disseminate health information and knowledge:
– action on health indicators and ways of disseminating information to citizens;
– focus on Community added-value action to exchange knowledge in areas such as gender issues, children’s health or rare diseases.		 x
Community Programme for Employment and Solidarity – PROGRESS 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=327&langId=en The programme has six objectives:
– to improve knowledge and understanding of the situation in the Member States through analysis, evaluation and close monitoring of policies;
– to support the development of statistical tools and methods and common indicators;
– to support and monitor the implementation of legislation and policy objectives;
– to promote networking, mutual learning, and the identification and dissemination of good practice at EU level;
– to make stakeholders and the general public aware of EU policies in the fields of employment, social protection and inclusion, working conditions, diversity and non-discrimination, and equality between men and women;
– to boost the capacity of the key EU networks to promote and support EU policies.		 The aim of the programme is to provide financial support for the implementation of the European Union’s objectives in the field of employment and social affairs.
The programme is divided into five sections:
– employment;
– social protection and inclusion;
– working conditions;
– diversity and combating discrimination;
– equality between women and men.		 x x
European Progress MicroFinance Facility for Employment and Social Inclusion http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=836&langId=en It provides EU resources to increase access to, and availability of, microfinance for:
a) persons:
– who have lost or are at risk of losing their job;
– who have difficulties entering or re-entering the labour market;
– who are facing the threat of social exclusion;
– or vulnerable persons who are in a disadvantaged position with regard to access to the conventional credit market;
– and who want to start or further develop their own microenterprise, including self-employment;
b) micro-enterprises, especially in the social economy, as well as micro-enterprises which employ persons referred to in point (a).		 Eligible types of actions:
– guarantees and risk-sharing instruments;
– equity instruments;
– debt instruments;
– support measures, such as communication activities, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation which are directly necessary for the effective and efficient implementation of the Facility and for the achievement of its objectives.
The European Progress Microfinance Facility does not directly provide financing to entrepreneurs, but enables microfinance institutions in the EU countries to increase lending to them.		 x
Civil Protection Financial Instrument http://ec.europa.eu/echo/civil_protection/civil/prote/finance.htm  The instrument aims at supporting and complementing the efforts of MSs for the protection, primarily of people, but also of the environment and property, including cultural heritage, in the event of natural and man-made disasters, acts of terrorism and technological, radiological or environmental accidents. Furthermore, it intends to facilitate reinforced co-operation between the MSs in the field of civil protection. The instrument covers three main aspects of civil protection activities: prevention, preparedness and response. x x x
Security and Safeguarding Liberties Framework Programme 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/funding/intro/funding_security_en.htm
Prevention, Preparedness and Consequence Management of Terrorism and other Security Related Risks http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/funding/cips/funding_cips_en.htm The Programme shall contribute to support MSs efforts to prevent, prepare for, and to protect people and critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks and other security related incidents.
The Programme is intended to contribute to ensuring protection in the areas such as the crisis management, environment, public health, transport, research and technological development and economic and social cohesion, in the field of terrorism and other security related risks within the area of freedom, security and justice.		 Programme aims at:
1) protecting people and critical infrastructure, in particular by stimulating, promoting, and supporting:
– risk assessments on critical infrastructure, in order to upgrade security;
– development of methodologies for the protection of critical infrastructure, in particular risk assessment methodologies;
– shared operational measures to improve security in cross-border supply chains, provided that the rules of competition within the internal market are not distorted;
– development of security standards, and an exchange of know-how and experience on protection of people and critical infrastructure;
– Community wide coordination and cooperation on protection of critical infrastructure.
2) with regard to consequence management it aims at:
– stimulating, promoting and supporting exchange of knowhow and experience, in order to establish best practices with the view to coordinate the response measures and to achieve cooperation between various actors of crisis management and security actions;
– promoting joint exercises and practical scenarios including security and safety components, in order to enhance coordination and cooperation between relevant actors at the European level.		 x
Specific Programme Prevention of and Fight against Crime http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/funding/isec/funding_isec_en.htm The Programme shall contribute to a high level of security for citizens by preventing and combating crime, organised or otherwise, in particular terrorism, trafficking in persons and offences against children, illicit drug trafficking and illicit arms trafficking, corruption and fraud. The Programme shall contribute to the following specific objectives:
– to stimulate, promote and develop horizontal methods and tools necessary for strategically preventing and fighting crime and guaranteeing security and public order such as the work carried out in the European Union Crime Prevention Network, public-private partnerships, best practices in crime prevention, comparable statistics, applied criminology and an enhanced approach towards young offenders;
– to promote and develop coordination, cooperation and mutual understanding among law enforcement agencies, other national authorities and related Union bodies in respect of the priorities identified by the Council in particular as set out by the Europol’s Organised Crime Threat Assessment;
– to promote and develop best practices for the protection and support witnesses; and
– to promote and develop best practices for the protection of crime victims.		 x
Fundamental Rights and Justice Framework Programme 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/justice/funding/intro/funding_rights_en.htm
Criminal Justice http://ec.europa.eu/justice/funding/jpen/funding_jpen_en.htm The general objectives of the Programme:
– To promote judicial cooperation with the aim of contributing to the creation of a genuine European area of justice in criminal matters based on mutual recognition and mutual confidence;
– To promote the compatibility in rules applicable in the MSs as may be necessary to improve judicial cooperation. To promote a reduction in existing legal obstacles to the good functioning of judicial cooperation with a view to strengthening the coordination of investigations and to increase compatibility of the existing judicial systems in the MSs to the EU with a view to providing adequate follow-up to investigations of law enforcement authorities of the MSs;
– To improve the contacts and exchange of information and best practice between legal, judicial and administrative authorities and the legal professions: lawyers and other professionals involved in the work of the judiciary, and to foster the training of the members of the judiciary, with a view to enhancing mutual trust;
– To further improve mutual trust with the view to ensuring protection of rights of victims and of the accused.		 x
Civil Justice  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/funding/civil/funding_civil_en.htm The Programme promote the elimination of obstacles to the good functioning of cross-border civil proceedings in the Member States and aims to improve the daily life of individuals and businesses, notably by fostering access to justice. The general objectives of this programme are:
– to promote judicial cooperation with the aim of contributing to the creation of a genuine European area of justice in civil matters based on mutual recognition and mutual confidence;
