Successful project application

The priorities defended in the multi-annual cross-border programmes between Western Balkan countries are very broad, leaving a lot of space for possible eligible actions. The potential eligible actions within on Call for Proposals will be agreed before the launching of the Call on the Joint Monitoring Committee meeting and in the case of centralized management (all WB countries with except of Croatia) endorsed by the relevant Delegations of the European Commission.

 

The successful project application process starts with a well-formulated project idea, directly linked to the current Call for Proposal under which it apply for funding.

 

The next step is to find the partner, with common interest, from the other side of the border. Thereafter, the partners develop the idea into a project proposal that can be evaluated and, if submitted on time and prepared according to the necessary EC procedures, implemented.

         

Following the project preparation process, the project is submitted, within the deadline defined by the CfPs Guidelines, to the JTS that registers and numbers the proposal. The Joint Monitoring Committee is responsible for evaluation and selection of the proposals, but the evaluation role could be delegated to the Steering Committee. The opening session is organized and the administrative check is performed. The concept note of the proposals that passed the administrative check will be further evaluated. After the evaluation of the concept note, the whole proposals that passed the evaluation of the concept note are assessed, evaluated and scored. The rank list is prepared and the JMC is selecting the proposals that will be finances and implemented. In the case of centralised management the list of selected project have to be endorsed by the relevant Delegation of the European Commission.

The selected beneficiaries sign the grant contract with Contracting Authority – the Delegation of the European Commission in their country and the implementation of the project can start. The grant contract defines modalities of implementation, obligations and reporting system.

The continued flow of benefit, as well as the positive impacts, has to be even ensured after the project implementation. Therefore, the capacity to manage the project is essential.

Project Idea

The cycle starts with the identification of the project idea. It is imperative for the project to correspond to the contents of the programme and CfPs Guidelines under which it applies. The project also has to be directly linked to the policy of the cross-border programme under which it is developed.

Partner Search

A cross-border cooperation project requires partners from both sides of the border with a common interest. The project idea, well formulated that completely corresponds with the purpose of the current Call for Proposals, has to be further developed into project proposal according to the EU standards.

Project Preparation

The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) is required for the successful project preparation. It is a methodology for planning, managing and evaluating programmes and operations, involving stakeholder analysis, problem analysis, analysis of objectives, analysis of strategies, preparation of the logframe matrix and activity and resources schedules.

Budget and Financing

The budget should indicate specific financial needs for implementation of each activity planned in the project proposal on both sides of the border.

Sustainability and Added value

By definition, the project is sustainable if:

Capacity to Manage Project

The capacity to manage the project is achieved if there are sufficient human resources, time allocation, financial contribution, and other important relevant factors are ensured.