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The 2023 DG Regio Call on Communicating Cohesion Policy is out!

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EU Cohesion Policy is THE European Union’s tool to address economic and social inequalities between European regions and cities. It supports projects and initiatives that have a direct impact on people’s daily lives and foster their wellbeing. AER can help you to be part of it.

EU Cohesion Policy is in the DNA of AER. Through DG REGIO funding opportunities, we have been working on projects that communicated and raised awareness of Cohesion Policy, such as Together for Cohesion or YOUTHopia, our new project.

Have you read the news?

If you are also working on this topic and looking for funding opportunities, we invite you to check out the latest call from DG REGIO. Also, if you need help building a project consortium or drafting activities, the AER secretariat would be delighted to support you. Interested? Find below an overview of the call:

On your mark …

DG REGIO launched its annual call for proposals to support information measures relating to the EU Cohesion Policy. The main aim of the call is to provide support for the production and dissemination of information and content linked to EU Cohesion policy. All kinds of activities can be funded via this call:

  • production and distribution of print, multimedia or audiovisual material;
  • web and social media outreach activities;
  • media events;
  • conferences, seminars, workshops.

The expected results and outputs are the following:

  • to increase media coverage on Cohesion policy, in particular at regional level;
  • to enhance people’s awareness of the results of Cohesion policy and their
    impact on their lives;
  • to achieve concrete outputs and deliverables aimed at wide outreach within
    the measure’s duration – e.g. TV and radio broadcast, online or print coverage,
    other type of information measures and dissemination – taking multilingualism
    into account.

… Get set …

Legal entities established in an EU Member State are eligible. The project should normally be 12 months and with a maximum budget of around 300 000 €.

… Go!

Proposals must be submitted before 10 January 2023, 17:00 CET (Brussels), electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

The AER is with you!

The AER is very happy to support its member regions in knowing more about this call, building a project consortium or implementing some activities. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Agnese Pantaloni, AER European Projects Coordinator.

Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash

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Connecting Europe Facility – Digital Programme: new calls & info day

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The Commission has launched the first calls for proposals under the digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility programme after recently adopting the first Work Programme, which defines the scope and objectives of the EU-supported actions needed to improve Europe’s digital connectivity infrastructures for 3 years. With the launch of the new calls, an Info Day will be held on 19 January!

Connecting Europe Facility – Digital

The digital part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) will contribute to the development of projects of common interest relating to the deployment of safe, secure and sustainable high-performance infrastructure, including Gigabit and 5G networks. CEF Digital will also contribute to the increased capacity and resilience of digital backbone infrastructures in all EU territories (in particular the outermost regions), as well to the digitalisation of transport and energy networks.

What are the calls about?

With a planned budget of €258 million, the EU Commission will co-fund actions aiming to equip Europe’s main transport routes and providers of key services in local communities with 5G connectivity, as well as actions to deploy or upgrade backbone networks based on advanced technologies.

Wanting to boost initiatives on digitalisation, CEF Digital recently published new calls for proposals following the adoption of the first Work Programme for the CEF Digital in December 2021. Next to the above-mentioned aims, other particularly relevant actions related to these calls are: 

  • Infrastructure connecting federated cloud services
  • Backbone infrastructures for digital global gateways, such as submarine cables
  • Preparatory actions to set up operational digital platforms for transport and energy infrastructures across the EU.

CEF Digital calls are open to entities, including joint ventures, established in the Member States and overseas countries or territories.

Info Day

Interested applicants for the first CEF Digital calls can learn more about the application, the evaluation and the award processes at the announced online info day.

This info session will be held on 19 January 2022 from 09:30 to 13:30 CET. The event is meant to prepare applicants to draft the best possible proposals.

This link can be used to access the event’s page and the Info Day itself.

The AER Project Unit is willing to support potential applicants and co-applicants interested in one of the new calls, therefore don’t hesitate to contact the AER project Unit.

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Social Inclusion in TVET and Skills Development

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Education and training play a crucial role in fostering social inclusion providing concrete opportunities for skills development that lead to individuals’ self-affirmation and the creation of diversified learning environments. Yet, rapid and increasing societal changes – as demographic trends, globalisation, and climate change – are bringing about an in-depth transformation of the economy and the labour market that often results in further constraints to inclusion and the societal wellbeing. This becomes even more relevant in the context of the pandemic, which has called for an increasing adoption of digital solutions.  

In the context of the Skillnet project co-founded by the Erasmus+ Programme, the Assembly of European Regions organised a webinar to address this key issue. The event was held on June 23rd and gathered regional authorities, European policymakers, and international experts of the TVET sector to learn about the framework established by the European Union to promote inclusion in technical and vocational education, as well as to exchange good practices of innovative TVET programmes and projects addressing social inclusion.

