Part-financed by the European Union The Baltic Sea Region Programme by the Joint Technical Secretariat

Contents Programme in the nutshell (Susanne Scherrer) Priority 1: Fostering innovations (Vineta Griekere) Priority 2: External & internal accessibility (Eeva Rantama) Priority 3: Baltic Sea as a common resource (Joanna Przedrzymirska) Priority 4: Attractive and competitive cities & regions (Bo Storrank) Financial aspects (Dana Hennings) Application procedure (Darijus Valiucko)

The programme: unique the only transnational co-operation programme integrating ERDF (Objective 3) ENPI (European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument) Norwegian funds in terms of: –eligible area –co-operation priorities –implementation rules

Eligible area EU Member States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and northern parts of Germany Norway north-west regions of Russia Belarus

Environment of the Programme Interregional co-operation (IV C) Cross-Border Programmes

The programme: fundament builds on the Community Initiatives Baltic Sea INTERREG IIC & III B Neighbourhood Programme, and features a Baltic Sea region specific “partnership network”, but new co-operation priorities and objectives in focus (Lisbon and Gothenburg agendas) = boost of knowledge-based socio-economic competitiveness & further territorial cohesion

The programme: method (1) incorporates aspects of  socio-economic competitiveness  growth and better jobs (Lisbon Agenda)  sustainable management of the natural resources  better quality of life (Gothenburg Agenda)

The programme: method (2) focused on preparation of investments which:  improve the territorial potential of the region  minimise the differences (East-West divide)  resolve issues of common concern

New component: ENPI  extended eligible area to North-West Russia and the whole of Belarus  co-operation topics prioritised by Russia and Belarus included in priorities  management and control is based on ERDF legal system but considers ENPI legal framework where needed

Guidelines for project makers: quality requirements  address real needs and deficiencies  demonstrate added value through joint actions  raise policy-making competence  produce durable results  generate investments of transnational relevance  specify achievements and quantify targets  market and disseminate results

Each project must address at least one of the common results Increased political recognition Increased sustainability of co-operative networks Unlocking public /private investments

Implementation structure adjusted to the legal regulations for both, - the Structural Funds and - the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument. Bodies:  Monitoring Committee, supported by national sub-committees  single Managing Authority (Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein), assisted by the Joint Technical Secretariat (Rostock/Riga)  Certifying Authority (Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein), certifying legality of expenditure  Audit Authority (Land of Schleswig-Holstein), assisted by a Group of Auditors

Strategic objective and priorities To make the Baltic Sea region an attractive place to invest, work and live in 1. Fostering innovations 2. External and internal accessibility 3. Baltic Sea as a common resource 4. Attractive and competitive cities and regions

Priority 1 Fostering innovations: Objective: To advance innovation-based regional development of the Baltic Sea region through: support of innovation sources and their links to SMEs facilitation of transnational transfer of technology and knowledge strengthening the societal foundations for absorption of new knowledge All solutions should include better governance in this field.

Specific Results Strengthened international performance of innovation sources and improved links to SMEs Improved transnational transfer of technology and knowledge Broadened public basis for generation and utilisation of innovation

Areas of support 1.Support for innovation sources transnational structures providing services to innovation sources in their international activities transnational structures for supporting generation of innovations for SMEs interactions between enterprises, R&D institutions and public authorities, which serve commercialising of the inventions and territorial expansion of clusters creation and application of good practise in the public support to the innovation sources and their links to SMEs marketing of BSR capacities and success stories in international activities of the innovation sources

Areas of support 2.Facilitating the technology transfer and diffusion of knowledge across the BSR financial, organisational, legal and administrative support frameworks for technology transfer institutions transnational structures and links for innovation, qualification and transfer of technology integration of SMEs into existing transnational co-operation clusters and promotion of specific SME-related co-operation networks joint pilot implementation of transnationally relevant innovations in the BSR companies, notably in SMEs and craft firms harmonisation of national and regional level support schemes to technology transfer and diffusion of knowledge between the BSR countries

