Interested parties should consult this page and the published documentation regularly
Objective of the call:
DG REGIO is offering an extension for the second time technical support by experts from the OECD to managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries to work in cooperation with civil society organisations to implement in an innovative way the partnership principle.
Through this call, DG REGIO seeks to:
The OECD experts will:
Participatory processes could include for example, deliberative processes, open innovation, participatory budgeting, civic monitoring, use of emerging technologies for participation, etc
Who can apply under this call?
The Call for expression of interest targets public authorities responsible for managing or implementing the ERDF, CF or JTF either as managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries (hereafter public authorities) jointly with civil society organisations (CSOs). A CSO is a non-profit organisation (private or public). Natural persons are not eligible.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
Expression of interest can be submitted at any moment until 15 May 2024.
They will be assessed until a total of 10 pilot actions under phased 2 is selected. Applicants will receive the result of the assessment within 8 weeks from reception by DG REGIO of the application from. Assistance will start from the moment the pilot action is selected.
How to apply?
The filled application form has to be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-E1-ADMINISTRATIVE-CAPACITY@ec.europa.eu.
Background
This is the extension of phase 2 of a joint initiative by DG REGIO and the OECD. In phase 1, six public authorities and their corresponding partners from the civil society started setting-up innovative participatory processes in order to involve citizens in decisions on EU investments in relation to territorial and urban strategies funded by programmes 2021-2027. Through phase 2, 10 additional pilot actions will receive support. So far 3 pilot actions under phase 2 have been selected. The remaining 7 pilot actions will be selected on a continuous basis.
Documentation
In the face of the multiple crises and conflicts that have been affecting our everyday lives in recent months and years, we – the citizens – are calling for new ways of working together that will allow us to take an active role in the transformation of our society, for earth/nature, people, for what we care about and for younger generations.
Against the fast-paced and increasing impact of climate change, the urge to act and citizens’ mobilisation is more important than ever – this is where community-led movements have an essential role to play. Because communities respond, innovate and adapt faster; because communities provide a sense of belonging that helps in overcoming feelings of anxiety and helplessness, and building an inclusive sense of identity in our changing democracies.
For these reasons, the European Commission is launching the Communities for Climate (C4C) pilot action which will support 50 community-led projects in eleven countries of the EU1, accompanying them in the realisation of new and innovative ideas for citizens engagement to address climate and sustainability issues. These lighthouse projects will serve as a replicable model for other local communities willing to engage in climate projects across the EU. The scope of this action covers the four following areas: renewable energy, sustainable water management, circular and resource-efficient economy, and biodiversity.
Since climate issues know no borders, particular attention will be paid to those communities living in border regions willing to engage in a cross-border project, facing more administrative and legal complexity. Are you actively involved in addressing climate challenges within your community or are you involved in a climate-related initiative such as the Climate Pact Ambassadors? Are you part of a dedicated group working to decrease emissions, care for nature, live sustainably and enhance resilience in your neighbourhood? Whether you're focused on addressing pollution, biodiversity or promoting climate resilience in urban or rural settings, you can bring your efforts to the next level with the Communities for Climate (C4C) initiative.
Event information: 18 March 2024, 14:00-15:00 CET
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Event information: 19 March 2024, 12:00-13:00 CET
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Event information: 20 March 2024, 10:00-11:00 CET
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Event information: 21 March 2024, 11:00-11.45 CET
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Event information: 22 March 2024, 14:00-15:00 CET
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Event information: 26 March 2024, 18:30-19:30 CET
Event information: 27 March 17:00-18:00 EET
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Event information: 27 March, 18:00-19:00 CET
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Event information: 28 March, 13:30-14:30 EET
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Event information: 29 March 2024, 18:00-19:00 EET
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Background
The European Commission’s Directorate General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO) and World Bank Group’s Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice (World Bank) are collaborating on a project aiming to develop an evidence-based toolbox that enables EU Member States (MS) to better target reforms and investments, at national and subnational levels, to reduce emissions through improving firms’ energy efficiency. The project will enhance the understanding of the effectiveness of different policy interventions, which is a vital input in the design of an effective public policy mix (including legislation, regulations, and financing programs) that can be successful in promoting the energy efficiency of firms.
Improving energy efficiency is a pressing short-term priority in Europe given the significant negative effects of the recent energy price shock and the urgent need to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. On the one hand, reduced energy demand is both good for the environment and good for businesses since improving industrial energy efficiency can boost competitiveness and resilience in the context of negative price shocks. On the other, it can play a pivotal role in reducing overall GHG emissions since these are largely driven by energy consumption, with energy in business activities representing the most important part of global carbon emissions. Policymakers so far have been overwhelmingly focusing on buildings and transportation and less so on industry. Thus, this project addresses this policy gap by focusing on businesses
In this context, DG REGIO and the World Bank are launching a pilot initiative that will help deepen the understanding of firm-level drivers of energy consumption and emissions in the private sector, and identify policy actions aimed at aligning firm competitiveness with the climate agenda, including through the grants and financial instruments of the EU Cohesion funds. The pilot will be launched in two countries, producing outputs specific to the countries while also testing the tools, surveys, approaches, and methodologies that would eventually become fully replicable across any EU Member States and subnational regions (see Annex I: Overall Project Description for a detailed description of the project).
Purpose of the Call
DG REGIO and the World Bank are looking for public authorities/agencies from up to 2 EU Member States (MS) interested in collaborating in the understanding of the firm-level drivers of energy consumption and emissions, the binding constraints to energy transition of firms, the sectors and types of firms that should be priority targets to accelerate decarbonization, the subnational regions where policy actions would deliver highest returns in terms of energy efficiency, the barriers that distort markets and prevent gains in energy performance at firm or sectoral level, the institutional gaps in support mechanisms, and the programs with the highest potential to support the energy transition of firms. This strategic engagement also enables knowledge sharing, fulfilling important objectives of generating knowledge spillovers within and beyond the EU.
Interested public authorities/agencies managing and/or implementing national-level support instruments from eligible EU Member States can submit their expression of interest (EoI) by submitting an application form by the deadline on March 21, 2024, 1800 CET. The call is open from February 8, 2024.
During the call, 2 informational webinars for potential applicants will be organized:
Representatives of interested public authorities/agencies could register for the webinars at the links above or could request further information by contacting ReEnergizeEU@worldbank.org).
Eligibility criteria
To meet the eligibility criteria, the applicants must:
1- Belong to the following list of EU Member States: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia;
2- Be willing and able to provide access to panel micro data at the level of the firm covering the entire economy (manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail, and services) for at least 5 to 7 years until most recent years (ideally 2023) on energy costs and energy quantities consumed (broken down by types of fuels – electricity, gas, others); greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to fuel combustion (scope 1 emissions); year of starting operations; revenues, value-added, employment; investments, assets/machineries, R&D expenditures, and exporting activity; sector of operations and location. Additional variables such as the legal status of the firm and type of ownership (e.g. domestic, foreign, state, etc.), intermediate goods and services purchased for production, value of imported inputs and materials, access to credit or access to public support and subsidies received would be highly valued. As a general consideration, it is important to stress that even though within each MS information may proceed from different data sources, firm-level data must be matchable across datasets by unique identification variables. Table 1 details the necessary variables that need to be provided by the MS with the associated level of detail plus complementary firm characteristics.
