Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)
Cross-Border Programme
Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina 2007-2013
Cross-border programme between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be implemented over the period 2007-2013, is supported by component II (cross-border cooperation) of the EU IPA, under which 6.000.000 € have been allocated for its first 3 years, and additional 1,058,823 € will be provided by the partner countries, mostly from the programme’s beneficiaries in the border region.
The border between Croatia and BiH extends almost over 1,000 km. Despite the heterogeneity of the area, bordering regions are facing similar challenges: an economic downturn linked to the collapse of traditional industries/markets in the wake of Yugoslavia’s disintegration, large-scale migrations during and after the war accompanied by continuous depopulation since then and heavy damages to public infrastructure only partly remedied by insufficient investment. Traditional economic and cultural links between the two countries in the border areas have also been severely affected by the conflict and its aftermath. This programme will therefore seek to revive these former cross-border links and activities while addressing some of the common socio-economic and environmental issues.
The Programming Area
The programming area is made up of ‘eligible’ (that have primary role in program) and ‘adjacent’ (that have secondary role in program) Counties of Croatia and economic regions in BiH.
Territorial framework for Republic of Croatia
‘Eligible’ Counties
Vukovarsko-Srijemska, Brodsko-Posavska, Sisačko-Moslavačka, Karlovačka, Ličko-Senjska, Zadarska, Šibensko-Kninska, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, Dubrovačko-Neretvanska.
‘Adjacent’ Counties:
Osječko-Baranjska, Požeško-Slavonska, Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska, Primorsko-Goranska, Zagrebačka (but without city of Zagreb).
Territorial framework for BiH
Regions eligible for this program are: North-east, North-west and Herzegovina. Each of this regions contains number of municipalities:
Region North-east: Bijeljina, Teočak, Ugljevik, Lopare, Tuzla, Lukavac, Čelić, Brčo, Srebrenik, Petrovo, Gračanica, Doboj istok, Gradačac, Pelagićevo, Donji Zabar, Orašje, Domaljevac-Samac, Samac, Modriča, Vukosavlje, Odžak, Bosanski Brod, Derventa, Doboj, Srebrenica, Bratunac, Milići, Han Pijesak, Vlasenica, Kladanj, Šekovići, Kalesija
Osmaci, Zvornik, Banovići, Živinice, Kalesija, Sapna.
Region North-west: Prnjavor, Srbac, Laktasi, Čelinac, Kotor Varoš, Skender Vakuf/Kneževo, Dobretići, Šipovo, Jajce, Jezero, Mrkonjić Grad, Banja Luka, Bosanska Gradiška, Bosanska Dubica, Prijedor, Oštra Luka, Sanski Most, Ključ, Ključ/Ribnik, Glamoč, Bosansko Grahovo, Drvar, Istočni Drvar, Petrovac-Drinić, Bosanski Petrovac, Bosanska Krupa, Krupa na Uni, Novi Grad, Bosanska Kostajnica, Bužim, Velika Kladuša, Cazin, Bihać,
Region Herzegovina: Prozor/Rama, Konjic, Nevesinje, Gacko, Bileća, Trebinje, Ravno, Ljubinje, Berkovići, Mostar, Jablanica, Kupres, Kupres (RS), Tomislavgrad, Posušje, Široki Brijeg, Čitluk, Stolac, Neum, Čapljina, Ljubuški, Grude, Livno, Istočni Mostar.
Program’s strategy
Program aims are:
- To encourage the creation of cross-border networks and partnerships and the development of joint cross-border actions with a view to revitalizing the economy, protecting the nature and the environment and increasing social cohesion of the programming area.
- To build the capacity of local, regional and national institutions to manage EU programmes and to prepare them to manage future cross-border programmes under objective 3 of the EU Structural Funds.