The European Framework for Social Inclusion in Education, Training, and Life-long Learning

As presented by Joao Santos, Senior Expert at the European Commission, inclusive skills development provides a concrete opportunity to foster individuals’ capacity to fully participate in the society.  Accordingly, the need to promote inclusive skills development and an inclusive VET framework has been reflected in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan endorsed at the Social Summit in Porto on 7-8 May 2021, as well as the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience of November 2020.     

At the same time, the European Union provides funding opportunities to support the development of inclusive TVET programmes. Specifically, fostering inclusion and diversity remains a key transversal priority of the new Erasmus+ Programme. Additionally, with the inclusion of the ‘small-scale’ projects, the new programme seeks to reach people and organisations that could not benefit from this funding before through a novel framework for simplified projects with reduced financial and administrative requirements. Lastly, increasing importance is given to local and transnational multi-stakeholders partnerships for developing inclusive excellence in learning. The Centres of Vocational Excellence initiative is aimed at supporting the development of multi-stakeholders partnerships at a global level involving policy-makers, employment agencies, regional development authorities, VET institutions, universities, research centres, companies, NGOs and CSOs for the development of joint actions and programmes that are interlinked with the local strategic development objectives and the social context. Hence, the initiative supports the integration of VET in the local territorial strategy by learning and connecting with networks across the world.

To know more about the EU framework to support social inclusion in TVET and learn about the good practices shared during the event, access the speakers’ presentations and/or the full recording of the webinar!

Available EU Funding Opportunities and Initiatives

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Autumn Digest 2021: Funding Opportunities for EU and Non-EU Member Regions

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Are you in pursuit of some new EU project funding opportunities? Here are some openings worth looking into!

In line with the new Multiannual Financial Framework programme 2021-2027 which aims for more inclusivity and to support green and digital transitions, the AER Project Unit has mapped EU funding opportunities and calls for project proposals that are linked to green issues, digitalisation, and democracy & citizens participation.

Green Transition

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. Among the 6 priorities the European Commission proposed for the years 2019-2024 Climate Action is at their top concern. According to the Commission, “EU policy protects the environment and seeks to minimise risks to climate, human health and biodiversity. The European Green Deal aims to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent, in part by developing cleaner sources of energy and green technologies.”

Recovery of coastal and maritime tourism in the Western Mediterranean
Programme: European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
Deadline: 12 January 2022
Eligibility: EU and eligible non-EU member states
In line with the priorities of the European Commission, this call topic aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the coastal and maritime tourism ecosystem in the Western Mediterranean, as part of a smart and resilient blue economy. Moreover, it aims at preserving the marine and coastal environment and marine cultural heritage and contributing to the attractiveness of coastal areas as a unique asset for competitiveness in the Mediterranean. The action particularly looks at supporting tourism stakeholders to tap into the growing ecotourism niche tourism market and boosting innovation and digitalisation in the tourism sector, thus increasing its contribution to economic growth and jobs in the Mediterranean.

Local Green Deals
Programme: Single Market Programme (SMP)
Deadline: 24 November 2021
Eligibility: EU and eligible non-EU member states
The new The Single Market Programme (SMP) was adopted on 28 April 2021 and provides an integrated package to support and strengthen the governance and functioning of the Single Market. 

The call within this programme contributes to the European Green Deal objectives of climate-neutrality, sustainability, prosperity and inclusiveness and in parallel to develop more sustainable regional or local strategies and resilient business models. The general objective of this topic is to provide support to SMEs, regional and local economic operators to lead the twin green and digital transition and implement actions aiming to direct the local economy towards a sustainable and inclusive pathway, create new jobs, mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and accelerate a new, green and fairer recovery. To achieve this, this call will support projects that boost transnational and cross border cooperation among local administrations and local businesses to co-create, co-design and deliver Local Green Deals.

Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction for extreme climate events: from early warning systems to long term adaptation and resilience building
Programme: Horizon Europe
Deadline: 23 November 2021
Eligibility: EU Member States and eligible non-EU countries
The focus of this call is to improve dialogue and cooperation among scientific and technical communities, stakeholders, policy-makers and local communities in the field of extreme climate events and associated events (e.g. forest fires, droughts, floods, heatwaves and storms) and disaster risk reduction. It aims to enhance community engagement for prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and learning to extreme climate events by strengthening knowledge and involvement of volunteers linked to recognised organisations into the planning, design, and implementation of prevention, including building with nature, preparedness, and emergency response activities.

