Funding

Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme

The EU will be contributing €171 million to the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013. The programme aims to boost the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry, improve the environment and countryside and improve the quality of life in rural areas.  

Website Link: www.dardni.gov.uk/index/ruraldevelopment/nirdp2007-2013.htm

 

European Fisheries Fund

The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) will provide support for the fisheries sector, including adaptation of the fleet, processing and marketing of fishery products and the development of sustainable fisheries. The EFF will run for seven years, with a total budget of around €3.8 billion.  

Website Link: www.dardni.gov.uk/index/grants-and-funding.htm

 

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme

The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) aims to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises. With small and medium-sized enterprises as its main target, the programme will support innovation activities, provide better access to finance and deliver business support services in the regions. It will encourage a better take-up and use of information and communications technologies and help to develop the information society. It will also promote the increased use of renewable energies and energy efficiency.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/cip/index_en.htm

 

Eco-Innovation

With 3.4 million jobs in eco-industries and a growing demand for environmental products and services, Europe has the potential to meet the environmental challenges of the future. The EU's Eco-innovation initiative was set up to tap this potential to the fullest by giving clever ideas and new environmentally-friendly solutions a chance to reach an EU-wide market.   Eco-innovation boosts economic growth whilst protecting the environment.

The cross-cutting initiative provides funding for projects in various sectors that mitigate environmental impacts or promote a more efficient use of resources. Priority areas include material recycling, buildings, the food and drink sector as well as greener business.

Ecology goes hand in hand with innovation. Projects must be environmentally beneficial, innovative and economically viable in the medium to long-term. Eco-innovation funding is only there to help ideas get off the ground - the project must be able to carry on without EU funding.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/environment/eco-innovation/index_en.htm

 

EU Gateway Programme

The EU Gateway Programme organises and funds Business Missions in high technology and design sectors for European companies to develop their business in Japan and Korea.

The Programme offers financial and logistical support, strategic preparation and a tailored search for business contacts. With support provided at every step of the way, EU companies are coached by a team of professionals in the business etiquette of these dynamic markets.

Since the beginning of this Programme, the European Commission has helped many companies reap the rewards of entry into the Japanese market. Since 1994 more than 2,500 companies from the EU Member States have participated in an EU Gateway Business Mission in order to:

• Expand market share in a cost-effective and efficient way
• Make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships
• Identify potential suppliers, subcontractors, representatives, importers and distributors
• Discover current and future trends in the Japanese and Korean markets
• Research and compare the characteristics of local and competitive products
• Get immediate feedback when introducing your products and technologies face-to-face
• Discuss challenges and trends with other industry professionals
• Raise the profile of their company with an official European Union mission

Website Link: www.eu-gateway.eu/go.php?nID=22&page=Home

 

Intelligent Energy Europe

The Intelligent Energy – Europe (IEE) programme is giving a boost to clean and sustainable solutions. It supports their use and dissemination and the Europe-wide exchange of related knowledge and know-how.

Targeted funding is provided for creative projects putting this idea into practice.

The projects help to further the three main objectives:

• Promoting energy efficiency and encouraging the rational use of energy sources;
• Increasing the use of new and renewable energy sources as well as encouraging energy diversification;
• Stimulating energy efficiency and renewables in the field of transport.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent/about/index_en.htm

 

Jeremie (Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises)

The JEREMIE initiative developed in co-operation with the European Commission, offers EU Member States, through their national or regional Managing Authorities, the opportunity to use part of their EU Structural Funds to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by means of equity, loans or guarantees, through a revolving Holding Fund acting as an umbrella fund. 

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funds/2007/jjj/jeremie_en.htm

 

Jessica (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas)

This is an initiative of the European Commission developed in co-operation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). It supports sustainable urban development, investment, growth and regeneration through financial mechanisms.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/thefunds/instruments/jessica_en.cfm#8

 

Jasmine (Joint Action to Support Micro-finance Institutions in Europe)

JASMINE helps small companies start up by encouraging the supply of micro-credits, and supports the development of non-bank micro-finance institutions.    Typically loans averaging around €7,700 have been made to people starting their own businesses.

Website Link: www.eif.org/what_we_do/microfinance/JASMINE/index.htm

 

Marco Polo II

Marco Polo is the EU’s funding programme for projects which shift freight transport from road to sea, rail and inland waterways.  Companies aiming to avoid or reduce road transport, or offering support services like management systems, cargo control and common IT platforms or special training programmes may also benefit. 

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/transport/marcopolo/about/index_en.htm

 

Northern Ireland Competitiveness and Employment Programme

The programme aims to promote investment in the development of a knowledge-based, innovative and business-friendly region with a highly skilled workforce supporting a high quality of life. The total budget is €614 million, with €307 million of investment from the EU. It includes setting up six new centres of excellence in research and development and contributing to starting up 250 new businesses. The Managing Authority is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Website Link: www.detini.gov.uk.

 

Seventh Framework Research Programme

The Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development is the EU's main instrument for funding research in Europe and is designed to respond to Europe's employment needs, competitiveness and quality of life.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/research/fp7/index_en.cfm

 

 

Co-operation with Others

External Co-operation Programmes

The EU provides opportunities to co-operate with partner countries and regions to help developing countries.  This includes

• Engaging in Bi-lateral Relations with opportunities to engage in projects between the EU, USA, Canada, Latin America and Asia;
• Assisting in the development and restructuring of pre-accession and post-accession countries;
• Responding to political crisis, natural disasters as well as support for peace initiatives.

Website Link: www.eeas.europa.eu

 

INTERREG IVB North West Europe and IVB Northern Periphery Programmes

INTERREG IVB aim to promote a higher degree of territorial integration, with a view to achieving sustainable and balanced development across the EU. Key areas of focus include innovation, environment, accessibility and sustainable urban environment. 