Only national public authorities/agencies engaged in management and/or implementation of nation-wide support instruments are invited to participate. In case of multiple applications by public authorities/agencies from a single country, the World Bank team will contact applicants to determine the best fit and discuss possible coordination arrangements.
Award criteria
The World Bank is responsible for the selection of two (2) MS as partners for participation in the project according to the following:
Once all Expressions of Interest have been received, the Promoting the Energy Efficiency Transition of EU firms project team will score the submissions. Members of the Promoting the Energy Efficiency Transition of EU firms Project team may contact applicants if clarifications are needed to judge the quality of application.
Further Background Information and Project Description
Background information and description details of the overall project are attached separately in the Annex I: Overall Project Description document.
Submission deadline:
March 21, 2024, 1800 CET
Contact:
REGIO-B3-FINANCIAL-INSTRUMENTS@ec.europa.eu
Documentation
Just transition and the European Green Deal
Climate change and environmental degradation are key challenges facing Europe and the world, which are further accentuated in the past few years by other international crises (such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine). The European Green Deal sets an ambitious long-term objective of transforming the European Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2050, and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. It seeks a just transition, where no person or place is left behind.
As part of the European Green Deal, the EU set up the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) as a key tool that aims to mobilise around EUR 55 billion over the period 2021-2027 with the aim of ensuring that the transition towards climate-neutrality is implemented in a just manner, leaving no region behind. The JTM provides targeted support through three pillars: the Just Transition Fund (JTF) (EUR 19.3 billion in current prices) , InvestEU Just Transition scheme, and a Public Sector Loan Facility.
To unlock funding from the JTF, EU Member States have prepared specific programmes and Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) which define how the JTF resources will be utilised in specific EU regions and territories. The identification of eligible JTF territories was done jointly with the European Commission.
Just Transition Platform supports JTF regions
The Commission launched the Just Transition Platform (JTP) in 2020. It provides a single access point to support and knowledge on Europe’s transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral economy. It is managed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy.
After entering the implementation phase of the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the JTP rolled out a number of support streams in 2023, including the JTP Knowledge Hub, providing knowledge products and case studies on just transition, the JTPeers Exchange programme, the JTPeers Experts database, and JTP Groundwork. These support streams will be continued and expanded between 2024 and 2026.
JTP Groundwork is a comprehensive technical assistance facility, delivering tailored and needs-oriented capacity building and advisory support to JTF regions with the aim to support regions in implementing their own Territorial Just Transition Plans’ (TJTPs) commitments and priorities.
Who can apply?
Applicants for the JTP Groundwork should be from eligible JTF territories (with a TJTP already approved by the Commission). Applications are welcome from all actors with a relevant role in the implementation of the TJTPs – especially Managing Authorities, regional authorities, municipalities, and socio-economic partners – actively contributing to the just transition process at national, regional, local, or community levels.
What types of support services are provided?
The JTP Groundwork provides support to selected JTF regions in the implementation of their TJTPs. This support may help to address any lack of local capacity to develop projects on the ground or it may focus on specific advice related to the just transition process, for example:
This list is not exhaustive and gives only examples of some potential services that can be provided. Please refer to the JTP website and the lessons learned report to learn more about the Technical Assistance support provided to six beneficiaries by JTP Groundwork in 2023.
How will technical assistance be provided?
After selection of the beneficiaries, JTP Groundwork, the Commission and the beneficiaries will jointly define the scope, duration and type of support needed in a tailor-made manner. In the period between 2024 and 2026, the European Commission will support 36 beneficiaries.
Technical assistance support will be delivered using a mix of face-to-face and online delivery mechanisms, including an in-person capacity building workshop, regular online meetings with experts, and other activity formats (e.g. desk research) selected. The modalities of assistance will be tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries to ensure flexible and efficient implementation. A core principle of JTP Groundwork support is the co-creation of the solutions with recipients to increase ownership and develop long-term capacity. Therefore, it is vital that recipients ensure that they can make adequate resources and time available to enable effective joint work.
The advisory support will also include the organisation of one capacity-building workshop per selected applicant to give forum to local stakeholders to exchange knowledge and good practices on JTF implementation.
How will the regions be selected?
The Commission will select up to 20 JTF regions that will receive technical assistance from JTP Groundwork in 2024. The duration of support will be decided on case-by-case basis according to the needs assessment conducted with the beneficiary (between 4-12 months).
The Commission will assess the applications based on how they will contribute to a better implementation of the TJTP in the relevant territory, having regard to the various types of regions that benefit from the JTF. Your application should therefore demonstrate a clear need for support or capacity and show how they will lead to concrete results within a realistic timeframe. In addition, it is recommended that applicants demonstrate their strong commitment to the ambitions set in the TJTP(s), their ability to deliver the results and their plans for applying a partnership approach.
Is support available in preparing the application?
As novelty this year, the JTP Groundwork team offers an application advisory facility, called JTP Groundwork Lab, to support applicants during the application process. It is free of charge. This support entails two dedicated training sessions, providing guidance on identifying the needs for the Technical Assistance and submitting a high-quality application, as well as two blocks of JTP Groundwork office hours, to enable the interaction of interested regions with Technical Assistance experts.
Dates for the training sessions:
Dates for the office hours:
Opportunity for interested applicants to ask specific questions on the application and JTP Groundwork. The call will include breakout-room sessions with dedicated Technical Assistance experts and provide an opportunity to ask questions about the additional active calls for JTPeers Exchange and Working Groups.
How to apply to JTP Groundwork?
The only valid way to apply is via this EU-Survey questionnaire by the deadline of submission: 1 March 2024 at 23:00 CET.
Other support streams for JTF regions under the Just Transition Platform
After entering the implementation phase of the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the JTP rolled out a number of support streams in 2023, including the JTP Knowledge Hub, providing knowledge products and case studies on just transition, the JTPeers Exchange programme, the JTPeers Experts database, and JTP Groundwork.
Open calls for applications:
(cross-sectorial) and equal opportunities and will develop practical solutions and tools to tackle local challenges and mitigate the adverse effects of the transition process. Apply to become a core member here until 1 March 2024.
More information
For more information about the JTP Groundwork application process, please refer to the FAQ and the application form itself (either via the EU-Survey questionnaire used for formal submissions, or this PDF file version of the form meant to act as a convenient reference to help you prepare your own content). You may also contact us directly: jtpgroundwork@justtransitionplatform.eu.