Sustainability and educational aspects for renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies
Programme: Horizon Europe
Deadline: 5 January 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States and eligible non-EU countries
This funding calls for a framework to be established where sustainability and educational aspects for renewable energy and fuel technologies are addressed in the context of the current climate crisis. In this context, and taking into consideration circularity and sustainability, projects should aim to enhance and promote sustainability by addressing social and environmental aspects (air pollution, waste management, job opportunities, wildlife concerns, etc.) of renewable energy and renewable fuel technologies at a global level, thus ensuring the European Green Deal priorities are met.

Technical support to clean energy transition plans and strategies in municipalities and regions
Programme: Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)
Deadline: 12 January 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States and eligible non-EU countries (associated with LIFE programme)
The call aims to provide local and regional authorities with the necessary capacity to deliver sustainable plans and strategies for the energy transition. To successfully support the achievement of energy and climate targets, transition strategies and plans need to be institutionalised, cross-sectoral and tailored to the level of innovation, ambition and specific geographic context of the involved authorities. Local and regional authorities are a decisive lever for the EU to achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2050. Policy-makers and administrations at all sub-national levels need to commit to and effectively plan the clean energy transition of their respective territory, energy systems and infrastructures at an unprecedented level of ambition and pace with a long-term time horizon.

Community-driven clean energy transition in coal, peat and oil-shale regions
Programme: Programme for Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)
Deadline: 12 January 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States and eligible non-EU countries (associated with LIFE programme)
This call aims to empower coal, peat and oil-shale regions to advance the clean energy transition in their territories by developing and implementing the sustainable energy-related elements of their territorial just transition plans and effectively combining the support provided by the Just Transition Mechanism and/or and other sources of available funding.

Digital Transition

Over the last years, digital technology has played an increasingly important role in the lives of many around the world. This is why the Commission adopted the EU’s digital strategy as one of its top priorities in the upcoming years. The strategy aims to make this transformation work for people and businesses, while helping to achieve its target of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.

The Commission is determined to make this Europe’s “Digital Decade”. Europe must now strengthen its digital sovereignty and set standards, rather than following those of others – with a clear focus on data, technology, and infrastructure. Under this priority falls Digital Europe (DIGITAL), a new funding programme adopted by the European Commission and will be focused on bringing digital technology to businesses, citizens and public administrations.

Reinforcing digitalisation related know how of local energy ecosystems
Programme: Horizon Europe
Deadline: 5 January 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States and non-EU countries
This call aims to increase the autonomy of local ecosystems to participate in the decentralisation of energy systems and energy transition and the number of participants in flexibility markets. It also wants to cover the gap on knowledge around digitalisation of energy services and contribute to the reskilling & upskilling of individuals and organizations. Furthermore, it will facilitate the creation of a network of parties interested in joining forces for public procurement of energy related digital services.

Democracy & Citizens Participation

The European elections of 2019 have shown a record-high turnout and with that demonstrate a new vibrancy of European democracy. Yet, the Commission feels that Europeans need a stronger role in the decision-making process and a more active role in setting their priorities. In that light, in order to protect our democracy from external interference, a joint approach is considered necessary to tackle issues such as disinformation and online hate messages. This makes for democracy and citizens participation to go hand in hand regarding the approach of the Commision for the coming years.

Social Economy Missions for community resilience
Programme: Single Market Programme (SMP)
Deadline: 24 November 2021
Eligibility: EU Member States and eligible non-EU countries
The objective of this call within the new SMP programme is to co-fund projects, which will build resilience and increase the capacity of regional or local public administrations, social economy SMEs and civil society to overcome difficulties and crises. The call will support building local resilience through transnational and inter-regional peer-learning and collaboration in the field of social economy, also, developing social economy local action plans with the cooperation of social economy stakeholders and formulating recommendations to be potentially replicable in other parts of Europe.

Smart solutions for smart rural communities: empowering rural communities and smart villages to innovate for societal change
Programme: Horizon Europe
First deadline: 15 February 2022 
Second deadline: 6 September 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States and non-EU countries
The successful proposal will contribute to fostering a sustainable, balanced and inclusive development of rural areas, supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal, in particular its fair and just transition component, the European digital strategy, the European pillar of social rights and the EU long-term vision for rural areas. It will do so by supporting digital, social and community-led innovations and by equipping rural communities with innovative and smarter solutions that increase access to services, opportunities and adequate innovation ecosystems, including for women, youth and the most vulnerable groups, improve attractiveness and reduce the feeling of being left behind, even in the most remote locations.

Support for information measures relating to the EU Cohesion policy
Programme: DG Regio
Deadline: 11 January 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States
The main aim is to provide support for the production and dissemination of information and content linked to EU Cohesion policy, including inter alia the Just Transition Fund and the recovery plan for Europe, while respecting the complete editorial independence of the actors involved. The specific objectives of this call are to promote and foster a better understanding of the role of Cohesion policy in supporting all EU’s regions and to increase awareness of projects funded by the EU – through Cohesion policy in particular – and of their impact on people’s lives. Moreover, it aims to encourage civic participation in matters related to Cohesion policy and to foster citizens’ participation in setting priorities for the future of this policy.