Website Link: www.seupb.org

 

INTERREG IVC

This stream focuses on the identification, analysis and dissemination of good practices by public authorities in order to improve the effectiveness of regional and local policies.  A project builds on the exchange of experiences among partners.

Website Link: www.seupb.org

 

URBACT II

This is a European exchange and learning programme which promotes sustainable urban development. It enables cities to work together to develop solutions to major urban challenges, reaffirming the key role they play in facing increasingly complex societal changes.

The Programme help cites to develop pragmatic solutions that are new and sustainable, and that integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions. It provides opportunities to share best practice and lessons learned with all professionals involved in urban policy throughout Europe.
To date URBACT has involved 300 cities, 29 countries and 5,000 active participants.

Website Link: www.urbact.eu

 

Communities

PEACE III Programme

The PEACE III Programme has a total budget of €333 million, with €225 million of

investment from the EU. The goal is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable

society and to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the border region, by supporting projects that bring communities together. The Managing Authority for PEACE III is the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Website Link: www.seupb.org

 

Cross-Border Focus

INTERREG IVA Cross-Border Programme

Northern Ireland, the border counties of Ireland and parts of western Scotland will benefit from a seven-year cross-border INTERREG programme, with a total budget of €256 million, including €192 million of investment from the EU. The programme will focus on developing a dynamic economy, supporting infrastructure and promoting innovative ways of addressing specific cross-border problems. The Managing Authority for INTERREG IVA is the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Website Link: www.seupb.org

Culture Programme

The Culture Programme aims to encourage the development of cultural cooperation and intercultural dialogue across Europe.  Projects involve at least three European  rganisations operating in the arts, museums and heritage sectors.  Grants are offered for collaborative projects, festivals, literary translation, etc.  Future countries may include South Africa, Australia and Canada. 

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/culture/index_en.htm

 

Education, Cultural Visits and Exchanges

Comenius

Comenius is part of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme.  It aims to help schools and colleges to develop knowledge and understanding among young people and staff of the diversity of European culture as well as language.  Working with schools across Europe can bring learning alive for pupils and staff alike. Funding is available to support partnerships, in-service training and teaching assistantships.

Website Link: www.britishcouncil.org/comenius.htm

 

e-Twinning

This is the online community for schools and colleges across Europe to connect and collaborate using ICT.  This also provides partner-finding and collaboration tools, motivate your students, improve key skills and cultural awareness and bring ICT into all curriculum areas. 

Website Link: www.britishcouncil.org/etwinning.htm

 

Erasmus (Higher Education)

Erasmus enables higher education students (University or College) in 31 European countries to study for part of their degree in another country.  Lecturers and business support staff can benefit from Erasmus through teaching abroad, sharing best practice and building European networks for their organisations.

Website Link: www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus.htm

 

Grundtvig In-service Training Course

Grundtvig is part of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme.  This will give those involved in educating and training adults working in the non-vocational adult education sector an opportunity to develop their practical teaching, supporting skills and share best practice. 

Website Link: www.grundtvig.org.uk

 

Jean Monnet Programme

This programme is part of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme.  It stimulates teaching, research and reflection on European integration in higher education institutions worldwide. It includes the creation of Jean Monnet Chairs, Centres of Excellence, Modules, information and research activities as well as support for academic associations of lecturers, professors and researchers in European integration.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc88_en.htm

 

Leonardo

Leonardo is part of the EU’s Lifelong Learning Programme.  It supports UK vocational education and training organisations, staff and learners to work together with European partners to improve training, skills and employability.

Website Link: www.leonardo.org.uk

 

Leonardo and Grundtvig Partnerships

Partnership projects are about co-operation and exchanging information at a European level.  Partnerships funding is to enable you to work with partners from across Europe to share practice, discuss problems and compare solutions on a particular topic.

Website Link: www.leonardo.org.uk and www.grundtvig.org.uk

 

Staff needed to support an Adult Education Organisation

Grundtvig Assistantship

This fund assists in supporting a person coming from one of the EU countries (outside UK) to your organisation for 3 – 10 months.    Alternatively, a member of your community organisation may wish to assist in an EU country.

Website Link: www.grundtvig.org.uk

 

Environment

LIFE + (Environment)

With a budget of over €2.1 billion, LIFE + will provide support for the implementation of EU environmental policy and legislation in respect of nature, biodiversity and other environmental issues.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm.

 

Health

EU Health Programme

The Health Programme 2008-2013 is intended to complement, support and add value to the policies of the Member States and contribute to increased solidarity and prosperity in the European Union by protecting and promoting human health and safety and by improving public health. The overall budget is €321 million.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/health/ph_programme/pgm2008_2013_en.htm

 

Social Affairs and Social Services

PROGRESS Programme

The PROGRESS programme for employment and social solidarity will focus on employment, social protection and social inclusion, working conditions, anti-discrimination, diversity and gender equality.

Website Link: www.ec.europa.eu/employment_social/progress/index_en.html.

 

Town-Twinning and EU Citizenship

Europe for Citizens

The Europe for Citizens programme is part of the EU’s Active Citizens for Europe programme and supports a wide range of activities and organisations around developing European citizenship.  This includes town-twinning promoting active European citizenship, including town-twinning.

Website Link: www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/citizenship/index_en.htm.

 

Youth

Youth in Action

Youth in Action (YiA) is the Programme that the European Union has set up for young people.  It aims to promote active citizenship, solidarity and tolerance among young people and mobility within and beyond the EU's borders, non-formal learning and intercultural dialogue.  It encourages the inclusion of all young people, regardless of their educational, social and cultural backgrounds. 

Website Link: www.ycni.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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