Documentation
The European Commission is providing additional support for JTF territories through the JTPeers Exchange programme. After successfully implementing seven exchanges in 2023, the peer-to-peer programme continues to facilitate two types of interactions between JTF regional stakeholders and JTPeers Experts:
During these exchanges (some fully virtual, others in-person), the selected beneficiaries jointly explore shared challenges and draw upon their lessons learned to collectively identify potential solutions and pathways forward.
JTPeers Exchange is available to JTF regions from all 27 EU Member States. Relevant public and private stakeholders playing a crucial role in implementing TJTP commitments and priorities are all encouraged to apply:
Interested parties can apply individually or jointly with up to three JTF regions for the JTPeers Exchange programme from 1 February 2024 to 1 March 2024 at 23:00 CET.
Co-learning and cooperation for the just transition
JTPeers Exchange follows a needs-based based approach, focusing on responding to JTF practitioners’ priorities by facilitating co-learning opportunities (online and offline) and is designed to benefit institutions and organisations from a wide range of sectors contributing to the just transition of their respective JTF territories. Through developing robust relationships, regional actors and individual experts can offer opinions and expertise to support the implementation of TJTPs, explore common challenges and co-create possible solutions.
In line with the JTF’s thematic objectives, JTPeers Exchange is intended to shine a spotlight on challenges faced by JTF beneficiaries through cross-cutting topics such as the following:
How does the JTPeers Exchange application process work?
The deadline for application for the JTPeers Exchange Programme is 1 March 2024 at 23:00 CET. Interested regions can apply individually or jointly with up to three JTF regions. If applying individually, applicants will be matched with a suitable counterpart from the pool of applicants. A joint application is intended to leverage existing cooperation between JTF regions and suitable in cases where regions already have preferences on who they would like to exchange with on a given topic. Apply by answering the appropriate EU Survey questionnaires:
After the European Commission reviews your application, proposals from selected candidates will be compared to find suitable matches. If your application is successfully matched, you will be introduced to your exchange partners and an exchange facilitator. The facilitator will guide you through the entire exchange preparation and implementation process, including support on logistics.
You can withdraw your application at any time. For any questions about JTPeers Exchange, please refer to the FAQ or contact us via email: JTPeers@justtransitionplatform.eu.
More support for JTF regions under the Just Transition Platform
After entering the implementation phase of the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the JTP rolled out a number of support streams in 2023, including the JTP Knowledge Hub, providing knowledge products and case studies on just transition, the JTPeers Exchange programme, the JTPeers Experts database, and JTP Groundwork.
Upcoming calls for application:
Documentation
Just Transition Platform
The Just Transition Platform (JTP) aims to assist EU countries and regions to unlock the support available through the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM), a financial instrument introduced by the European Commission in 2020. The objective of the JTM is to address the specific social, economic, and environmental challenges in the regions undergoing transition to a sustainable and climate- neutral economy. The JTP provides comprehensive technical and advisory support for stakeholders from those territories.
Between 2021-2023, the JTP managed four dedicated Working Groups for carbon-intensive regions, three with a thematic focus on steel, cement, and chemicals, as well as one on horizontal stakeholder engagement. These working groups brought together stakeholders to exchange and collaborate, as well as to develop and implement a series of Actions.
New JTP Working Groups
The new JTP Working Groups being launched in 2024 will include two Working Groups on the topics of stakeholder engagement and equal opportunities. The new Working Groups focus on all JTF regions (coal and carbon-intensive) to leave no one behind. They will focus on proper implementation of the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and bring together a varied group of stakeholders to closely monitor the just transition process, share competencies, and formulate guidelines for the implementation of JTF projects linked to their area of competences.
The Working Group on stakeholder engagement will cut across the different transition sectors (energy, steel, cement, chemicals, etc.) as well as the different directly affected segments of society from JTF territories. The mission of this Working Group will be to identify and assess approaches and good practices for engaging different stakeholder groups at the level of implementation of the JTM.
The Working Group on equal opportunities will act as an observatory focusing specifically on the most vulnerable and underrepresented groups of the just transition: youth, elderly, rural communities, women and other groups. The mission of this Working Group is to bring advocacy organisations, JTF Managing Authorities and other decision-makers to the same table to discuss and find ways to ensure that the implementation of the JTM benefits these groups of stakeholders and creates equal opportunities. A dedicated JTP Youth Force within this Working Group will focus on skills and challenges of the youth.
The Working Groups will be established for a period of approximatively three years (until the end of the year 2026) and will meet regularly, both in person and online.
Who can apply?
The Working Groups are designed to include a mix of relevant stakeholders, coming from public entities, social partners, NGOs and umbrella organisations, that can represent and bring a diverse range of views, experiences, and knowledge to the Working Groups.
Eligible types of entities and organisations include:
Why join the JTP Working Groups?
How to apply?
Eligible and interested stakeholders are invited to apply via this EU-Survey questionnaire by the deadline submission: 1 March 2024 at 23:00 CET.
Other open calls for applications
JTPeers Exchange: Are you looking to engage in up to three days of in-person workshops and site visits with other JTF regions and learn from each other? Or are you seeking expert advice on a specific topic? JTPeers Exchange is the peer-to-peer exchange programme of the JTP facilitating region-to-region and expert-to-region exchanges, both in-person and online. Apply here until 1 March 2024.
JTP Groundwork: If you are looking for hands-on support on a specific challenge related to the implementation of your region’s TJTP that would span over a few months or targeted capacity building on a specific implementation-related challenge, consider applying to JTP Groundwork. The call for applications for the 2024 edition is open until 1 March 2024 at 23:00 CET through this EU survey form.
More information
For more information about the JTP Working Groups scope and activities, the selection procedure and the eligibility and selection criteria, please refer to the Guidance Document and the application from (either via EUSurvey or this PDF version of the form meant to act as a convenient reference to help you prepare your application). For more detailed information about the rules and functioning of the JTP Working Groups, please refer to the Working Groups’ Terms of Reference. You may also contact us directly at: workinggroups@justtransitionplatform.eu
Documentation
The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is an instrument of the EU’s Cohesion Policy, as the first pillar of the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) in the context of the European Green Deal aiming at achieving the EU climate-neutrality by 2050. The Just Transition Platform (JTP) is the EU’s key tool to help Member States and regions unlock the support available through the JTM, ensuring a fair and just transition that leaves no person or region behind.
The European Commission is providing additional support for JTF territories through the JTPeers Experts Database. The digital database currently catalogues and showcases expert profiles active in the just transition field in 23 countries.
The database aims to help interested parties from eligible JTF territories to find and connect with experts. These experts can provide guidance and assistance to the territories in implementing their Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTP).
Following the high demand to apply for the database, the Just Transition Platform is issuing a second call for more experts to be included in the database. We invite professionals, researchers and practitioners experienced in just transition processes to join the database.
Interested experts can apply for the JTPeers Experts database from 13 November 2023 to 27 November 2023 at 23:00pm CEST.