The above objectives will be achieved by means of 3 priorities and their measures:
Priority 1Creation of a Joint |
Priority 2 |
Priority 3 |
Measure 1.1: Joint |
Measure 2.1: |
Measure 3.1: Support to |
Measure 1.2: Promotion |
Measure 2.2: Improved accessibility of |
Measure 3.2: Support to |
Horizontal Theme: |
||
Horizontal Theme
Cross-border capacity building will be a horizontal theme underpinning Priority 1 and 2 and, as much as is possible, will be integrated into all the measures in these priorities. Cross-border capacity will be built by giving preference to projects which:
- Improve the collaboration and pooling of experience between local and regional stakeholders in order to increase cross-border co-operation;
- Intensify and consolidate cross border dialogue and establish institutional relationships between local administrations and other relevant local or regional stakeholders;
- Equip local and regional authorities’ actors with information and skills to develop, implement and manage cross-border projects.
Indicators of success:
- Number of organisations that establish cross-border cooperation agreements;
- Number of cross-border networks established aimed at: improving public services and/or carrying out joint operations, and/or developing common systems;
- Number of projects which are jointly implemented and/or jointly staffed.
Remark
Due to limited funds, next areas cannot be addressed by this programme: agricultural restructuring; de-mining, modernisation of border crossings and the provision of basic infrastructure.
Priority 1 Creation of joint economic space
This priority is a response to the difficult economic situation on both sides of the border, which is characterised by a declining population, a high degree of dependence on an underdeveloped agricultural sector and an SME sector that face problems like lack of access to credit, of expertise and entrepreneurship. The tourism sector is well developed in the western part of the programming area – close to the Adriatic coast – but quite underdeveloped in the central and eastern parts. Some of the main obstacles for the development of the tourism sector are poor tourism infrastructure (mainly in con-coastal areas), low level of marketing as well as lack of information exchange within the tourism operators and other economic sectors (especially agriculture). The analysis of the programming area has shown that significant growth potential
lies with the SME sector and that the R&D is a source of value added for the economy, but, however, due to a number of obstructs is not exploited.
Overall objective
To contribute to the integration of the economy in border areas by encouraging cooperation in the field of tourism and SME support & entrepreneurship promotion.
Specific objectives
- To develop recognisable joint tourist offers based on common environmental and cultural heritage and improve the competitiveness of the local tourism economy.
- To foster the development of the regional economy by strengthening the SME sector and business support institutions and services.
Following the specific objectives, priority 1 will be implemented by two measures:
Measure 1.1: Development of joint tourist offer
Measure 1.2: Promotion of entrepreneurship
Direct Beneficiaries
Direct beneficiaries of this priority are non profit legal persons established by public or private law for the purposes of public interest or specific purpose of meeting needs of general interest, belonging to one of the following groups:
- Regional and local public authorities;
- Public bodies (funds, institutions, agencies) established by the state or a regional/local self-government such as: research and development institutions, education and training institutions, health care institutions, institutions for protecting natural and cultural heritage, local and regional development agencies, tourist agencies and associations, etc.;
- Private institutes established by private law entities for meeting needs of general interest (such as educational or research institutes) as long as they operate on non-profit basis;
- Non-governmental organisations such as associations and foundations;
- Chambers of commerce, agriculture, crafts and industry, clusters registered as non-profit legal persons;
- Agricultural associations and cooperatives.
Project selection criteria and delivery mechanism:
More detail project selection criteria will be defined later on within applicable Guidelines for Applicants or/and calls for proposals. The measures will be implemented predominantly through grants schemes. However, there is a possibility that JMC recognizes need to finance key joint operations outside calls for proposals. In those cases, delivery mechanism will the procurement of services, works and supplies.
Measures
Measure 1.1. Development of joint tourist offers
This measure will support the joint development and promotion of tourist offers. It will encourage the development, improvement and diversification of tourism products and services, the integration of cultural heritage & environment into tourism products and the joint marketing of these products. This will mobilize the productive, environmental and cultural potentialities of the areas involved and contribute to their sustainable development. The measure will also aim at improving the knowledge of people working in tourism, culture and agriculture. In particular, the measure will encourage the use of ICT tools for developing and marketing products and training people.
