There are no topics that fit AER’s mission more than cohesion policy. During its Bureau meeting in Lower Austria, AER issued its statement on the future of cohesion policy post 2020. Led by the task force on Cohesion policy, this discussion will progress during the upcoming Fall Plenaries hosted by the Grand-Est Region in France. Participants will be able to get informed and take part in the future of AER’s project on Cohesion policy.

The call “Support for information measures relating to the EU Cohesion policy” by DG Regio

DG Regio is not well known for calls for proposals, but in this case they have come up with the right call at the right time. The objective of the call is clear: to produce and disseminate information and content linked to EU Cohesion policy.

Specific objectives of the call are the importance to promote the understanding of Cohesion policy and the engagement of citizens. From policy-makers to citizens, everyone can be a target group. The detail of the specific objectives gives a better picture of the aim of the call:

• To promote and foster a better understanding of the role of Cohesion policy in supporting all the EU’s regions;
• To increase awareness of projects funded through Cohesion policy in particular, and their positive impact on people’s lives;
• To disseminate information and encourage an open dialogue on Cohesion policy, its results, its role in delivering on the EU’s political priorities and on its future;
• To encourage civic participation in Cohesion policy and to foster citizens’ participation in setting future priorities.

The call highlights the need to link Cohesion policy with some of the major priorities of the EU agenda. The call refers to the EU mantra of  jobs, growth and investment, but also to efforts to cope with climate change, environment or innovation and globalisation. Social and territorial cohesion represent social pillars in this call as citizens are direct beneficiaries of European Projects and Cohesion policies.

Eligible organisations, countries and budget

Public authorities are among the eligible organisations. Each territorial level is covered: national, regional and local. The only exception is for managing authorities.

Other organisations can access the call for proposals: other public institutions, such as universities, educational institutions or research centres, or private, as media partners or news agencies. Non-profit organisations are eligible as well.

Only eligible organisations from EU member states can take part in a project.

Organisations can count on a grant of maximum €500,000. Of the total expenses of the project, 80% of the costs will be reimbursed by the grant.

Duration, timetable and deadline

The call aims at effective and short projects. The duration should be 12 months, starting in February 2018.

The evaluation period should end in December 2017.

Most important, the deadline to send your application is short notice: 16 October 2017. Apply today!

AER wants its member regions to play a key role

There is no time to lose. The AER Secretariat is already taking action to support member regions to act together to work on a successful application. In case you or your region want to know more about the call or to express your interest in taking part in it, contact Luca Magri ([email protected] – +32 2 400 10 53).