Background Information
The Commission recognises that numerous professionals, researchers and practitioners in the EU possess technical expertise and valuable practical knowledge about just transition processes, but they lack visibility and opportunities to connect with their peers, or with other stakeholders, such as JTF beneficiaries looking to effectively implement their TJTPs.
Some stakeholders can benefit from expert guidance to turn their TJTPs into tangible projects, while others require support in establishing governance and evaluation mechanisms. JTPeers Experts aims to bridge these gaps by providing a digital platform for key actors to find just transition experts.
These experts will be selected based on their expertise and knowledge profiles, with a focus on their potential contributions to the just transition process in JTF territories. This includes activities, like:
Benefits of joining JTPeers Experts
Become a part of JTPeers Experts and experience the following benefits:
Who can apply?
In line with the JTF’s objectives, experts from public or private sectors with a proven personal track record of the following skills and experiences are encouraged to participate:
In addition, professionals with proven experience in at least one of the following topical areas will be considered as well:
While selecting the applications, the European Commission will focus primarily on strong qualifications and relevant professional experience, while also striving to ensure gender balance and a broad geographical and language coverage.
How does the JTPeers Experts database application process work?
The deadline for application for the JTPeers Experts database is 27 November at 23:00pm CEST.
To apply as an expert please fill out the JTPeers Experts EU survey questionnaire. This questionnaire focuses on relevant just transition expertise, a minimum of three years of work experience, and language skills (English at C1 level, as well as any other languages). Alignment of the expert’s work experience with JTF/TJTP objectives and potential added value to JTF territories will also be considered. Priority may be given to applicants with the legal ability to work in the EU and intimate experience within specific JTF territories.
You can withdraw your application at any time.
For any questions about JTPeers Experts, please refer to the FAQ or contact us via email: JTPeers@justtransitionplatform.eu.
Disclaimer:
Please note that being included in the JTPeers Experts database does not guarantee automatic selection for any specific activity organised by the JTP, such as exchanges or technical assistance, nor does it imply eligibility for remuneration by the JTP. Furthermore, inclusion within the database does not equal any official endorsement of any listed expert or their expertise by the JTP, European Commission or otherwise.
Documentation
The European Commission is seeking experts to join JTPeers Experts, an invaluable database that will open doors to a vast pool of just transition professionals, offering a comprehensive overview of expert profiles. The database aims to empower Just Transition Fund (JTF) territories to connect with experts who possess specialised knowledge and skills, crucial for implementing Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTP).
Desired Expertise
JTPeers Experts provides an unparalleled opportunity for professionals, researchers and practitioners to contribute in their own personal capacity to the success of just transition initiatives by offering expert advisory support to JTF projects and activities. To be eligible, applicants (from both the public and private sector) should possess the following experiences and attributes:
The database focuses on key areas such as green economic diversification, job creation, and more, aiming to address the social, employment, economic, and environmental impacts of the transition to climate-neutrality in the EU.
Application process
Interested experts can apply for the JTPeers Experts database from 11 September 2023 to 29 September 2023 at 23:00pm CEST
Documentation
Objective of the call
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from various partners mentioned in Article 8 of the CPR 2021-2027:
(a) regional, local, urban and other public authorities;
(b) economic and social partners;
(c) relevant bodies representing civil society, such as environmental partners, non-governmental organisations, and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion, fundamental rights, rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality and non-discrimination;
(d) research organisations and universities.
What is European Community of Practice on Partnership (ECoPP)?
The ECoPP was launched in April 2022 to further improve the quality of partnership across Europe and propagate the exchange of good practices – in view of Article 18 of the Commission Delegated Regulation no 240/2014 - the European Code of Conduct on Partnership (ECCP). This group consists of 159 members including the managing authorities and partners that are mentioned in Article 8 of the CPR 2021-2027 such as NGOs at national and sub-national level, municipalities, regional authorities, economic and social partners.
ECoPP offers a genuine forum for practitioners at all levels of funds’ implementation to exchange and reflect on partnership practices. Its objectives include:
(1) to facilitate exchange of experience with partnership;
(2) to stimulate capacity building;
(3) to disseminate relevant outcomes, in particular good practices and innovative approaches;
(4) to review and debate the existing European Code of Conduct on Partnership (ECCP)
For the more information please see outcomes of the 2nd plenary meeting
Who can apply under this call?
In order to improve geographical balance in the community, as well as diversity of categories of partners, the priority is given to the applicants representing:
Applications can be submitted by the above organisations under the conditions defined in the Call.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
24 September 2023
How to apply?
The expression of interest and any question related to the Call should be submitted electronically to the following email address:
Contact: EC-ECOPP@ec.europa.eu
Documentation
Objective of the call
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from external experts able to assess applications participating in the 2024 edition of the New European Bauhaus Prize competition, from the angle of six fields, based on the three values and three working principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB).
NEB values:
NEB working principles:
In addition, a one-off Prize will be selected and awarded to a project recognizing and supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts, with both applicant and project with origin in Ukraine.
Furthermore, among those who express interest in the call, the Commission will select members of the jury assessing the finalists’ applications and recommending the winners to the Commission’s Evaluation Committee, including the possible winners of the one-off Prize to a project recognizing and supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. The role of a jury member may not be linked with the role of the expert assessing individual applications.
Who can apply under this call?
The call is open to persons with educational and/or professional background in at least one NEB value, but at the contracting stage priority will be given to those who have relevant education and/or experience in at least two of the NEB values indicated above, or relevant education and/or experience in at least one of the NEB values and one of the NEB working principles mentioned above.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
30 September 2023.
How to apply?
The expressions of interest should be submitted via EU Survey under the link
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/NEBPrizes2024experts.
The expression of interest must include all documents mentioned in the first section of point 4 of the call (see below). All annexes are also available under the above-mentioned link. Only the fully filled in and submitted (not draft) application form is valid.
Contact: REGIO-NEB-Experts@ec.europa.eu
Documentation
Objective of the call:
DG REGIO is offering for the second time technical support by experts from the OECD to managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries to work in cooperation with civil society organisations to implement in an innovative way the partnership principle.
Through this call, DG REGIO seeks to:
The OECD experts will:
Participatory processes could include for example, deliberative processes, open innovation, participatory budgeting, civic monitoring, use of emerging technologies for participation, etc
Who can apply under this call?
The Call for expression of interest targets public authorities responsible for managing or implementing the ERDF, CF or JTF either as managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries (hereafter public authorities) jointly with civil society organisations (CSOs). A CSO is a non-profit organisation (private or public). Natural persons are not eligible.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
Expression of interest can be submitted at any moment until 30 November 2023.
They will be assessed until a total of 10 pilot actions under phased 2 is selected. Applicants will receive the result of the assessment within 8 weeks from reception by DG REGIO of the application from. Assistance will start from the moment the pilot action is selected.
How to apply?