Areas of support 3.Strengthening the social capacity in generation and absorption of new knowledge co-operation of educational facilities and structures in higher and further education or life-long learning networking and exchange of good practices across the BSR on facilitation of education and other public policies strategies improving communication of various support organisations, actors, social groups etc. good practice and pilot solutions on attracting people of different age, gender and profession to innovation issues and on promotion of entrepreneurship and spirit of innovation in the BSR transnationally relevant solutions increasing absorption of knowledge (e.g. technical knowledge) among various age groups

Encouraged projects linked to regional development, instead of mere networking between researchers within the specific scientific sector not forgetting about promising bottom-up initiatives leading to formation of clusters leading to knowledge and technology-intensive foreign direct investments and to an uptake of technologies developed elsewhere associated with creative industries, in which economic value is enhanced through combination with cultural aspects for project partnerships with ENPI funding, both institutional and organisational support for SMEs and broader approach to economic development may form part of the activities

Priority 2 External and internal accessibility of the BSR The objective is to increase the area’s external and internal accessibility through development of transnational solutions diminishing the functional barriers to diffusion of innovation and to traffic flows.

The goal is to jointly define and implement actions in order to: achieve smooth transport of goods and passengers using different transport means across the BSR improve traffic and ICT connections of disadvantage areas increase the sustainability of transport secure the further development of transnational development zones along the transport corridors

Areas of support: 1. Promotion of transport and ICT measures enhancing accessibility and sustainable socio-economic growth 2. Actions stimulating further integration within existing transnational development zones and creation of new ones

1. Promotion of transport and ICT measures enhancing accessibility and sustainable socio-economic growth Solutions to improve interoperability with regard to port-hinterland connections and links between transnational-national-regional networks Schemes for the Baltic Motorways of the Sea as extensions and connecting sections of land-side transport corridors Investments in and raising quality of public transportation catering for better connectivity of disadvantaged areas BSR-wide models of sustainable transportation alternatives Investments to increase absorption of ICT in peripheral and rural areas and to counteract the territorial digital divide

1. Promotion of transport and ICT measures enhancing accessibility and sustainable socio-economic growth Capacity building and harmonisation of transport and ICT policies across countries BSR-wide institutional arrangements for integrated policy and decision-making on transport, environment and health 2. Actions stimulating further integration within existing transnational development zones and creation of new ones Preparation of multimodal transport solutions aimed at combating bottlenecks and missing links along transnational transport corridors Development of solutions safeguarding stability of existing transnational development zones

Specific results in the Priority 2 Accelerated increase of capacity and/or interoperability of different transport and ICT networks. Speeded up integration of areas with low accessibility Influenced policies, strategies and regulations in the field of transport and ICT Increased role of sustainable transport

Priority 3 Management of the Baltic Sea as a common resource The objective: To improve the management of the Baltic Sea resources in order to achieve its better environmental state

The goal is to learn more and to practice jointly knew knowledge on: How to ensure effective and efficient water management How to utilise resources for the economic development of the regions without harming the marine ecosystems (gathering the knowledge, integration) How to mitigate the impacts of the regions economic development (preparedness and response, as well as capacity building) How to prepare the regions for the avoidable consequences of the global climate change (awareness raising, preparedness)

Specific results of the priority 3: Improved institutional capacity and effectiveness in water management in the Baltic Sea Improved institutional capacity in dealing with hazards and risks, including climate change Increased sustainable economic potential of marine resources Influenced policies, strategies, action plans and/or regulations in the field of management of Baltic Sea as a common resource

Areas of support: 1. Water management with special attention to challenges caused by increasing economic activities and climate changes Focus on public awareness campaigns on the importance of reduced land- based pollution, testing new methods to improve water quality (on land and on the sea), water supply and flood protection, challenges in water management at the external border of the EU, mitigate the impacts of climate change on water availability and quality 2. Economic management of open sea areas and sustainable use of marine resources Focus on exploring potential of marine environment for BSR economy ensuring a sustainability of its usage