Assessing the socio-politics of nature-based solutions for more inclusive and resilient communities
Programme: Horizon Europe
Deadline: 15 February 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States and non-EU countries
The objective of this call is to contribute to the EU’s goal of leading just digital, economic and ecological transitions that will leave no one behind, supporting, in particular, European Green Deal priorities such as the biodiversity strategy for 2030. R&I will contribute to developing rural, coastal and urban areas in a sustainable, balanced and inclusive manner thanks to the deployment of nature-based solutions and to a better understanding of the environmental, socio-economic, behavioural and cultural drivers of change. R&I will also further support the empowerment of communities to deploy nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change and turn digital and ecological transitions into increased resilience, well-being and positive long-term prospects, such as jobs for all (including for women, young people and vulnerable groups).

Strengthening European coordination and exchange for innovation uptake towards sustainability, quality, circularity and social inclusion in the built environment as a contribution to the new European Bauhaus (Built4People)
Programme: Horizon Europe
Deadline: 25 January 2022
Eligibility: EU Member States and non-EU countries
In line with the New European Bauhaus, this proposal aims to better acknowledgement and integration of quality architecture and design principles, blending design and sustainability in innovative solutions to improve the sustainability of the built environment, including, if appropriate, cultural heritage, also ensuring compliance with the principles of circular economy, with due consideration of relevant aspects such as style, human-centric inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

For more information on EU funding programmes and calls for proposals, please take a look at the funding and tender portal of the European Commission. Additionally, you can find further information by consulting our series of webinars “Unboxing the Multiannual Financial Framework” available on the AER website.

If you require any further information or assistance in finding partners or putting together a project proposal, please do not hesitate to contact the AER Project Unit.

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A New Horizon for Europe: Navigating into the European Horizon for Research and Innovation

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The launch of the new Horizon Europe funding programme worth 95.5 billion EUR and its first round of calls have being sparking enthusiasm and interest among the multiple actors that were long awaiting for initiating and testing their innovative actions for the green and digital transition, as well as an inclusive economy. Yet, while the scope of the funding programme meets widespread societal demands, it may not be that easy to navigate within one of the world’s largest research and innovation programmes. What do you need to know? The article provides an overview of the main opportunities under this programme as well as the links to the recordings from the informative sessions held by the European Commission.

The new HORIZON EUROPE: Priorities and structure

As part of the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the European Union has established the Horizon Europe programme as successor of the well-known Horizon 2020. As its predecessor, #HorizonEU deploys a large-envelop of financial incentives to support research and innovation that will contribute to achieving the EU priorities across and beyond Europe.  

As defined in the First Strategic Plan 2021-24, in the first four years, the programme will focus its investments towards actions aimed at:

  • Promoting an open strategic autonomy by leading the development of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, sectors and value chains
  • Restoring Europe’s ecosystems and biodiversity, and managing sustainably natural resources
  • Making Europe the first digitally enabled circular, climate-neutral and sustainable economy
  • Creating a more resilient, inclusive and democratic European society  

PILLAR II: Clusters, ‘EU missions’, and calls

It is especially under the second pillar ‘Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness’ that the European Commission is providing the ground and support to different kind of stakeholders (universities, research institutions, public authorities, associations, NGOs, SMEs and large companies) for research addressing key societal, economic, and environmental challenges, and to reinforce and innovative the technological and industrial capacities in line with the EU policies and the Sustainable Development Goals.

A key novelty introduced with the Horizon Europe programme are the EU-Missions. Missions are commitments to address the most serious challenges that our world is facing and contribute to the goals of the European Green Deal, the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and the Sustainable goals through a wide portfolio of actions – research projects, policy measures, or even legislative proposals.

Cluster 1 – Health

Actions supported under this cluster will be aimed at:

  • Improving and protecting the health and well-being of citizens through new knowledge, innovative solutions and the integration of a gender perspective to the preventions, monitoring, and curing of diseases
  • developing health technologies, mitigating health risks, protecting populations and promoting good health and well-being
  • making public health systems more cost-effective, equitable and sustainable

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Health Cluster is 21st September 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 6th October and will close on 21st April 2022 (1st February for 2-stages submissions).

EU-Mission: Preparing UNCAN.eu, a European initiative to understand cancer (deadline 20th October 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 1 Working Programme.

Cluster 2 – Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society

Actions within this cluster will contribute to strengthening the EU democratic values, safeguarding our cultural heritage, and foster inclusion and growth through socio-economic transformations.