The filled application form has to be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-E1-ADMINISTRATIVE-CAPACITY@ec.europa.eu.
Background
This is phase 2 of a joint initiative by DG REGIO and the OECD. In phase 1, six public authorities and their corresponding partners from the civil society started setting-up innovative participatory processes in order to involve citizens in decisions on EU investments in relation to territorial and urban strategies funded by programmes 2021-2027. Through phase 2, 10 additional pilot actions will receive support. So far 3 pilot actions under phase 2 have been selected. The remaining 7 pilot actions will be selected on a continuous basis.
Documentation
In order to spread exchanges of good practice and experience on the European Code of Conduct, European Commission is looking for partners who wish to actively engage and share their experience in partnership under the EU-funded programmes.
Objective of the call
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from various partners mentioned in Article 8 of the CPR 2021-2027:
(a) regional, local, urban and other public authorities;
(b) economic and social partners;
(c) relevant bodies representing civil society, such as environmental partners, non-governmental organisations, and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion, fundamental rights, rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality and non-discrimination;
(d) research organisations and universities.
What is European Community of Practice on Partnership (ECoPP)?
The ECoPP was launched in April 2022 to further improve the quality of partnership across Europe and propagate the exchange of good practices – in view of Article 18 of the Commission Delegated Regulation no 240/2014 - the European Code of Conduct on Partnership (ECCP). This group consists of 159 members including the managing authorities and partners that are mentioned in Article 8 of the CPR 2021-2027 such as NGOs at national and sub-national level, municipalities, regional authorities, economic and social partners.
ECoPP offers a genuine forum for practitioners at all levels of funds’ implementation to exchange and reflect on partnership practices. Its objectives include:
(1) to facilitate exchange of experience with partnership;
(2) to stimulate capacity building;
(3) to disseminate relevant outcomes, in particular good practices and innovative approaches;
(4) to review and debate the existing European Code of Conduct on Partnership (ECCP)
For the more information please see outcomes of the 2nd plenary meeting
Who can apply under this call?<
In order to improve geographical balance in the community, as well as diversity of categories of partners, the priority is given to the applicants representing:
Applications can be submitted by the above organisations under the conditions defined in the Call.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
1st September 2023
How to apply?
The expression of interest and any question related to the Call should be submitted electronically to the following email address: EC-ECOPP@ec.europa.eu
Documentation
Member States and regions play a crucial role in ensuring sustainability transitions as they have the potential to contribute to these transitions by phasing out unsustainable technologies, practices, and behaviours. In the light of the urgency to deliver investments supporting sustainability transitions, there is a need to provide support to authorities within regions and Member States in setting up and delivering such transitions.
Sustainability transitions will be supported through a new technical assistance initiative provided by C4T Community of Practice called C4T GROUNDWORK. This call for Experts aims at creating a list of experts that will be mobilised in the implementation of individual technical assistance assignments under C4T GROUNDWORK. Please note that being placed on the list of experts does not guarantee that you will be selected for an individual implementation of the assignment.
WHAT IS C4T GROUNDWORK TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE?
C4T GROUNDWORK is a technical assistance instrument provided by the C4T Community of Practice and its technical experts to further strengthen sustainable transitions of cohesion regions, cities and local communities. The C4T GROUNDWORK technical assistance will be provided to EU Member States and/or regions, that are committed to engage in sustainability transitions and investing in a wide range of areas under PO2 “A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe” under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and/or Cohesion Fund (CF) programmes.
This call for expressions of interest for external experts supporting the provision of this technical assistance covers all thematic areas under Policy Objective 2. These thematic areas are also the focus of C4T, namely:
Technical assistance is mainly expected in the area of transition governance (strategies, programming and planning) and on project identification and development. Some examples of expected technical assistance services are:
For more information about the types of support provided, the contractual arrangements and the work delivery, please refer to the Guidelines, published together with this Call.
HOW TO APPLY?
The only way to apply to become an external expert is via this EU-Survey questionnaire
. We ask applicants to complete the application form in English. Inclusion of an expert in the pool entails no obligation on the part of the contracting authority concerning the conclusion of contracts.FURTHER QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us directly via secretariat@cohesion4transitions.eu.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
For your application to be processed, you must confirm that you have read the privacy statement and that you agree to the processing of personal data as described therein.
Documentation
DG Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO) has opened a Call for expression of interest to participate in a pilot action on capacity building of beneficiaries. The Call is addressed to managing authorities and intermediate bodies for programmes supported by the ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund.
As capacity building of beneficiaries has been identified as one of the main challenges by programme authorities DG REGIO will work together with and use the expertise of the OECD to implement a pilot action with the aim of identifying and developing good practice and experience that can be widely disseminated. Up to six managing authorities/ intermediate bodies will get an opportunity to work together with a team of experts from the OECD in order to further reinforce their capability to support a wide spectrum of different categories of beneficiaries which may have very different needs. The pilot action will also offer possibilities to exchange with the other participating managing authorities/intermediate bodies.
More details about the Call, including an application form, are available below. The Call is open until Monday 7 August cob and it is expected that selection will be finalised in September.
Contact persons: Ann-Kerstin Myleus (Ann.Myleus@ec.europa.eu ) and Vaida Zydelyte (Vaida.Zydelyte@ec.europa.eu ), Unit for Administrative Capacity Building and Solidarity Instruments
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The European Commission is providing additional support for JTF territories through the JTPeers facility, comprised of two parallel streams:
JTPeers is available to carbon-intensive and coal+ territories from all 27 EU Member States. Relevant public and private stakeholders playing a crucial role in implementing TJTP commitments and priorities are all encouraged to apply:
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
Interested parties can apply for the JTPeers Exchange programme from 2 May 2023 to 15 June at 12:00pm (noon) CEST. Applications for the JTPeers Experts database will open later this spring, we will inform you on all application details for JTPeers Experts in due time.
How to apply?
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Objective of the call:
DG REGIO is offering for the second time technical support by experts from the OECD to managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries to work in cooperation with civil society organisations to implement in an innovative way the partnership principle.
Through this call, DG REGIO seeks to:
The OECD experts will:
Participatory processes could include for example, deliberative processes, open innovation, participatory budgeting, civic monitoring, use of emerging technologies for participation, etc
Who can apply under this call?
The Call for expression of interest targets public authorities responsible for managing or implementing the ERDF, CF or JTF either as managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries (hereafter public authorities) jointly with civil society organisations (CSOs). A CSO is a non-profit organisation (private or public). Natural persons are not eligible.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
Sunday 30 April 2023
How to apply?
The filled application form has to be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-E1-ADMINISTRATIVE-CAPACITY@ec.europa.eu.
A webinar to present the call in detail and to reply to your questions is organised by DG REGIO and the OECD on Tuesday 7 March 11AM – 12PM CET. If you are interested in participating, please register.