– to promote the elimination of obstacles to the good functioning of cross-border civil proceedings in the Member States;
– to improve the daily life of individuals and businesses by enabling them to assert their rights throughout the European Union, notably by fostering access to justice;
– to improve the contacts, exchange of information and networking between legal, judicial and administrative authorities and the legal professions, including by way of support of judicial training, with the aim of better mutual understanding among such authorities and professionals.		 x
Fundamental Rights and Citizenship http://ec.europa.eu/justice/funding/rights/funding_rights_en.htm General objectives of the programme:
– to promote the development of a European society based on respect for fundamental rights;
– to strengthen civil society and to encourage an open, transparent and regular dialogue with it in respect of fundamental rights;
– to fight against racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism and promote better interfaith and intercultural understanding and improved tolerance in the EU;
– to improve contacts, exchange of information and networking between legal, judicial and administrative authorities and the legal professions, for a better mutual understanding.		 x
Drug Prevention and Information http://ec.europa.eu/justice/funding/drugs/funding_drugs_en.htm The programme builds on the EU’s Drugs Strategy and Action plans, the ultimate aim of which is to significantly reduce the social harm and health damage caused by the use of, and trade in, illicit drugs.
The general objectives of this programme are:
– to prevent and reduce drug use, dependence and drug related harms;
– to contribute to the improvement of information on the effects of drug use;
– to support the implementation of the EU Drugs Strategy.		 To promote transnational actions to:
1) set up multidisciplinary networks that can make a clear and specific contribution to achieving the objectives of this programme;
2) ensure the expansion of the knowledge base, the exchange of information and the identification and dissemination of good practice, e.g. through training, study visits and staff exchanges;
3) raise awareness of the social and health problems caused by drugs use and to encourage an open dialogue with a view to promoting a better understanding of the drug phenomenon; and
4) support measures aimed at preventing drug use, including the reduction of drug-related harm and treatment methods, taking into account the latest state of scientific knowledge;
To involve civil society in the implementation and development of the European Union’s Drugs Strategy and Action Plans; and
To monitor, implement and evaluate the implementation of specific actions under the Drugs Action Plans 2005–2008 and 2009–2012. 		 x x
Prevent and combat violence against children, young people and women and to protect victims and groups at risk (Daphne III) http://ec.europa.eu/justice/funding/daphne3/funding_daphne3_en.htm The general objective of Daphne III is to contribute to the protection of children, young people and women against all forms of violence and to attain a high level of health protection, well-being and social cohesion. The programme will achieve its objectives by means of transnational actions (grant funding), the Commission’s own-initiated actions (contracts) or operating grants to NGOs, which aims will be to:
– assisting and encouraging NGOs and other organisations active in this field;
– developing and implementing targeted awareness-raising actions;
– disseminating results obtained under Daphne;
– actions contributing to positive treatment of people at risk;
– setting up and supporting multidisciplinary networks;
– expansion of the knowledge base and exchange, identification and dissemination of information and good practice;
– designing and testing awareness-raising and educational materials;
– studying phenomena related to violence and its impact;
– developing and implementing support programmes for victims and people at risk and intervention programmes for perpetrators.		 x x
Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows 2007-2013 http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/funding/intro/funding_intro_en.htm
External Borders Fund  http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/funding/borders/funding_borders_en.htm The instrument establishes a financial solidarity mechanism to support the states who endure, for the benefit of the Community, a lasting and heavy financial burden arising from the implementation of common standards on control and surveillance of external borders and visa policy. x
European Refugee Fund http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/funding/refugee/funding_refugee_en.htm The general objective of the fund is to support and improve the efforts of MSs to grant reception conditions to refugees, displaced persons and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, to apply fair and effective asylum procedures and to promote good practices in the field of asylum so as to protect the rights of persons requiring international protection and enable MSs asylum systems to work efficiently. x
European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/funding/integration/funding_integration_en.htm The general objective of the instrument is to support the efforts of MSs to enable third country nationals to fulfil the conditions of residence and to facilitate their integration into European societies, in accordance with the Common Basic Principles for immigrant integration policy in the European Union.
The Fund is targeted primarily to newly arrived third country nationals for actions supporting the integration process of third country nationals in MSs. It will also support enhancing the capacity of MSs to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate in general all integration strategies, policies and measures for third country nationals and the exchange of information, best practice and co-operation in and between MSs.		 x x x
Return Fund http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/funding/return/funding_return_en.htm The general objective of the instrument is to support the efforts of MSs to improve the management of return in all its dimensions through the use of the concept of integrated return management, with a preference to voluntary return and with a view to supporting a fair and effective implementation of common standards on return. To enhance the efficiency in return management at national level, the fund shall also cover actions relating to voluntary return of persons who are not under an obligation to leave the territory, such as applicants for asylum who have not yet received a negative decisions or persons enjoying international protection. x
Customs 2013 Programme  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/cooperation_programmes/customs_programme/index_en.htm The overall objectives of the programme are:
– making national customs administrations act as if they were one;
– reinforcing security and safety within the EU and at the external border;
– strengthening the fight against fraud and protecting the financial and economic interests of the EU and MSs;
– increasing the competitiveness of Euro pean business by modernising and speeding up customs procedures.		 x
European Investment Bank’s Loans http://www.eib.org/products/loans/index.htm The EIB finances a broad range of projects in all sectors of the economy. Projects must adhere to at least one of the EIB lending objectives. Within the EU the EIB has 6 priority objectives for its lending activity:
– Cohesion and Convergence;
– Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
– Environmental sustainability;
– Implementation of the Innovation 2010 Initiative (i2i);
– Development of Trans-European Networks of transport and energy (TENs);
– Sustainable, competitive and secure energy.		 x x x x
JESSICA (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas)  http://jessica.europa.eu Is the initiative of the EC in cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank, in order to promote sustainable investment, and growth and jobs, in Europe’s urban areas.
JESSICA is a new way of using existing SF grant allocations to support urban development projects.
Implementation of the initiative is through two possible approaches:
1) direct relationship with Urban Development Funds;
2) JESSICA through Holding Funds.		 EIB involvement in JESSICA is threefold:
– advising and assisting national, regional and local authorities in implementing JESSICA
– promoting the use of Urban Development Funds and best practice across Europe
– acting as a Holding Fund, when requested by MSs or Managing Authorities		 x x

