FAQ
Can we include in the partnership associate/observer partners that won't request any financial contribution from the SEE Programme (ERDF/IPA/ENPI funds)?
SEE project beneficiaries may decide to invite actors to take part in the project in an observant role or with advisory capacity. These actors are referred as "non financing partners" in the SEE OP, or "Observer Partners", and do not contribute to the implementation of the projects in terms of financial contributions. However, the project is asked to lay down the involvement of observers in the Application Form and have them sign an observer declaration.
Are SMEs and private partners in general, eligible within SEE transnational programme?
The SEE Transnational Programme makes a reference to article 2 of the Regulation (EC) 1083/2006 where it is mentioned that private, public and public equivalent bodies may participate as project partners. However, in this first call for proposals only public bodies, bodies governed by public law are eligible. Bodies governed by private law may be eligible if they are established for the specific purpose of meeting needs in the general interest, not having an industrial or commercial character, and they commit themselves in making the results of the project activities available to the public and apply the principles of public procurement.
Is it considered positively to have a partnership featuring the highest number possible of project partners?
No. The SEE Transnational Programme seeks for relevant and coherent partnerships, whose composition should be targeted to reach the goals of the project Thus, also the number of partners has to be relevant and coherent with the envisaged objectives and activities of the project. The higher number of partners is not considered as a standalone synonym of quality.
Are NGOs eligible as project partners?
Not for profit NGOs are eligible, on the condition that they make available to the public the results of the project activities and apply the principles of public procurement.
Are international organisations eligible as project partners?
International organisations that apply international law are not eligible in the first call for proposal. However, national branches of international organisations which apply national laws could be eligible.
Does the potential Lead Partner of a project submitting the Application Form (AF) has to be the same as the applicant submitting the Expression of Interest (EoI)?
Yes, the Lead Partner in the AF has to be the same body as the applicant within the EoI.
Does the JTS highly suggest the involvement of IPA partners, considering it extremely important?
The involvement of IPA partners is highly suggested whenever the content/type of the project requires their participation.
Can sub-contracting be allowed between project beneficiaries?
Sub-contracting between project partners (Lead Partner, ERDF Project Partner, IPA Project Partner and 10% Project Partner) is not allowed.
What happens if a project partner indicated in the 1st step cannot participate in the project and the project is invited to the 2nd step?
Normally, as the assessment leading to the rejection/invitation of the EoI to the 2nd step is based on the information included in the EoI, any change in partners/activities has to be duly justified and should not cause major problems for the partnership. For this reason, the dropping-out partner cannot be essential for the implementation of specific project activities. Eventually, it could be replaced by a new partner with similar status and experience.
How can I ensure that the chosen partner will actually be in charge of the implementation activities?
This can be ensured through the provisions included in the Partnership Agreement, which has to be signed by each partner.
Can we include in the partnership associate/observer partners that won?t request any financial contribution from the SEE Programme (ERDF/IPA/ENPI funds)?
SEE project beneficiaries may decide to invite actors to take part in the project in an observant role or with advisory capacity. These actors are referred as ?non financing partners? in the SEE OP, or ?Observer Partners?, and do not contribute to the implementation of the projects in terms of financial contributions. However, the project is asked to lay down the involvement of observers in the Application Form and have them sign an observer declaration.
Can one organisation participate as applicant for one project and as partner for another (different from the first) project?
Yes, there are no restrictions in this sense.
Can one organisation submit more than one project proposal in different priority axes?
Yes, there are no restrictions in this sense.
