Cross-Border Cooperation
aA
Cross-Border Cooperation

Author: groteski

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS. Final seminar of the EDUCRO project in Imatra on 28 September 2022

19.9.2022 by groteski

Why it is important to understand the customer experience in order to develop tourism and cultural services? How do the best festivals and events build their activities by means of cooperation networks? We’ll hear speeches by international top experts Tuija Seipell and Paul Gudgin on these themes in the final seminar of the EDUCRO project in Imatra at Kulttuuritalo Virta on Wednesday 28 September 2022 from 9.30 to 16.30.

In addition to the keynote speeches, at the final seminar of the EDUCRO project we’ll hear a presentation on the results of the project and case presentations of Finnish organizations that have participated in the project. A panel discussion on the seminar topics will close the day. More detail about the programme: https://www.lab.fi/en/events/final-seminar-educro-project
Registration for the seminar by 21 September: www.lyyti.fi/reg/EDUCRO_loppuseminaari_3633/en.

Large Infrastructure Projects (LIP)

30.5.2022 by groteski

By the endorsement of the South-East Finland – Russia CBC 2014–2020 Programme document (JOP) on 18/12/2015, the Large Infrastructure Projects (LIP) jointly adopted by the Finnish and Russian members of the Programming Committee, were enclosed to the direct award –process and possible funding. The projects are identified in the programme document, chapter 5.4 (Programme Documents at http://www.sefrcbc.fi/cbc-2014-2020/programme-documents/). Projects, that may receive programme funding without participating to the round of calls, are limited and they must meet the following criteria: 

  • the body to which a project is awarded enjoys a de jure or de facto monopoly; 
  • the project relates to actions with specific characteristics that require a particular type of body based on its technical competence, high degree of specialisation or administrative power. 

To grant a LIP is a rather long process, but representing important character of the cross-border cooperation and development of the Programme area. The process includes assessment of two application phases (concept note and full application) and it has several decision-making and approval steps. All adopted projects enclosed to the JOP may not receive grant contract, but those endorsing the requirements for funding, are expected to be launched by 30 June 2019, latest.  

The Programme will publish information of each project, according their launching. Following figurative presentations in English, Finnish and Russian describe the LIP process, as a whole. 

(click the picture for full size view)

1848,Applications from the second call moving forward”

Trash Design – from waste to value hack

4.4.2022 by groteski

CBC Funded AWARE project is co-organizing waste to value utilization knowledge building and student educating training camp / Hackathon named Trash Design, which is held at 1.-8.4.2022. The event is organized together by Digital & Circular Fashion House and AWARE projects. In the event, development challenges come from the companies and AWARE project, involved in the event. Participants receive recyclable materials to develop new utilization ideas.

Trash Design is a way of thinking with a background and purpose based on the circular economy and the reduction of resource consumption. Above all, Trash Design is an open-minded re-use of materials and products and the ability to see rubbish as new material.

As an example, in one of the challenges, the participants will be having a change to work with the problem area of re-use, collection and recycling of surplus textiles.

Additional information about the event: https://events.savonia.fi/event/ZPP6J

Suspension of cooperation with Russia

24.3.2022 by groteski

Following the Russian military aggression on Ukraine and in line with the decision of the European Council to suspend cooperation with Russia and Belarus, on Tuesday 22 March 2022 a meeting was held in Brussels to explore ways to continue the implementation of concerned ENI CBC programmes. As a result, it was understood that the EU beneficiaries can carry on the project operations, whereas the activities and financial flows on the Russian and Belarusian side have to be suspended. Project partners will be contacted individually for more detailed information within few weeks.

Suspension of cooperation with Russia

by groteski

Following the Russian military aggression on Ukraine and in line with the decision of the European Council to suspend cooperation with Russia and Belarus, on Tuesday 22 March 2022 a meeting was held in Brussels to explore ways to continue the implementation of concerned ENI CBC programmes. As a result, it was understood that the EU beneficiaries can carry on the project operations, whereas the activities and financial flows on the Russian and Belarusian side have to be suspended. Project partners will be contacted individually for more detailed information within few weeks.

Information for Project Partners

14.3.2022 by groteski

The European Commission has suspended the Financing Agreements between the EC and the Russian Federation concerning the European Neighbourhood Instrument cross-border cooperation programmes (ENI CBC). This means, among other things, that no further payments of programme funds to Russia will be made. This concerns payments from the Managing Authorities and money transfers from the Lead Partners in Finland.

On March 22nd, the Managing Authorities of the programmes with Russia and Belarus will have a meeting with the European Commission about the practical consequences of the suspension.    

After the meeting, the Managing Authority expects to be able to inform you about the schedules and eligibility of costs as well as about practicalities concerning the next steps with the implementation of projects and payments. The European Commission is searching for solutions to properly conclude planned activities on the EU side.

The Managing Authority wants you to note that for the moment, the projects should not plan or carry out any major activities, like large events or investments, before clear guidance for proceeding can be provided. Also, projects should not apply for changes in the projects, because the MA is not able to proceed with change requests in this unclear situation.   

In addition, the Managing Authority wants to underline that a prerequisite for any payments is, as until now, that costs and activities are reported (note that the EC decisions may affect the eligibility of costs). Please note also that the MA continues checking the reported and audited costs of Russian partners and keeps record of the unpaid amounts, even though the payments cannot be made for the moment.

Information for Project Partners

by groteski

The European Commission has suspended the Financing Agreements between the EC and the Russian Federation concerning the European Neighbourhood Instrument cross-border cooperation programmes (ENI CBC). This means, among other things, that no further payments of programme funds to Russia will be made. This concerns payments from the Managing Authorities and money transfers from the Lead Partners in Finland.

On March 22nd, the Managing Authorities of the programmes with Russia and Belarus will have a meeting with the European Commission about the practical consequences of the suspension.    

After the meeting, the Managing Authority expects to be able to inform you about the schedules and eligibility of costs as well as about practicalities concerning the next steps with the implementation of projects and payments. The European Commission is searching for solutions to properly conclude planned activities on the EU side.

The Managing Authority wants you to note that for the moment, the projects should not plan or carry out any major activities, like large events or investments, before clear guidance for proceeding can be provided. Also, projects should not apply for changes in the projects, because the MA is not able to proceed with change requests in this unclear situation.   

In addition, the Managing Authority wants to underline that a prerequisite for any payments is, as until now, that costs and activities are reported (note that the EC decisions may affect the eligibility of costs). Please note also that the MA continues checking the reported and audited costs of Russian partners and keeps record of the unpaid amounts, even though the payments cannot be made for the moment.