JASPERS (Joint Assistance in Supporting Projects in European Regions) assists the 12 Central and Eastern EU Member States in the preparation of major projects to be submitted for grant financing under the Structural and Cohesion Funds.

TA fund in the fields of TENs networks, transport, environmental remediations, waste management, renewable energy, water and sanitation services, etc.

JASPERS focuses on large projects with total costs exceeding EUR 25 million for environmental projects and EUR 50 million for transport or other sectors. However, there is flexibility about these thresholds in the case of small countries or where projects serve as pilot actions to establish best practice.

 http://www.jaspers-europa-info.org/ JASPERS aims to:
– improve the quality of technical advice available to project promoters;
– enhance economic growth and job creation.Key areas for JASPERS’ assistance include:
– Trans-European networks (TENs);
– transport sector outside of TENs, including road, rail, river, air and sea transport;
– clean urban and public transport;
– environmental remediation;
– waste management;
– renewable energy;
– water and sanitation services;
– water risk management.		 The main types of inputs of JASPERS concern:
– Advice on conceptual development and project structuring;
– Advice on project preparation (e.g. cost-benefit analysis, financial analysis, environmental issues, procurement planning);
– Review of documentation: feasibility studies, technical design, grant application.
– Advice on compliance with EU law (environmental, competition and others)
– Conformity with EU policies.		 x x
JEREMIE (Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises) http://jeremie.europa.eu/ Is the initiative of the Commission together with the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund in order to promote increased access to finance for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions of the EU. JEREMIE targets:
– SMEs expansion;
– new business creation, including in new technologies;
– SMEs investment in innovation;
– technology transfer to SMEs.		 x
JASMINE (Joint Action to Support Micro-finance Institutions in Europe) http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/microfinance/JASMINE/index.htm?lang=-en

JASMINE (Joint Action to Support Microfinance Institutions) is a pilot initiative launched in 2008 by the European Commission, the EIB Group and the European Parliament.

The European Investment Fund provides Technical Assistance to selected microfinance institutions (MFIs) and micro-credit providers active in the European Union to increase the quality of their internal processes.

 JASMINE Technical Assistance services consist of:

– An institutional assessment or a rating exercise performed by Microfinanza Rating or Planet Rating.

– Tailor-made trainings to the staff and management of the selected MFI, delivered by experts from the Microfinance Centre, a network based in Poland and active in Asia, Africa and Europe on the other hand. The trainings are focusing on the weaknesses observed during the assessment / rating reports.