Background
This is phase 2 of a joint initiative by DG REGIO and the OECD. In 2022 six public authorities and their corresponding partners from the civil society started setting-up innovative participatory processes in order to involve citizens in decisions on EU investments in relation to territorial and urban strategies funded by programmes 2021-2027.
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Just transition and the European Green Deal
Climate change and environmental degradation are key challenges facing Europe and the world, which are further accentuated in the past few years by other international crises (such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine). The European Green Deal sets an ambitious long-term objective of transforming the Union into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 2050, and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. It seeks a just transition, where no person or place is left behind.
As part of the European Green Deal, the EU set up Just Transition Mechanism (JTM) as a key tool that aims to mobilise around EUR 55 billion over the period 2021-2027 with the aim of ensuring that the transition towards climate-neutrality is implemented in a just manner, leaving no region behind. The JTM provides targeted support through three pillars: the Just Transition Fund (JTF) (EUR 19.3 billion in current prices), InvestEU Just Transition scheme, and a Public Sector Loan Facility.
To access the JTM, EU Member States have prepared specific programmes and Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) which define how the JTF resources will be utilised in specific EU regions and territories. The identification of eligible JTF territories was done jointly with the European Commission.
Just Transition Platform supports JTF regions
The Commission launched the Just Transition Platform (JTP) in 2020. It provides a single access point to support and knowledge on Europe’s transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral economy. It is managed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy.
After entering the implementation phase of the Just Transition Fund (JTF), it is now time to expand the role of the JTP in those territories supported by the JTF. Throughout 2023, the Commission will develop further knowledge products and case studies on just transition for stakeholders in the JTF regions, deliver an expert database and an exchange programme for such practitioners working on just transition. It will reach out to people in the JTF territories with awareness raising and information campaigns.
The most urgent and important task is to deliver tailored and needs-oriented capacity building and advisory support to JTF regions through a newly set up JTP GROUNDWORK – a comprehensive technical assistance facility. It aims to support regions in implementing their own Territorial Just Transition Plans’ (TJTP) commitments and priorities. The technical assistance provided through JTP GROUNDWORK complements the technical assistance established as part of each JTF programme.
Who can apply?
Applicants for the JTP GROUNDWORK should be from eligible JTF territories (with a TJTP already approved by the Commission). Applications are welcome from all actors with a relevant role in the implementation of the TJTPs – especially Managing Authorities, regional authorities, municipalities, and socio-economic partners – actively contributing to the just transition process at national, regional, local, or community levels.
What types of support services are provided?
The JTP GROUNDWORK provides support throughout 2023 to selected JTF regions in the implementation of their TJTPs. This support may help to address any lack of local capacity to develop projects on the ground or it may focus on specific advice related to the just transition process, for example:
This list is not exhaustive and gives only examples of some potential services that can be provided.
How will technical assistance be provided?
After selection of the beneficiaries, JTP GROUNDWORK, the Commission and the beneficiaries will jointly define the scope and type of support needed in a tailor-made manner.
Technical assistance support will be delivered using a mix of face-to-face and online delivery mechanisms, including visits, scheduled dialogues, meetings, workshops etc. The modalities of assistance will be tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries to ensure flexible and efficient implementation. A core principle of JTP GROUNDWORK support is the co-creation of the solutions with recipients to increase ownership and develop long-term capacity. Therefore, it is vital that recipients ensure that they can make adequate resources and time available to enable effective joint work.
The technical assistance will also include the organisation of one event per selected applicant to give forum to localstakeholders to exchange knowledge and good practices on JTF implementation.
How will the regions be selected?
The Commission will select up to 6 JTF regions that will receive technical assistance from JTP GROUNDWORK in 2023. Additional support is planned in subsequent years.
The Commission will assess the applications based on how they will contribute to a better implementation of the TJTP in the relevant territory, having regard to the various types of regions that benefit from the JTF. Your application should therefore demonstrate a clear need for support or capacity, and show how it will lead to concrete results within a realistic timeframe. In addition, it is recommended that applicants demonstrate their strong commitment to the ambitions set in the TJTP(s), their ability to deliver the results and their plans for applying a partnership approach.
How to apply?
The only valid way to apply is via this EU-Survey questionnaire by the deadline of submission: 28. February 2023 at 23:00 CET.
The expression of interest must include all documents mentioned in the first section of point 4 of the call (see below). All annexes are also available under the above-mentioned link. Only the fully filled in and submitted (not draft) application form is valid.
More information
For more information about the JTP GROUNDWORK application process, please refer to the FAQ and the application form itself (either via the EU-Survey questionnaire used for formal submissions, or this PDF file version of the form meant to act as a convenient reference to help you prepare your own content). You may also contact us directly: jtpgroundwork@justtransitionplatform.eu.
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Objective of the call:
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from external experts able to assess applications participating in the 2023 edition of the New European Bauhaus Prize competition, from the angle of three fields based on the main values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) :
In addition, the call is aiming to select experts able to assess the applications from the angle of the field of education (under strand C "New European Bauhaus Education Champions"). Furthermore, among those who express interest in the call, the Commission will select members of the jury assessing the finalists’ applications and recommending the winners to the Commission’s Evaluation Committee. The role of a jury member may not be linked with the role of the expert assessing individual applications.
Who can apply under this call?
The call is open to persons with educational and/or professional background in at least one of the fields mentioned above, but at the contracting stage priority will be given to those who have relevant education and/or experience in at least two fields indicated above.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest
31 January 2023
How to apply?
The expressions of interest should be submitted via EU Survey
The expression of interest must include all documents mentioned in the first section of point 4 of the call (see below). All annexes are also available under the above-mentioned link. Only the fully filled in and submitted (not draft) application form is valid.
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Objective of the call:
The European Commission’s Directorate General for Regional and Urban policy (DG REGIO) and the World Bank Group's Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation Global Practice (FCI GP) are looking for public authorities/agencies from up to 4 EU Member States interested in collaborating in the design and implementation of a pilot instrument supporting firms in adopting digital technologies, alongside upgrading of managerial capabilities and firm organization practices.
The Digitrans Project aims to create a feasible and replicable model for advancing SME productivity by designing, piloting and evaluating an effective instrument to strengthen the adoption of digital technologies and complementary managerial practices.
Key benefits for a participating Member State
The World Bank, together with researchers from academia, private sector and institutions delivering firm-level digitization services, will provide capacity building, technical feedback, as well as evaluation assistance to selected Member States. Key benefits include, but are not limited to, the following areas:
The technical assistance provided under the Digitrans project will take into consideration the local context of individual Member States, including needs, challenges and capabilities.
Who can apply under this call?
The call is open to public authorities/agencies managing and/or implementing national-level support instruments for SME digitization from all EU Member States.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest
Interested teams should submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) by 1800 CET on September 30, 2022.
Representatives of interested public authorities/agencies can register for the webinars with Damian Iwanowski (diwanowski@worldbank.org / +48 791 722 869).
How to apply?