Types of actions eligible under this measure are:
- Development of new tourist products/services with clear cross-border identity (development of thematic routes, site exploitation, etc);
- Development of small-scale tourist infrastructure related to attractions such as walking and wellness paths, hiking, riding and bicycling trails, picnic places, signposting, visitor centres, leisure and sport facilities, landscaping, lighting, renovation of cultural/historical heritage objects of cross-border important;
- Complementary training of staff required for the operation of supported attractions and facilities;
- Certification of local products and services
- Joint tourism promotion and marketing initiatives, including in particular initiatives to promote cross-border regional identity as a tourist area: promotion activities such as preparation and distribution of information and promotional materials on the cross border area and its products, participation and organization of joint tourism fairs, visits by travel agents and tour operators and travel journalists, public awareness activities and information services to the local businesses and communities, communication campaigns to improve awareness of natural and cultural heritage and tourism contribution to development etc;
- Establishment and improvement of joint marketing and promotion of tourism and agriculture products and services;
- Integration of cultural heritage into tourism products by revitalization and preservation of cultural heritage and stimulation of cultural exchange and events;
- Implementation of modern technology and information systems aimed at improving visitors’ information servicing, marketing and planning of tourist destinations, such as establishment, reconstruction and equipment of tourist information centres, their inclusion in regional or broader networks and information systems, web-based regional information and distribution systems (e-marketing), IT based data-bases etc;
- Creation and implementation of common tourism development strategies and elaboration of analysis, reports, studies, programmes and conferences oriented to protection and promotion of natural and cultural heritage.
Achievement of the measure will be measured on the basis of the following indicators:
Output indicators:
- Number of projects developing joint cross-border small scale tourism/cultural infrastructure,
- Number of joint projects implemented for promoting the area’s tourism identity and image (certification of new products, joint promotion campaigns),
- Number of joint projects implemented for tourist sector development,
- Number of heritage sites reconstructed/restored.
Result indicators:
- Increased number of CBC tourists in the border region visiting facilities where a capacity improvement has taken place or for which new product or promotion activities has been realized.
The source of information will be the Programme and project reports and statistics.
Size of EU grant
Minimal size of EU grant is 50,000 €
Maximal size of EU grant is 300,000 €
Maximal EU funding to total eligible costs 85%
Measure 1.2 Promotion of entrepreneurship
Measure 1.2 will strengthen connections between Croatian & BiH enterprises and the involvement of regional development agencies & business support organisations in SME development activities. It will foster a common understanding of cross-border regional economic opportunities. The Measure will also aim at promoting entrepreneurship in border regions and support initiatives that promote up-to-date technology, export orientation, innovativeness and partnership between SMEs and R&D organisations to commercialize scientific innovation.
It will stimulate regular interaction between businesses located on both sides of the border via: business-to-business networks and clustering; development of SME support services and joint access to these; joint marketing & promotion on domestic & EU markets; exchange of know-how; selected investments in small-scale business related infrastructure.
Types of actions eligible under this measure are:
- Development and implementation of training and educational activities for SMEs;
- Support to schemes promoting the development of innovation and research and development especially involving partnerships between SMEs, universities, R&D institutions;
- Networking of SMEs and establishment of cross border clusters;
- Planning and development of cross border business related infrastructure (industrial areas and business zones);
- Development of joint business support institutions (business centres, business incubators, technology transfer centres, start-up centres);
- Development of services to assist SMEs in the development of related business activities (general advice and training, joint marketing of SMEs, awareness raising about market conditions, etc.).
Achievement of the measure will be measured on the basis of the following indicators:
Output indicators:
- Number of business support centres created
- Number of supported knowledge transfer projects
- Number of projects encouraging the development of cross-border business cooperation, networks and clusters
- Number of implemented joint cooperation projects on development of skills and knowledge
- Number of SMEs/science/R&D networks established
- Number of promotional events and trade fairs for local/regional products
- Number of SMEs involved in/benefit of cross-border projects
Result indicators:
- Increase in the number of SMEs located within programming area
- Increase in number of new jobs creation
- Increased number of permanent business contacts
- Increased number of common strategies and plans
- Increased level of business innovation through transfer of technology via university and R&D institutions to SMEs
The source of information will be the Programme and project reports and statistics.