 x  x  x  x
ELENA (European Local ENergy Assistance) http://www.eib.org/products/technical_assistance/elena/index.htm The initiative established by the EC and the European Investment Bank , financed through the Intelligent Energy-Europe programme with the aim to facilitate the mobilisation of funds for investments in sustainable energy at local level. Support covers a share of the cost for technical support that is necessary to prepare, implement and finance the investment programme, such as feasibility and market studies, structuring of programmes, business plans, energy audits, preparation for tendering procedures, etc.,  everything necessary to make cities’ and regions’ sustainable energy projects ready for EIB funding. x
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development http://www.ebrd.com/pages/homepage.shtml The EBRD supports projects in 29 countries from central Europe to Central Asia.
It proposes financial support via:
– direct investments;
– investments to smaller projects are financed both directly by the EBRD and through financial intermediaries (local commercial banks, micro-business banks, equity funds and leasing facilities).
The EBRD provides:
– loans;
– equity finance;
– guarantees;
– leasing facilities;
– trade finance;
– professional development through support programmes.		 Bank provides support in the business sectors:
– Agribusiness;
– Energy efficiency & climate change (see the EBRD’s Sustainable Energy Financing Facility);
– Financial institutions;
– Micro, small & medium business;
– Municipal & environmental infrastructure;
– Natural resources;
– Power & energy;
– Property & tourism;
– Telecoms, informatics & media;
– Transport.Focus Areas are:
– Anti-corruption;
– Environment (the Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) is the specific contribution to address the climate change challenge, with a particular focus on energy efficiency);
– Integrity & anti-corruption;
– NGO dialogue;
– Trade; etc.		 x x x x
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/agriculture/general_framework/l60032_en.htm The EAFRD contributes to improving:
– the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry;
– the environment and the countryside;
– the quality of life and the management of economic activity in rural areas.		 The national strategic plan of each Member State must set out the national priorities and objectives to implement.
Axis 1: Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector
– measures aimed at promoting knowledge and improving human potential
– measures aimed at restructuring and developing physical potential
– measures aimed at improving the quality of production and products
– provisional measures are also planned for the new Member StatesAxis 2: improving the environment and the countryside
* land management: to contribute to sustainable development by encouraging farmers and forest holders to employ methods of land use compatible with the need to preserve the natural environment and landscape and protect and improve natural resources; to take into account biodiversity, the management of NATURA 2000 sites, water and soil protection and climate change mitigation.
* support for mountain regions with natural handicaps and other disadvantaged areas
*etc.Axis 3: quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy
– diversification towards non-agricultural activities, support for the establishment and development of micro-businesses, promotion of tourism and the protection, development and management of the natural heritage that contributes to sustainable economic development;
– improving the quality of life in rural areas, with particular focus on renovating and developing villages and preserving and making the best use of the rural heritage; and
–  acquiring skills and running activities in order to prepare and implement the local development strategy.		 x x x x
European Fisheries Fund http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/maritime_affairs_and_fisheries/fisheries_sector_organisation_and_financing/l66004_en.htm Overall objective: Ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources
The EFF therefore financially contributes to:
– ensure the long-term future of fishing activities and the sustainable use of fishery resources;
– reduce pressure on stocks by matching EU fleet capacity to available;
– promote the sustainable development of inland fishing;
– help boost economically viable enterprises in the fisheries sector and make operating structures more competitive;
– foster the protection of the environment and the conservation of marine resources;
– encourage sustainable development and improve the quality of life in areas with an active fishing industry;
– promote equality between women and men active in the fisheries sector.		 Each Member State has to draw up a national strategy plan.
The EFF provides for five priorities:
– measures to adapt the EU fishing fleet: financial assistance can be granted to fishermen and fishing vessel owners affected by the measures taken to combat overfishing or to protect public health to help them temporarily or permanently lay up fishing vessels and to train, re-skill and provide early retirement to fishermen. Vessels that are permanently laid up, in addition to those already due for scrapping, may be reused for other non-fishing activities or for the creation of artificial reefs. The EFF may contribute to improving working conditions, the quality of products, energy yield and catch selectivity. It may also contribute towards replacing engines, providing non-renewable compensation to fishermen affected by permanent cessation of fishing activities and for premiums for young fishermen to buy their first fishing vessel. However, financial assistance may in no circumstances lead to an increase in the catch capacity or the power of the fishing vessel’s engine;
