Calls for proposals
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CALLS
Types of calls
As mentioned in section 7.2 of the Operational Programme, different types of calls for project proposals are envisaged for the implementation of the programme:
- Competitive calls, which are applied as standard procedure for the majority of projects, and
- Strategic calls, which are applied only in certain cases.
Different application and selection provisions apply for each type of call, as follows:
| Call | Description |
| Competitive, open | Transnational partnerships from all eligible potential beneficiaries can submit proposals in line with one of the four Priority Axes of the programme. It should be noted that the support of the programme managing and coordinating bodies in the project generation process is limited; |
| Targeted, for strategic projects("strategic" call) | A top-down approach (which means that the project generation is intensively supported and supervised by programme authorities and only selected pre-defined areas of intervention and types of institutions are eligible to apply) is foreseen in order to strengthen and steer the integration process of the SEE territories and structures. This procedure should increase the support for the "strategic projects" generation and development processes. |
PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE SEE COMPETITIVE CALLS
The open, competitive call for proposals, according to paragraph 7.2 of the Operational Programme, can follow one or two step application procedure.
In case of "Two steps" procedures, two are the relevant phases:
| Call | Description |
| First Step | The submission of the Expression of Interest (EoI) In the first step, applicants are requested to submit a EoI based on a reduced form. The EoI presents the objectives of the project, the anticipated budget, the type of activities, their location and the cooperation area covered as well as the planned outputs and results and the structure of the partnership. An overview of the budget has to be provided as well. Once filled in completely and accurately, the EoI can be uploaded onto the dedicated section of the website. No additional documents will be accepted and/ or considered. Only electronic submission is allowed and only the first version submitted will be taken in to account; any further version of the same project proposal will not be considered as valid and will not be assessed. Once the e-version of the document is submitted no changes are possible. By way of general guidance, the programme recommends that project proposals are already at an advanced stage on EoI submission: project partners already contacted and involved and the overall structure well defined. Only project proposals matching a certain readiness, quality level and responding to the selection criteria can be invited to enter the second step of the application procedure. |
| Second Step | The submission of the completed Application Form (AF) During the "Second Step" the AF will be evaluated by the JTS and external experts with the support of SCPs. To better align the contents of the proposal and to check the compliance with the relevant national and regional regulations, it is highly recommended that the applicants get in contact with the SCP of their country. |
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
Development of both the EoI and subsequently the AF is normally coordinated by the applicant. Nevertheless, the proper involvement of project partners should be included and valued. A good understanding of the content and project management arrangements included in the EoI by all Project Partners is a key factor in a successful transnational project. Indeed this level of cooperation is already expected at this stage.
As far as the application process is concerned, applicants who had already registered on the website can use the same username and password to apply to all calls; they don't need to register again. Moreover, any partner can upload the EoI on behalf of the Lead Applicant, as the registration is not linked to a specific institution or proposal.