Size of EU grant
Minimal size of EU grant is 50,000 €
Maximal size of EU grant is 300,000 €
Maximal EU funding to total eligible costs 85%
Priority 2: Improved Quality of Life and Social Cohesion
Priority 2 is a response to the social and environmental problems of the border area. The priority will focus on factors that contribute to the well-being, the quality of life and social cohesion of local communities including the improvement of cross-border relations. The level of unemployment is high, especially in the rural areas, and there is a lack of active employment measures to address this situation. The Situation Analysis has identified social exclusion as a major threat in the programming area. At the same time, the analysis has also pointed out education, health and labour as major opportunities for cross-border cooperation. In the environment sector, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina face the same challenges and have the same opportunities. On both sides of the border there are important natural amenities – natural parks, unspoilt forests and rivers. The areas hold a high level of biodiversity (including many rare species) associated with flood plains of the Sava, Una and Neretva rivers. However, there is no co-ordination as to how to protect the environment e.g. through waste water management, nor is there any coordinated efforts on how to deal with natural disasters like flooding or fire fighting. Another common problem is the unregulated waste dumping and industrial discharges which has and adverse affect on the quality of life of residents and on the region’s overall image. The second priority will also deal with the need to preserve the natural assets of the programming area in order to maintain their potential for tourism development and to improve the overall quality of life in the border area.
Overall objective
To enhance the quality of life in border areas by reducing damages/risks to the environment and increasing social cohesion in local communities.
Specific objectives
- To protect and preserve the environment and encourage the sustainable use of natural resources in border regions through joint actions and awareness raising campaigns
- To enable access to community based services that impact on the well-being and social cohesion of local citizens and communities.
Direct Beneficiaries
Direct beneficiaries of this priority are non profit legal persons established by public or private law for the purposes of public interest or specific purpose of meeting needs of general interest, belonging to one of the following groups:
- Regional and local public authorities;
- Public bodies (funds, institutions, agencies) established by the state or a regional/local self-government such as: research and development institutions, education and training institutions, health care institutions, institutions for protecting natural and cultural heritage, local and regional development agencies, tourist agencies and associations, etc.;
- Private institutes established by private law entities for meeting needs of general interest (such as educational or research institutes) as long as they operate on non-profit basis;
- Non-governmental organisations such as associations and foundations;
- Chambers of commerce, agriculture, crafts and industry, clusters registered as non-profit legal persons;
- Agricultural associations and cooperatives;
- National and Regional Parks, Landscape Parks.
Project selection criteria and delivery mechanism:
The measures will be implemented predominantly through grants schemes. However, there is a possibility that JMC recognizes need to finance key joint operations outside calls for proposals. In those cases, delivery mechanisms will the procurement of services, works and supplies. More detailed project selection criteria will be defined later on within applicable Guidelines for Applicants and calls for proposals notice.
Measure 2.1 Environmental protection
The Measure will support joint initiatives that contribute to the preservation and protection of the environment and natural diversity. The Measure will also encourage the sustainable use of natural resources and promote the utilisation of renewable energies. It will also support joint actions that seek to prevent or remedy environmental degradation resulting from economic activity.
Types of actions eligible under this measure are:
- Planning documentation for water supply and water waste systems with cross border impacts;
- Joint environmental programming and initiatives: river catchments management, air pollution, thermal water extraction, awareness campaign targeting industries and general public;
- Prevention of natural risks – intervention actions (in case of floods and fire)
- Studies and direct actions on applicability of renewable energy sources
- Studies on environmental impacts of human activities
- Protection and/or preparation of documentation for nature protected areas
- Awareness raising activities on environmental management and protection
- Education and know how transfer in environmental protection
- Clean-up actions in the border area
- Promotion of renewable sources of energy
Achievement of the measure will be measured on the basis of the following indicators:
Output indicators:
- Number of joint projects encouraging and improving protection of area's natural values;
- Number of implemented joint projects developing management systems for environmental protection;
- Number of co-operation agreements/networks between operators/agencies in environmental field;
- Number of awareness-raising events held;
- Number of joint waste management plans created;
- Number of feasibility studies prepared for waste water treatment facilities;
- Number of projects promoting the use of renewable energy sources;
- Number of cross-border emergency teams created;
Result indicators:
- Percent of reduction in physical and ecological damage arising from emergency incidents
- Percent of decrease in number of cross border pollution episodes
- Increased planning and management capacity in relation to emergency situations
- Percent of increase in ecologically sensitive sites protected
- Increased public awareness of cross-border environmental issues
The source of information will be the Programme and project reports and statistics.