Areas of support: 3.Enhanced maritime safety Focus on minimising environmental risks resulting from both natural hazards and human activities, enhancing preparedness and response on the sea in case of accidents or spills, increasing reliability of maritime transport in the Baltic Sea 4. Integrated development of off-shore and coastal areas Focus on harmonisation of national management plans on marine environment, development of the off-shore planning standards, competence building at regional and national level in implementation of integrated coastal zone, mitigation of impacts of climate change on coastal areas

Priority 4 Promoting attractive and competitive cities and regions cities and metropolitan areas - engines for economic development city development could enhance development of surrounding rural areas outstanding natural and cultural heritage of the BSR support needed to vulnerable groups and attention to social problems branding of the BSR and building up BSR identity

Priority Specific Results Pooled resources of metropolitan regions, cities and rural areas to enhance the BSR competitiveness and cohesion Improved preconditions for increase of BSR competitiveness in Europe and worldwide Increased BSR identity and/or its recognition outside the formal borders Strengthened social conditions and impacts of regional and city development

Areas of support 1.Strengthening metropolitan regions, cities and urban areas as engines of economic development 2.Strategic support for integrated BSR development and socio- economic and territorial cohesion 3.Strengthening social conditions and impacts of regional and city development - specific ENPI activities

1. Metropolitan regions, cities and urban areas Actions to improve and implement programmes and policies, which deal with economic development (entrepreneurship, SMEs, civil society etc.) Preparation of investments and practical solutions to improve the supply of high quality socio-economic services (health, public transportation, education etc.) Creation of urban-rural partnerships tackling common development problems (incl. energy saving, alternative and renewable energy)

2. Integrated BSR development and socio-economic and territorial cohesion strategies for energy saving and cleaner production; promotion and transfer of knowledge in alternative and renewable energy marketing strategies and efforts on BSR strongholds in business and business environment Actions addressing demographic change and migratory processes BSR tourist products based on the area’s cultural heritage and natural assets

European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument ENPI Joint ERDF/ENPI projects can apply for all priorities but actions addressing the following areas of support should always include Russian or/and Belarusian partners: the field of public health increase of security and promotion of rescue assistance promotion of good governance practice in the public domain and better involvement of public actors counteracting social exclusion of immigrants, disabled persons and other vulnerable groups

How much money is available for projects? Slightly more than in the present programme Plus own contribution from project partners MEURfrom European Regional Development Fund 20.3 MEURfrom European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 5.7 MEURfrom Norwegian national funding MEURin TOTAL

How much money is available per priority? ERDF/NOR (MEUR) ENPI (MEUR) Priority 1 FOSTERING INNOVATIONS ACROSS THE BSR Priority 2 IMPROVING INTERNAL & EXTERNAL ACCESSIBILITY Priority 3 MANAGING THE BALTIC SEA AS A COMMON RESOURCE Priority 4 PROMOTING ATTRACTIVE AND COMPETITIVE CITIES & REGIONS TOTAL

Co-financing rate ERDF and Norwegian funds up to 75 % for partners from Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Finland up to 85 % for partners from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland up to 50 % for partners from Norway Co-financing rate ENPI up to 90 % for partners from Belarus and Russia

New financial features are planned! Preparation costs might be reimbursed Increased flexibility within budget lines and work packages Less budget lines (5 instead of 7) (1) Personnel costs(4) Equipment and investment (2) External Services(5) Other direct costs (3) Travel & Accommodation Additional 3 months for project closure AFTER implementation of activities ONLY project co-ordination costs to close the project are eligible Stronger observation of planned spending

Documents EU & national regulationsOperational Programme Programme manual Applicant’s pack Call for proposal notice Application Form Partner Declaration

Signed agreements

How to apply? 1. Project idea & partner search at eu.baltic.net 2. Inform yourself about the Programme i 3. Open call for proposals (eu.baltic.net) 4. Fill in & submit application 5. Formal check 6. Quality assessment 7. Decision by the Monitoring Committee 8. Contract PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

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