The Cluster is divided in 3 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

  • 5 Calls under Destination 01 – Innovative research on democracy and governance (link to the recording of the info session on Destination 01)
    • Activities launched within this destination will contribute to reinvigorating and modernising democratic governance through the development of evidence-based innovations, policies, policy recommendations, and institutional frameworks that expand political participation, social dialogue, civic engagement, gender equality and inclusiveness. Additionally, they will support enhancing transparency, effectiveness, accountability and legitimacy of public policy-making.
  • 6 Calls under Destination 02 – Innovative research on the European cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries ((link to the recording of the info session on Destination 02)
    • Activities launched under this destination will aim at protecting and promoting historical sites and monuments, artefacts, heritage sites, landscapes, museums and other cultural institutions, languages, customs, traditions, and values through new or existing conservation and restoration technologies and methods employing green and digital paths. Innovative management actions and models for cultural institutions will seek to expend the industry triggering inclusive growth, jobs, social cohesion and diversity,
  • 7 Calls under Destination 03 – Innovative research on social and economic transformations ((link to the recording of the info session on Destination 03)
    • Actions launched under this destination will contribute to foster social and economic resilience and sustainability through an improved knowledge of the social, ethical, political and economic impacts of drivers of change – as digitalisation, demographic trends, globalisation, and migration. The implementation of research activities in the field will strengthen inclusive growth ensuring that no one is left behind especially in light of old and new societal and economic challenges.

The deadline for all the open calls under the Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society Cluster is 07th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 20th January 2022 and will close on 20th April 2022.

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 2 Working Programme.

Cluster 4 – Digital, Industry and Space

Activities under this cluster will support digital, space, and key enabling technologies that are strategically important for Europe’s industrial future and especially for achieving a global industrial leadership in clean and climate-neutral industries, as well as autonomy in digital technologies and a secure data-agile economy.

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Digital, Industry and Space Cluster is 21st October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 23rd November 2022 and will close on 05th April 2022.

EU-Mission: Better prepared regional and local authorities to adapt to climate change (deadline 14th September 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 4 Working Programme.

Cluster 5 – Climate, Energy and Mobility

Actions under this cluster will contribute to the fight against climate change by increasing the understanding of its causes, evolution, risks, impacts and opportunities, as well as by facilitating the development and implementation of more climate and environment-friendly solutions to the transport and energy sectors.

The Cluster is divided in 6 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Climate, Energy and Mobility Cluster is 19th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 14th October 2021 and will close on 12th January 2022.

EU-Missions (deadline 14th September 2021):

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 5 Working Programme.

Cluster 6 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Actions financed through this cluster will support the reduction of environmental degradation, reversing the decline of biodiversity and better managing natural resources through transformative changes of the economy and society. They will contribute to the objectives of the EU Green Deal in relation to the Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the Farm to Fork strategy, the European Climate Pact, initiatives under sustainable industry and eliminating pollution, the long-term vision for rural areas, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Cluster is divided in 7 destinations under which the first calls are already open for submission:

The deadline for all the open calls under the Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Cluster is 6th October 2021. Forthcoming calls under the same destinations will open on 28th October 2021 and will close on 15th February 2022.

EU-Mission: Preparing the ground for healthy soils: building capacities for engagement outreach and knowledge(deadline 14th September 2021)

Detailed information concerning the Cluster and its calls can be found in the Cluster 6 Working Programme.

Are you seeking to develop or join a proposal under the calls above?

All the above topics are key priorities for the AER and its members, hence we are looking forward to support members and their stakeholders in the development of a proposal, as well as in the establishment or search of a consortium. To know more about how we can support you, have a look at this article on the services of the project unit and get in touch with our European Projects Manager! Additionally, the AER is glad to assess the possibility to join consortium working on the calls in light of the strong relevance of the topics for the AER.

SAVE THE DATE! the AER will offer the possibility to further explore the novelties and opportunities introduced by the Horizon Europe programme during the next MFF info session that will be held on September 24th! The session will look at several funding programmes: Horizon Europe, Erasmus+ and Creative Europe, Digital Europe, and Life.

Picture from Unsplash by Christian Lue

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First calls under the Creative Europe 2021-27 have been launched!

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The new Creative Europe Programme for 2021-27 was launched with the adoption of its first Annual Work Programme and the opening of the first calls under the ‘Culture’ strand! The programme will finance actions in the cultural and creative sectors with a total budget of EUR 2.4 billion for the next 7 years (63% higher than the previous programme).

About the new Creative Europe Programme

Creative Europe is the programme through which the European Commission provides support to the culture and audiovisual sectors across and beyond Europe. The programme will promote the competitiveness of these sectors, while supporting them in becoming greener, more digital, and more inclusive. Moreover, special attention will be addressed to reinforce the resilience and recovery of the cultural and creative sectors following the impact of the COVID-19.