– aquaculture, inland fishing, processing and marketing: the EFF promotes the purchase and use of gear and methods that reduce the impact of aquaculture production on the environment and improve the quality of produce and conditions in terms of human and animal health. Assistance will be limited to micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as certain large enterprises with less than 750 employees or whose turnover is less than EUR 200 million. Priority is nevertheless given to micro and small enterprises;
– collective action: certain collective action could receive aid from the EFF on the condition that they contribute to the sustainable development or conservation of resources, to improving the services offered by fishing ports, to strengthening markets in fishery products and to promoting partnerships between scientists and operators in the fisheries sector;
– sustainable development of fishing areas: the EFF supports measures and initiatives aimed at diversifying and strengthening economic development in areas affected by the decline in fishing activities.
– technical assistance: the Fund may finance initiatives involving preparations, monitoring, administrative and technical support, evaluation, audit and checks needed to implement this Regulation.
 x x x
Safer Internet Programme http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/index_en.htm The Safer Internet Programme is funding activities at national and European levels to promote the safer use of the Internet, particularly for children and young people, and to fight against illegal and harmful content and conduct. In order to achieve its objectives, the Safer Internet Programme has adopted two complementary approaches. It funds the Safer Internet Centres that are developed at national level to take into account national sensitivities and needs and are co-ordinated at European level. It also funds pan-European projects, with partners in some or all EU Member States, which aim at gathering information and coordinating pan-European and international activities in the field of safer Internet. x
Youth in Action http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/youth/programme/about_youth_en.php The YOUTH IN ACTION programme is the EU’s mobility and non-formal education programme targeting young people aged between 13 and 30 years. Its general objectives are the following:
– Promote young people’s active citizenship in general and their European citizenship in particular;
– Develop solidarity and promote tolerance among young people, in particular in order to foster social cohesion in the European Union;
– Foster mutual understanding between young people in different countries;
– Contribute to developing the quality of support systems for youth activities and the capabilities of civil society organisations in the youth field;
– Promote European cooperation in the youth field.		 In order to achieve its objectives, the Youth in Action Programme foresees five operational Actions.
– Action 1 – Youth for Europe
– Action 2 – European Voluntary Service
– Action 3 – Youth in the World
– Action 4 – Youth Support Systems
– Action 5 – Support for European cooperation in the youth field		 x x
Europe for Citizens
Citizenship Programme 2007-2013		 This programme supports a wide range of activities and organisations promoting “active European citizenship”, especially the involvement of citizens and civil society organisations in the process of European integration. Four main types of actions:
Action 1 – Active Citizens for Europe: involving citizens either through activities linked to town-twinning or through other kinds of citizens’ projects.
Action 2 – Active civil society in Europe: targeted to civil society organisations either through structural support on the basis of their European level work programme or through support to projects.
Action 3 – Together for Europe: including high visibility events, studies and information tools.
Action 4 – Active European Remembrance: support to projects aiming at preserving the sites and archives associated with de deportations as well as the commemorating of victims of Nazism and Stalinism.		 x
European Social Fund (ESF) http://ec.europa.eu/esf/home.jsp?langId=en The European Social Fund (ESF) is one of the EU’s Structural Funds, set up to reduce differences in prosperity and living standards across EU Member States and regions, and therefore promoting economic and social cohesion. The ESF is devoted to promoting employment in the EU. It helps Member States make Europe’s workforce and companies better equipped to face new, global challenges.
ESF funding is available through the Member States and regions. The ESF does not fund projects directly from Brussels. Each Member State, together with the European Commission, agrees on one or more Operational Programmes for ESF funding for the 2007-2013 period, as do those regions that have their own Operational Programmes (not all do). Operational Programmes set the priorities for ESF intervention and their objectives.		 The convergence objective:
– This includes all EU regions with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head below 75% of the Community average. The countries and regions eligible under the convergence objective will receive more than 80% of the EU funding.The regional competitiveness and employment objective:
– This covers all regions of the EU that are not eligible under the convergence objective.Throughout the Union, under both the convergence and the regional competitiveness and employment objectives, the ESF will provide support for five key areas of action:
– Increasing adaptability of workers and enterprises;
– Enhancing access to employment and participation in the labour market;
– Reinforcing social inclusion by combating discrimination and facilitating access to the labour market for disadvantaged people;
– Promoting partnership for reform in the fields of employment and inclusion;
– Expanding and improving investment in human capital, in particular by improving education and training systems.