Size of EU grant
Minimal size of EU grant is 50,000 €
Maximal size of EU grant is 300,000 €
Maximal EU funding to total eligible costs 85%
Measure 2.2 Improved accessibility to community based services
The Measure will support the development of people-to-people actions across the border addressing the needs of local communities in the field of education and labour, social and health care, culture and sport. In particular, activities under this measure are meant to facilitate access to basic community services to all citizens and groups in the border region. The Measure will encourage the establishment or the strengthening of cross-border partnerships and networks around social cohesion activities and involving local authorities, civil society and social partners. The initiatives promoted under this Measure should also contribute to the improvement of cross-border relations. Types of actions eligible under this measure are:
- Joint youth initiatives and networks
- Assistance to marginalised groups
- Easier access to health services
- Easier access to education
- Development of joint local development plans and strategies in areas of local governance, social development, education, sport and culture
Achievement of the measure will be measured on the basis of the following indicators:
Output indicators:
- Number of joint community programmes involving cooperation between civil society, local authorities and social partners;
- Number of projects improving access to education;
- Number of projects improving access to social and health care services;
- Number of awareness-raising events on social exclusion;
- Number of cross-border youth and cultural partnerships;
- Number of cultural and sport exchange events organised;
- Number of projects actively involving women and people from marginalized groups.
Result indicators:
- Improved access to community-based services by vulnerable groups/ local populations;
- Decrease in number of ethnic based incidents;
- Increased public awareness of organizational/institutional structure of neighbouring country;
- Improved knowledge of neighbours’ culture/history.
The source of information will be the Programme and project reports and statistics.
Size of EU grant
Minimal size of EU grant is 20,000 €
Maximal size of EU grant is 50,000 €
Maximal EU funding to total eligible costs 85%
Priority 3: Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance (TA) will be used to finance costs related to the preparation, administration and management, information, publicity and training, development and operation of computerized data exchange systems, acquisition of necessary equipment, monitoring, evaluation and control of the programme. Technical assistance will be used to support the work of the 2 national Operating Structures and the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) ensuring the efficient and effective implementation, monitoring, control and evaluation of the programme. Principally this will be achieved through the establishment and operation of a Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS) and two JTS antennas. The JTS will be in charge of the day-to-day management of the programme and will be responsible to the Operating Structures and the JMC. Technical assistance will support actions which ensure the preparation and selection of high quality programme operations and the dissemination of information on programme activities and achievements. Under the direction of the JMC the technical assistance budget will be used to carry out external programme evaluations (ad-hoc, mid-term and ex-post). Considering that the relevant national authorities (Operating Structures in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina) enjoy a de facto monopoly situation (in the sense of Art. 168, paragraph 1, sub-paragraph c of the Implementing rules to the Financial Regulation) for the implementation of the cross-border programme, the relevant contracting authorities in both countries (EC Delegation in Bosnia and
Herzegovina) will establish an individual direct grant agreement without call for proposals with the Operating Structures for the amount provided under the TA Priority 2 in each country. Subcontracting by the Operating Structures of the activities covered by the direct agreement (e.g. TA, evaluation, publicity etc.) is allowed.
Overall objective:
The overall objective of this priority axis is to provide effective and efficient administration and implementation of the CBC programme.
Specific objectives
- To enhance the quality and coherence of actions under the Programme;
- To improve the capacity of national and joint structures to manage cross-border programmes.
