‘Adriatic IPA Cross-border Programme’, receiving Community assistance from the cross-border co-operation component of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)
Adriatic IPA Cross-border Co-operation Programme 2007-2013
Programme description
On 25 March 2008 the European Commission approved a Cross-border Co-operation Programme between three EU Member States (Greece, Italy, Slovenia), and four candidate/potential candidate countries (Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro) for the period 2007-2013. The Programme was adopted under and co-financed by the cross-border co-operation component of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). Serbia participates in the programme at the phasing-out stage and co-operation focuses on institutional capacity-building.Community funding for the programme over the period 2007-2011 is worth around EUR 245.6 million, supplemented in turn by about EUR 43.3 million of national funding from the participating countries. The programme’s total value therefore is approximately EUR 298million.
1. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
The Cross-border Co-operation Programme is a continuation and extension of the two previous Neighbourhood Programmes 2004-2006: ‘Italy-Adriatic’ and ‘Italy-Albania’. The overall aim remains largely unchanged: strengthening sustainable development capabilities in the Adriatic region through a concerted strategy of action between the partners of the eligible territories. This overall aim has been broken down into three specific objectives by the participating countries. These are:- To foster sustainable economic growth: providing support for economic development through support for innovation and new technologies, strengthening research and innovation in order to boost competitiveness, and increasing the development of the Adriatic region through economic, social and institutional co-operation.- To further develop the attractiveness and quality of life in maritime border regions: protecting and jointly managing valuable natural and cultural resources, preventing technological and natural risks, safeguarding biodiversity, and expanding sustainable tourism.- To promote social cohesion and co-operation: fostering a real sense of sharing through support for human resources and labour market development, cultural exchanges and cross-border networks to promote and develop transport and information and communication services.
2. The expected impact of the investment
A series of indicators, applicable to each of the programme’s priorities, has been developed by the participating countries to allow evaluation of progress in the course of the programme’s implementation. Results will be measured in terms of cross-border movements of people and goods, business start-ups, employment rates, pollution levels, levels of environmental awareness, maritime connections, etc.
3. Priority axes
In order to achieve its specific and global objectives, the programme proposes to work on three main thematic priorities, with a fourth priority dedicated to the management of the programme (‘technical assistance’ priority). The Adriatic IPA Cross-border Co-operation Programme 2007-13 is subdivided into the following priorities: Priority 1: Economic, social and institutional co-operation resources [approximately 30% of total funding]This priority focuses largely on business and employment issues. The aim is to create better conditions in which fledgling enterprises can grow and to improve conditions for employment and social integration. Research, innovation, entrepreneurship, clustering and marketing activities will be encouraged and supported while the human dimension will also feature strongly in activities and networks focussing on health, education, training, social integration, vulnerable groups, etc.In terms of institutional co-operation, this priority promotes innovative services to the population at large through exchanges of best practices between local government authorities. Interventions in this field privilege the involvement of Serbian partners.Priority 2: Natural and cultural resources and risk prevention [approximately 30% of total funding]This second priority is targeted at promoting, improving and protecting natural and cultural resources that will prevent technological and natural risks. Support is provided for activities that concern environmental protection (e.g. safeguarding existing biodiversity, joint management of natural sites) and the prevention of natural disasters. There are also a number of activities related to awareness-raising and education within the local population.This priority is also addressing cultural resources and offers financial support to projects aiming to preserve and promote the region’s many valuable cultural sites. Co-operation receives firm encouragement through the joint development of cultural tourist interventions and exchanges of experiences and best practices.Priority 3: Accessibility and networks [approximately 30% of total funding]This third priority is targeted at promoting, improving and developing transport, information and communication services. Support is aimed at modernising and strengthening port and airport facilities in order to optimise existing potential through service improvements, better security and the upgrading of existing facilities. The programme seeks to provide an efficient, safe and sustainable transportation system with a view to achieving integrated development in the Adriatic region and creating access to neighbouring territories. Information and communication networks, as tools for exchanges of good practices, will be enhanced and developed further. Priority 4: Technical assistance [approximately 10% of total funding]This fourth and final priority provides support for the programme’s management and implementation.4. Managing Authority
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic, Social and Institutional Cooperation | 49.947.100,00 | 8.814.194,00 | 58.761.294,00 |
| Natural and Cultural Resources and Risks Prevention | 49.947.100,00 | 8.814.194,00 | 58.761.294,00 |
| Accessibility and Networks | 49.947.099,00 | 8.814.194,00 | 58.761.293,00 |
| Technical Assistance | 16.649.033,00 | 2.938.065,00 | 19.587.098,00 |
| Total | 166.490.332,00 | 29.380.647,00 | 195.870.979,00 |