The main objectives of the programme are:

  • Safeguard, develop and promote European cultural and linguistic diversity and heritage
  • increase the competitiveness and economic potential of the culture and creative sectors, in particular the audiovisual sector.

The new 2021-27 programme replicates the three strands’ structure of the previous programme:

  • Culture: Covering actions in the cultural and creative sectors (except the audiovisual sector)
  • Media: Covering activities in the audiovisual sector
  • Cross-sectoral: Covering actions across all cultural and creative sectors.

First Calls launched under the ‘Culture’ Strand

The first calls under the Creative Europe programme 2021-27 culture strand have been published on the Funding and Tender Portal of the European Commission.

Call for European Cooperation Projects (small, medium, large – depending on the size of the consortium)
  • Focus: European artistic cooperation and innovation on topics as audience engagement, social cohesion, digitisation, contribution to the European Green Deal and sector-specific challenges in the book, music, architecture and cultural heritage sectors.
  • Objectives of the supported actions: 1) Transnational creation and circulation of European works and artists; 2) Innovation – enhance the capacity of European cultural and creative sectors to nature talents, to innovate, to prosper, and generate jobs and growth.
  • Eligible applicants: Legal entities (public and private bodies) established in the EU Member States and Non-EU countries – EEA countries and countries associated to the Creative Europe Programme (or in the process of finalising the agreement).
  • Budget: Max EUR 200 000 per small scale project (lump sum grant, funding rate of max 80%); max EUR 1 000 000 per medium scale project (lump sum grant, funding rate of max 70%); max 2 000 000 per large scale project (lump sum grant, funding rate of max 60%)
  • Deadline: 7 September 2021
  • More information: Call for proposals CREA-CULT-2021-COOP
Call for European Networks of Cultural and Creative Organisations
  • Focus: Capacity-building projects implemented by representative, multi-country, membership-based networks of European cultural organisations.
  • Objectives of the supported actions: 1) Promote fair, inclusive, and diverse frameworks supporting artists and cultural and creative professionals (tackling the gender gap and related divides, and fighting discrimination); 2) contribute to the European Green Deal, particularly encouraging these sectors to adopt more environmentally sustainable practices.
  • Eligible applicants: Legal entities (public and private bodies) established in the EU Member States and Non-EU countries – EEA countries and countries associated to the Creative Europe Programme (or in the process of finalising the agreement).
  • Budget: Max EUR 825 000 per project (lump sum grant, funding rate of 80%)
  • Deadline: 26 August 2021
  • More information: Call for proposals CREA-CULT-2021-NET
Call for Pan-European Cultural Entities
  • Focus: Support cultural entities – in this call, orchestras – who aim to offer training, professionalisation and performance opportunities for young highly-talented artists.
  • Objectives of the supported actions: Supporting the capacity building and professionalisation of young highly-talented musicians, providing them with standards career’s development paths through recruitment, training and performance opportunities; address the cross-cutting issues covered by the Creative Europe programme.
  • Eligible applicants: Legal entities (public and private bodies) established in the EU Member States and Non-EU countries – EEA countries and countries associated to the Creative Europe Programme (or in the process of finalising the agreement).
  • Budget: Max EUR 1 800 000 per project (lump sum grant, funding rate of 40%)
  • Deadline: 26 August 2021
  • More information: Call for proposals CREA-CULT-2021-PECE

The AER Project Unit is willing to support potential applicants and co-applicants interested in one of the calls above. If you would like our support, contact the European Projects Manager Birgit Sandu!

Picture by Timon Klauser, Unsplash

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EU4Health 2021-2027 is Adopted: Resilience, Innovation and Accessibility

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On March 26, the European Commission announced the entry into force of the new EU4Health Programme to support the resilience and innovation of health systems across Europe throughout the period 2021-2027. With a budget of EUR 5.1 billion for investments in the health sector, the EU4Health 2021-2027 programme is financially the largest health programme ever launched!

The adoption of the new EU4Health programme comes at a time when health systems and industries across the world have faced unparalleled threats, and it embodies the EU’s long-term response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As stated by the European Commission Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides: “The entry into force of our EU4Health Programme will give us the tools at hand to make long-standing changes in public health. This unprecedented budget of €5.1 billion will enable us to make targeted investments to enhance our crisis preparedness and build stronger, more resilient and more accessible health systems. This is what our citizens rightfully expect from a European Health Union” (European Commission – Press Release, Brussels, 26/03/2021).

Key actions under the new EU4Health programme

EU4Health 2021-2027 will provide investments for ambitious actions that will contribute to the development of resilient, unified, innovative and accessible healthcare across Europe.