- To provide and disseminate programme information to national authorities, the general public and programme beneficiaries and to ensure that the assistance is published in a manner that raises awareness and aids the development of the Programme
- To improve the capacity of potential beneficiaries, particularly within the programming area, to prepare and subsequently implement high quality programme operations
- To provide technical expertise for external programme evaluations
Direct beneficiaries:
The main beneficiaries for this priority are:
- Operating Structures
- Joint Monitoring Committee
- Joint Technical Secretariat (Main and JTS antenna)
- All other structures/bodies related to development and implementation of the CBC Programme (e.g. Steering/Selection Committee)
- Programme beneficiaries
In accordance to the scope of this priority, it will be implemented through two measures.
Measure 3.1: Support to Programme Administration and Implementation.
This measure will provide support for the work of national Operating Structures, the Joint Monitoring Committee, the Joint Technical Secretariat and its antenna, and any other structure (e.g. Steering Committee) involved in the management and implementation of the programme. Furthermore, the measure will cover the administrative and operational costs related to the implementation of the programme, including the costs of preparation and monitoring of the programme, appraisal and selection of operations, organisation of meetings of monitoring committee, etc. It should be noted that the TA funds can cover the costs of staff of JTS except salaries of seconded public officials. The measure will also ensure the provision of advice and support to final beneficiaries in project development and implementation.
Types of eligible activities:
- Staffing and operation of the JTS and its antenna
- Providing support to national Operating Structures in programme management
- Providing support to the JMC in carrying out its responsibilities in project selection and programme monitoring
- Providing logistical and technical support for JMC meetings
- Programme awareness-raising and training for potential final beneficiaries
- Providing assistance to potential final beneficiaries in the preparation of projects
- Provision of appropriate technical expertise in the assessment of project applications
- Providing support to final beneficiaries in project implementation
- Establishment and support of project monitoring and control systems including first level controls
- Carrying out on-the-spot visits to programme operations
- Drafting of project monitoring reports and programme implementation reports
- Acquisition, installation and integration of IT equipment for management, monitoring, evaluation and coordination of the Programme
Achievement of the measure will be measured on the basis of the following indicators:
Output indicators:
- Number of JTS staff recruited;
- Number of JTS meetings;
- Number of staffing Operating Structures trained;
- Number of training events for potential final beneficiaries;
- Number of project proposals assessed;
- Number of on-the-spot visits carried out;
- Number of monitoring reports drafted;
- Number of relevant studies/survey carried out;
- Number and quality of IT/office equipment;
Result indicators:
- Increased capacity of staff in Operating Structures
- Increased quality of project proposals
- Percent of IPA funding absorbed
- Decreased Percent of non-eligible costs claimed by final beneficiaries
Source of Information will be Annual implementation report, evaluation reports and monitoring reports. The measure will be implemented through service contracts and secondments.
Measure 3.2: Support to Programme Information, Publicity and Evaluation
The second TA measure will give support to programme information, publicity and evaluation through activities such as preparation, translation and dissemination of programme related information and publicity material, including a programme website. It will hence ensure programme awareness amongst local, regional and national decision-makers, funding authorities, the inhabitants of the programming area and the general public in Croatia and BiH. Furthermore, the measure will support the provision of expertise to the JMC for the planning and carrying out of external programme evaluations.
Types of eligible activities:
- The preparation and dissemination of publicity materials (including press releases)
- Design, maintenance and promotion of a Programme’s website
- Organisation of promotional events (meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, media events, information days, forum, road shows, networking)
- Regular production and dissemination of news letters
- Carrying out regular programme evaluations
Achievement of the measure will be measured on the basis of the following indicators:
Output indicators:
- Number of publicity materials disseminated
- Number of events organized for the publicity and information of the programme
- Number of participants at the events organized for the publicity and information of the programme
- Number of visits to programme website
- Number of news letters produced
- Number of evaluations carried out
Result indicators:
- Increased awareness of the programme amongst the general public
- Increased awareness of the programme amongst the potential beneficiaries
- Improved programme implementation
Source of Information will be Annual implementation report, evaluation reports and monitoring reports. The measure will be implemented through service contracts and secondments.