The complete application form should be submitted electronically to:
REGIO-SMART-GROWTH@ec.europa.eu
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Objective of the call:
Under this call, DG Regional and urban policy seeks expressions of interest from cross-border legal entities involved in cross-border issues wishing to improve their multi-level governance and establish (or improve) co-developed, cross-border strategies. Work will be carried out in the framework of a pilot project. The Commission will contract the OECD to provide expertise to the selected pilot cross-border regions. The OECD will work with these regions individually and as a group, as well as with other cross-border stakeholders and institutions, to build the evidence and knowledge bases. The experiences will be disseminated and will feed into reflections on how to improve cross-border governance.
Who can apply under this call?
Applications are eligible if they are submitted either jointly by legal entities from each side of the border or by legal entities which are cross-border by nature (EGTCs, Euroregions, etc.). These legal entities can be local authorities, universities or research centres, European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), Euroregions, etc. (in this case a single legal entity is eligible). These legal entities should be in the EU, in Candidate countries or in Switzerland, Norway, Andorra, Monaco and Liechtenstein.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
Friday 30 September 2022
How to apply?
The filled application form has to be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-D2-CROSS-BORDER-COOPERATION@ec.europa.eu.
Documentation
Objective of the call:
Under this call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from national and regional authorities to test a diagnostic framework developed by the World Bank that supports Member States to design and implement sustainability transitions. The methodology termed “Sustainability Transition Assessment Framework” offers a tool to Member States to assess and contribute to the improvement of their capacity to support sustainability transitions, to enhance the effectiveness of cohesion policy funding during the 2021-2027 period and to identify capacity gaps in the design and implementation of sustainability policies and investments. The analysis conducted through the Sustainability Transition Assessment Framework will permit the identification and prioritization of a selected number of areas and related recommended actions, which have the largest possibility to generate positive change in Member States.
Key benefits for a participating Member State:
The pilot action will contribute to the finalization of the Sustainability Transition Assessment Framework. The piloting will allow to test the practicability of the framework, identify areas for further improvement, and highlight areas of the framework that work well.
Who can apply under this call?
The Call for expression of interest targets all public authorities involved in the programming and/or management of the 2021-2027 programmes co-financed by the ERDF and/or the Cohesion Fund (e.g. ministries, regional authorities, coordinating bodies, managing authorities, intermediate bodies).
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
8 July 2022
How to apply?
The filled application form has to be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-G1-HEAD-OF-UNIT@ec.europa.eu.
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Objective of the call
Under this call, DG REGIO seeks to strengthen citizen participation through collaboration between public authorities and civil society organizations. OECD experts will provide support to pilot projects in order to:
a) Test and assess the application of innovative citizen participation approaches for managing and implementing EU funds for cohesion policies.
b) Identify conditions, actions and resources necessary to build strong and long-lasting partnerships to promote citizen participation in cohesion policy.
c) Collect good practices of citizen participation in cohesion policy to be shared among and beyond project partners.
d) Promote peer learning and support community of practitioners
Who can apply under this call?
The Call for expression of interest is open to public authorities responsible for managing or implementing ERDF, CF or JTF either as managing authorities, intermediate bodies or beneficiaries (hereafter public authorities) jointly with civil society organisations (CSOs). A CSO is a non-profit organisation (private or public). Natural persons are not eligible.
A webinar to present the call in details and to reply to your questions was organised by DG REGIO and OECD on 24 March 2022. Have a look at the presentation and watch the video recording.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
The deadline for applications is 30.04.2022
How to apply?
The expressions of interest should be submitted to REGIO-E1-ADMINISTRATIVE-CAPACITY@ec.europa.eu
Documentation:
Objective of the call
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from external experts able to assess applications participating in the 2022 edition of the New European Bauhaus Prize competition, from the angle of three fields based on the main values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) :
Additionally, among those who express interest in the call, the Commission will select members of the jury assessing the finalists applications and recommending the winners to the Commission’s Evaluation Committee. The role of a jury member may not be linked with the role of the expert assessing individual applications.
Who can apply under this call?
The call is open to persons with educational and/or professional background in at least one of the fields mentioned above, but at the contracting stage priority will be given to those who have relevant education and/or experience in all three fields indicated above.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
31 March 2022
How to apply?
The expressions of interest should be submitted via EU Survey under the link https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/NEBexperts2022.
The expression of interest must include all documents mentioned in the first section of point 4 of the call (see below). All annexes are also available under the above-mentioned link. Only the fully filled in and submitted (not draft) application form is valid.
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In partnership we trust! Join our European Community of Practice on Partnership 2021-2027!
In order to spread exchanges of good practice and experience on the European Code of Conduct, European Commission is looking for partners who wish to actively engage and share their experience in partnership under the EU-funded programmes.
Objective of the call
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from various partners mentioned in Article 8 of the CPR 2021-2027:
What is European Community of Practice on Partnership (ECoPP)?
The shared management DGs agreed to continue in 2021-2027 the concept of the European Community of Practice on Partnership (ECoPP) and to turn it into a genuine forum for practitioners at all levels of funds’ implementation to exchange good practices. Members shall be Member States' authorities in charge of the management of EU funds (cohesion policy coordinating bodies, managing authorities of various shared management funds, including cross-border programmes), as well as public entities and organisations referred to in Article 8 of the Common Provisions Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1060)
Objectives of the ECoPP:
The community’s tasks shall be to:
Who can apply under this call?
Regional, local , urban and other public entities; economic and social partners; relevant bodies representing civil society, such as environmental partners, non-governmental organisations, and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion, fundamental rights, rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality and non-discrimination; research organisations and universities.
Applications can be submitted by the above authorities and other public entities under the conditions defined in the Call.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
31 December 2021
How to apply?
The expression of interest and any question related to the Call should be submitted electronically to the following email address: EC-ECOPP@ec.europa.eu
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Objective of the call
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from various stakeholders from the EU territories most affected by the transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy, willing to be member of one of the Just Transition Platform (JTP) working groups.
What is JTP?
The JTP has been set up by the European Commission in 2020 to assist EU Member States and regions to unlock the support available through the Just Transition Mechanism (JTM). It provides comprehensive technical and advisory support for stakeholders from the territories that are heavily dependent on fossil fuels and carbon-intensive industries and face specific social, economic, and environmental challenges related to the transition process.
Objectives of the JTP working groups
Three of the JTP working groups have a thematic focus on a carbon-intensive sector (steel, cement, chemicals) with the objective of exchanging and developing practical solutions to ensure that the decarbonisation of the respective industry happens in a fair way, leaving no one behind. The fourth working group on horizontal stakeholder strategy will be of cross-cutting nature and will focus on the identification and assessment of approaches and good practices to engage all stakeholder groups.