  1. Boost EU’s preparedness for major cross-border health threats, by creating
    • reserves of medical supplies for crises
    • a reserve of healthcare staff and experts that can be mobilised to respond to the crises across the EU
    • Increased surveillance of health threats
  2. Strengthen health systems so that they can face epidemics as well as long-term challenges by stimulating
    • disease prevention and health promotion in an ageing population
    • digital transformation of health systems
    • access to health care for vulnerable groups
  3. Make medicines and medical devices available and affordable, advocate the prudent and efficient use of antimicrobials as well as promote medical and pharmaceutical innovation and greener manufacturing

(EU4Health 2021-2027 – A vision for a healthier European Union)

To implement the new health programme, the EU established a dedicated new executive agency, the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) operating since April 1.

Future Calls

Calls for projects under the new EU4Health Programme have not been published yet. Updates will be made available by the European Commission in the dedicate webpage. The AER will inform its members and other stakeholders whenever a call for project is launched and will provide support for partner searches. Additionally, the AER is willing to continue its work and contribute with its expertise in the health sector by joining a consortium as partner with particular regard to digital health, management and capacity-building in the healthcare sector.

Additional Funding

Additional funding for health policies will be provided through other programmes making the total funding amount up to 9.4 billion. Funding programmes are:

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the AER project Unit!

Contact: Birgit Sandu ([email protected])

Photo from Unsplash @nci

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The best guide to the EU’s Funding & Tenders opportunities portal

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The European Commission is offering a detailed explanation on how to access information on funding and use the Funding & tenders Portal on 27 May 2021 10:00-12:30 CEST (Brussels time), via its “Webinar session: The Funding & tenders Portal for beginners“

As from 2021, all Commission Services shall be using the Funding & Tenders opportunities portal. It will replace individual systems that were used by the DGs (i.e. SWIM for DG EMPL).

In order to facilitate the transition, the European Commission is organising a webinar for (potential) new users of the Portal. It will explain and demonstrate:

  • the search for funding opportunities and partners
  • registration of your organisation
  • submission of proposals
  • managing your profile
  • exploring funded projects and statistics
  • and many more features.

The participation does not require pre-registration; access will be via YouTube web stream. All details and the agenda are available on the European Commission’s website. 

We strongly encourage AER members and any organisations aiming to apply in the future to EU calls for proposals or tenders, to follow this webinar.

Draft agenda

Draft agenda:

  1. Introduction
  2. What does this portal offer?
    2.1. Basic navigation
    2.2. I look for EU funding – is there anything in for me?
    2.3. I want to register my organisation
    2.4. I want to submit a proposal for a grant or procurement contract
    2.5. I want to see the EU projects funded (in my area of interest, my country or region…)
    2.6. I want to exploit the results of EU funded projects
    2.7. I want to become an expert evaluator/monitor
    2.8. Should I create my personal profile on this portal?
    2.9. How can I acquire access rights to proposals, projects, organisation data…?
    2.10. How do I manage notifications and tasks?
    2.11. How can I manage my user account?
    2.12. I need help
  3. Q&As

Photo by Octavian Dan on Unsplash

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Are you developing a project in the tourism sector? Umbria is keen to join!

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Are you currently developing a project proposal within the Cosme programme or are you planning to do so? Sviluppumbria, the Development Agency of Umbria (Italy), AER member region, is eager to join as a partner an established consortium and to input with their expertise.

About the call

This COSME action aims to promote entrepreneurship and improve the business environment for SMEs to allow them to realise their full potential in today’s global economy.

In particular, the call for proposals Innovation uptake and digitalisation in the tourism sector (COS-TOURINN-2020-3-04) focuses on supporting the digital transformation of tourism entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs and start-ups, and enhance innovation along the tourism value chain, through the integration of tourism businesses and stakeholders in transnational and inter-regional innovation ecosystems as well as territorial partnerships and cooperation.

About SVILUPPUMBRIA

Sviluppumbria is the regional agency that supports Umbria’s competitiveness and economic growth, one of the AER member regions placed at the heart of Italy.

In particular, Sviluppumbria would like to join a partnership in the framework of COS-TOURINN-2020-3-04 – “Innovation uptake and digitalisation in the tourism sector”, and share experience and know-how for designing a successful project in order to improve the digitalization in the sector of tourism. Umbria is characterized by a combination of large enterprises and clusters of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and can boast a close network in the tourism sector.
Moreover, Sviluppumbria has participated with success in previous European projects in the sector of tourism with the role of lead partner as for the SHARE project – Sustainable approach to Cultural Heritage for the urban Areas Requalification in Europe within the Interreg Europe programme, which aimed at exchanging experiences in cultural heritage policies in urban settings, and developing a sustainable and smart approach to its management.

If you are interested in having the team from SVILUPPUMBRIA on board, don’t hesitate to contact the AER Project Unit by 22 December 2020!