In the least prosperous regions that fall under the convergence objective, the ESF will also support:
– Reinforced efforts to expand and improve investment in human capital, in particular by improving education and training systems;
– Action aimed at developing institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administrations, at national, regional and local level.

 x x
European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)  http://www.cost.esf.org/ COST is an intergovernmental framework for European Cooperation in Science and Technology, allowing the coordination of nationally-funded research on a European level. COST contributes to reducing the fragmentation in European research investments and opening the European Research Area to cooperation worldwide.  COST is based on networks, called COST Actions, centered around research projects in fields that are of interest to at least five COST countries.
COST Actions cover basic and pre-competitive research for peaceful purposes as well as activities of public utility, as part of the Lisbon objectives.		 COST does not fund research itself but provides a platform for European scientists to cooperate on a particular project and exchange expertise.
Nine key domains:
– Biomedicine and Molecular Biosciences
– Food and Agriculture
– Forests, their Products and Services
– Materials, Physics and Nanosciences
– Chemistry and Molecular Sciences and Technologies
– Earth System Science and Environmental Management
– Information and Communication Technologies
– Transport and Urban Development
– Individuals, Societies, Cultures and Health		 x
Western Balkans Investment Framework http://www.wbif.eu/ The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) aims to streamline cooperation and increase financing capacity for investments that contribute to socio-economic development and the accession process in the Western Balkans. It pools resources from the EC, the partner IFIs, the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), in association with KfW and the World Bank, as well as from bilateral donors. The WBIF focuses on key sectors of the Western Balkan economies including energy, environment, transport, social issues and private sector development. x x x