The aim of each working group is to act as a forum for exchanging and tackling various challenges that are common to stakeholders involved in the transition process. They will develop the strategic approach of engaging and involving different stakeholder groups at the level of the implementation of the Just Transition Fund. The common objectives are problem-solving, advocacy and stakeholder inclusion to achieve the wider goals of the JTP, which will be implemented though a multi-level and multi-stakeholder governance approach with a view of developing a common just transition vision. However, these working groups will not have the status of Commission expert groups.
Who can apply under this call?
Members of the Working Groups shall be Member States' authorities, organisations at Union level, including those representing regional authorities and cities, and other public entities (social partners, civil society, NGOs, industrial and economic actors and academia). Member States' authorities and other public entities shall nominate their representatives and shall be responsible for ensuring that their representatives provide a high level of expertise in the field of just transition in the specific sector (cement, steel, chemicals or horizontal stakeholder strategy).
An expression of interest can be submitted by Member States' authorities and other public entities under the conditions defined in the Call.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
8 October 2021
How to apply?
The expression of interest and any question related to the Call should be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-JUST-TRANSITION@ec.europa.eu
Documentation
Terms of reference per working group:
Objective of the call
This call concerns the selection of an Entrusted Entity for the indirect management of the European Urban Initiative (EUI). With a budget of EUR 400 million from the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) over the period 2021-2027, the initiative aims at providing coherent support to EU cities and assisting them in evidence-based strategy and policy making on sustainable urban development with a strong link to EU policies and Cohesion policy, in particular.
The assistance of the EUI will be two-fold:
The EUI will also support the Urban Agenda for the EU, and upon request from Member States, it may support the intergovernmental cooperation on urban matters. Maximum synergy and complementarity will be sought in the implementation of the initiative by the Commission and the selected Entrusted Entity with the future European Territorial Cooperation programme URBACT IV.
Who can apply under this call?
The entrustment of indirect management tasks requires the designated entity having proper financial and operational capacities, and in the specific case of the EUI, a demonstrated track record in managing resources from the ERDF in several countries.
An expression of interest can be submitted by Managing authorities of interregional and/or transnational ERDF programmes of the 2014-2020 period under the conditions defined in the Call.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
5 July 2021
How to apply?
The expression of interest and any question related to the Call should be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-URBAN-TERRITORIAL@ec.europa.eu
Objective of the call
Under this Call, DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from transnational partnerships of regional authorities, including ecosystems of regional stakeholders (universities, research centres, clusters, SMEs, etc.) willing to pilot interregional innovation partnerships. The objective is to incentivise business investment projects accelerating commercialisation and scale-up of inter-regional innovation.
Based on current Commission priorities, four new areas are proposed for cooperation in the framework of the interregional innovation partnerships (one partnership per topic):
Who can apply under this call?
An Expression of Interest can be submitted by a partnership made up of statutory regional authorities and their regional innovation ecosystems. Partnerships should be composed of regional authorities from at least four different EU countries and represent to the extent possible the whole value chain involving representatives of the “quadruple helix”: research, business, public administration and end-users from different countries.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
14 September 2020
How to apply?
The expression of interest should be submitted electronically to the following email address: REGIO-SMART-GROWTH@ec.europa.eu
Objective of the call
Under this Call, the Commission’ DG REGIO seeks expressions of interest from managing authorities (MAs) and intermediate bodies (IBs) of Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Cohesion Fund (CF) programmes wishing to take advantage of expertise support to explore a closer cooperation with citizens and/or civil society organisations in implementation of cohesion policy.
Work will be carried out in the framework of a pilot action. MAs/IBs participating will receive support on how to best engage citizens in strategic decisions for the implementation of national/regional operational programmes and/or specific policy objectives, e.g. with regard to monitoring of investments and assessing impact or results of cohesion policy investments in their territory.
DG REGIO will cooperate with and use the expertise of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for implementing the pilot. The OECD will provide expert assistance and mentoring to the participating MAs/IBs.
The experiences from the pilot project will be disseminated and will feed into reflections on how to strengthen citizen engagement in the management/implementation of cohesion policy.
The key outputs of the pilot will be recommendations on how to improve existing practices and/or on the introduction of new initiatives to be taken by the selected MAs/IBs to strengthen citizen engagement in the implementation of cohesion policy and an action plan on how to roll them out. The action plan will be developed in cooperation with the MA/IB.
Who can apply under this call?
The expression of interest shall be submitted by managing authorities for national or regional operational programmes co-financed by the ERDF and/or the Cohesion Fund. The relevant national coordinating authorities (depending on the particular national context) should also be informed about the application.
Deadline for submission of expression of interest:
Thursday 30 April 2020
How to apply?
Contact: REGIO-E1-ADMINISTRATIVE-CAPACITY@ec.europa.eu
Deadline extended to Tuesday 16 April 2019
The Commission is launching a pilot action to support the replication in 3-5 Member States of “Open Cohesion School”, a project promoting the engagement of students in monitoring EU cohesion policy investments via the use of public open data. The action aims at fostering the culture of active citizenship and raising awareness of Cohesion Policy among schools’ students.
The European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds aim to tackle economic, social and territorial disparities across the EU. Strengthening the transparency of information about the funds’ opportunities and achievements, including through the use of open data, is an important priority set by the EU regulations. At the same time, an enhanced citizens engagement is conducive to better understanding of the policy and how it impacts on the everyday life of citizens.
The Italian project “OpenCohesion School” (“A Scuola di OpenCoesione”) contributes to this goal by involving secondary schools. The project consists in a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) and a contest promoting the engagement of students in monitoring the effectiveness of EU cohesion policy investments via the use of public open data.
Objective of the call
Under this Call, the Commission’s DG REGIO seeks expression of interest from EU funds central bodies or Managing Authorities wishing to replicate the “Open Cohesion School“ format. Through this pilot project, the Commission will provide the following support:
The project should start at the beginning of the school year. In the first phase, the selected classes attend a series of online trainings focusing on Cohesion Policy, active citizenship, open data analysis. Towards the end of this phase, students identify and monitor the implementation of EU-funded projects, including by visiting them and talking to their promoters.
In the second part, students produce a creative communication product (such as videos, comics, blog articles, radio programmes,…) on their research findings and submit the product to a national competition For a pilot phase, approximately 5-7 classes for each Member State are expected to participate. The selected authorities will implement the project in 2019-2020 school year. Their experience, lessons learnt and recommendations will be shared also with all other potentially interested Member States who are willing to implement a similar initiative.
Who can apply under this call?
NEW!The present call is extended to all public authorities involved in the management of the operational programmes (i.e. coordinating bodies, managing authorities, intermediate bodies, joint secretariats).
The expression of interest shall be submitted by central coordination bodies for EU funds and Managing Authorities for national or regional operational programmes co-financed by the ERDF and/or the Cohesion Fund. The applicants should meet a number of specific prerequisites listed in the call for expression of interest.
Deadline for applications:
Tuesday 16 April 2019
How to apply?
Central coordination bodies or managing authorities expressing their interest to participate in the pilot should complete the application form