For more information contact:

Agnese Pantaloni, European Projects Coordinator[email protected]

Photo by Sterling Lanier from Unsplash

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Partner Search: New project proposal to boost the circular economy!

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Are you looking for partners to join and contribute to your project proposal under the Horizon2020 Green Deal Call – Demonstration of systemic solutions for the territorial deployment of the circular economy?

The paper-making consortium ECOVPRINT based in Città di Castello, in Umbria, one of the AER member regions, could be the right partner to join your project!

About the European Green Deal Call

Green Deal Call, worth €1 billion, has been launched on the 18th of September. It is the last call of the Horizon 2020 Programme and just ahead of the launch of Horizon Europe, the next research and innovation programme kicking-off in 2021.

The Green Deal Call is all about making Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with a sustainable and inclusive economy. This is the opportunity to contribute to shaping a fair and greener society.

The structure of the call is mirroring the European Green Deal. Among the ten thematic areas, Demonstration of systemic solutions for the territorial deployment of the circular economy – LC-GD-3-2-2020 seeks for proposals enabling to decouple economic growth from resource use and to ensure a swift transition to climate-neutral and circular solutions.

About ECOVPRINT

ECOVPRINT is a consortium of companies specialized in paper-making and it is willing to put their expertise into the development and implementation of concrete actions. To this aim, ECOVPRINT is eager to get involved as a partner in projects in the framework of the Green Deal Call, Topic LC-GD-3-2-2020 “Demonstration of systemic solutions for the territorial deployment of the circular economy“.

Small Medium Enterprises’ members of the consortium produce packaging of paperboard, the printing of all kinds,  paper and paperboard products, durable and non-durable displays with components also of metal, plastic, and wood. In particular, ECOVPRINT can provide his experience in order to improve the social and environmental impact of the life cycle of the products concerned.

Considering the increasing global consumption and growing pressure on resources, boosting circular economy solutions can limit the environmental impact and waste of resources, increase competitiveness, improve the security of the supply of raw materials. This is even more relevant at the current time in light of the EU’s recovery from the adverse socio-economic and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

If you are interested in ECOVPRINT to join your project proposal and contribute to its further development, contact AER Project Unit by 16 December 2020.

Agnese Pantaloni (AER)[email protected]

Photo by Josh Power from Unsplash

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Join the webinar on “New mobility services: Anticipating skills and job roles”

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The Assembly of European Regions is glad to contribute to Skillman International Forum by hosting the webinar “New mobility services: Anticipating skills and job roles”, organised within the Skillnet project co-funded by Erasmus+ Programme. The webinar will take place online on the 11th of December, 11:15 – 12:15 CET. 

The event is part of the Skillnet series of 18 webinars designed to bring together experts in different fields linked to vocational education and training (VET), with the purpose of establishing relevant groups of collaboration and partnerships for future EU project proposals.

The webinar will highlight regional examples on the integration of new mobility services and the development of skills and job roles needed in the sector. 

New mobility services are offering solutions to today’s growing challenges in terms of congestion, lack of space, growing population, air quality, noise, social inclusion, health, economic development, and the creation of jobs. These solutions require skilled and adaptable individuals who are able to drive and support change. However, there is a growing skills shortage in the mobility services sector which could seriously delay the development of the services and hurt customers’ expectations. 

Thus it is required to look into new skills for the future workforce but also opportunities realized through reskilling the workforce. In that context, the webinar aims to bridge the gap between the skills and job roles needed for the new mobility services sector and the workforce.  

To this end, the event aims to:

  • Highlight the relevance of EU funding opportunities and European cooperation in bridging the skills’ gap in the new mobility services sector 
  • Share good practices about how regions and local companies can foster the relevant skills in the population
  • Boost a network of cross-sectoral experts interested in the new mobility services that can be applied for future EU funding opportunities.

Important: How to join the webinar?

Only one registration is given for all the events within the Skillman International Forum (SIF). Hence, to join the event, you have to register to Skillman International Forum and participants will be re-directed from the plenary (main room) to the various sessions in the course the event through break-out rooms.

If you cannot attend the whole SIF, you may access the event at least 15 minutes before the beginning of the webinar “New Mobility Services: Anticipating Skills and Job Roles” (starting time: 11:15 am) so that you can be re-directed to the session.

After registration, you will receive the email with the list of separate sessions among which you have to choose 23 AER – PAVILLION d2.

REGISTER HERE

This webinar is organised as part of the SKILLNET series of webinar on EU funding opportunities. SKILLNET is a project funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission aiming to strengthen the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system’s role and capacity to design high-quality VET programmes tailored to current societal needs through enhanced transnational and cross-sectoral partnerships.

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