Dear Reader,

Are EU Funds only for EU countries? Not at all, eventhough some funding is solely earmarked and available toMember States, such as structural funds, one of the mainpriorities of the EU is to reinforce its presence on the glob-al scene and allocate resources to third countries withfunding opportunities for almost every area, from emer-gency aid in crisis to long term democratic reform build-ing, or even exchange programmes in the field of educa-tion. The list can be long and at first glance the externalfunding structure may seem complex and confusing, andeven scare eventual prospers against apply. In an attemptto clarify, this number of EM newsletter is fully dedicatedto external funding opportunities; with a closer look whatthe special financial instrument; the EuropeanNeighbourhood and Partnership Instrument can offer. Mr.Leong Kin Mun from the Malaysian Industry-GovernmentGroup for High Technology is sharing his experience withus, in an interview for this newsletter, on what it was liketo participate in an EU project as a third country

Member States participate automatically in all Communityprogrammes, except in cases where they opt out due topolitical reasons, such as the case of Denmark and the UKin the Justice and Security programmes. Other countriescan become associated countries linked to a specific pro-gramme by signing an agreement with the EU and con-tributing financially to the programme's budget.Associated countries participating must follow the sameprotocol as the Member States and receive the same levelof funding. Israel is an example of a third country associ-ated to research and innovation programmes such as theSeventh Research Framework Programme (FP7) and theCompetitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP).

One of EU's priorities is to strengthen its role on the glob-al scene and many resources have been allocated to theimplementation of the external and development policies.Third countries have a different status and funding withinthe EU depends on several factors: their relations with theEU, the political importance of the situation, their geo-graphical location and their socio economic situation.Special instruments have been created to implement cer-tain policies, like the European Neighbourhood andPartnership Instrument (ENPI) to implement the EuropeanNeighbourhood Policy as well as the specific partnershipwith Russia. This particular instrument is introduced morein depth on page 5.

Some western European countries like Norway, Icelandand Liechtenstein are not EU Member States but theymaintain a close relationship with the EU via other agree-ments, i.e the European Economic Area (EEA).

The EEA countries sign joint agreements with the EU inorder to participate in Community programmes. At presenta dozen agreements are signed for the 2007-2013programming period, in the field of research and development, education, social policies, consumer policy,entrepreneurship, the audiovisual sector, culture, health,tourism etc. Switzerland, another Non-EU EuropeanMember State signs its own agreements with the EU, however it still often participates in the same programmesas the EEA countries.

The Candidate Countries are another interesting group ofcountries. A specific programme has been created forCroatia, Turkey and the Republic of Macedonia, namelythe Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance - IPA. IPA pro-vides funding in five areas; Transition and InstitutionsBuilding, Cross-border Cooperation, Regional development, Human Resources Development and RuralDevelopment. Parts of IPA are open to PotentialCandidate Countries of Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina,Montenegro, and Serbia including Kosovo under UnitedNations Security Council Resolution 1244). Candidate andPotential Candidate Countries have a special positionwithin the EU. They are preparing to become MemberStates, and participation in Community programmes is partof their stabilisation and association process. These coun-tries participate in several Community programmes, whichis possible upon signed agreement and financial contribution to the budget.

Research might not be your main interest however it iswell worth checking out the FP7 programme as funding isprovided to different kind of support and coordinationactivities also. Research institutions, NGOs, public bodies,and most everyone can find something of interest in thecalls under FP7. Low and Middle Income earning countries around the world can participate and receivefunding under basically any call in FP7 as they are classi-fied as International Cooperation Partner Countries thanksto this status. The four specific programmes all target thirdcountry nationals through various means. Entries fromthird country are highly encouraged to join a consortiaworking on proposals to be submitted under FP7.

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF EUROPA MEDIA 2008 WINTER EDITION

Winter 2008

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Turkey joins the Competitiveness and InnovationFramework Programme - 12 February 2008

Following Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia, Turkey has also signed a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) with the EU to participate in theCompetitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme(CIP) which runs from 2007 to 2013 with a budget of EUR3.6 billion. Commission Vice-President GünterVerheugen, responsible for enterprise and industry policywelcomed Turkey's participation pointing out that businesses and particularly SMEs would strongly benefitfrom the programme. CIP comprises three pillars, namelyEntrepreneurship and Innovation Framework Programme(EIP); Information and Communication TechnologiesPolicy Support Programme (ICTPSP); Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme (IEE). MoU with Turkey currently formalises Turkey's entry to the EIP pillar of the programme.

Source: http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?referenc-e=IP/08/206&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Second round of FP7 Energy, Environment and KBBE callsclosed - 27 February 2008

Several calls for proposals had been published in late 2007under the Seventh Framework Programme for Researchand Technological Development (FP7). Three calls, pub-lished on 30 November 2007 for the Energy, Environmentand KBBE (Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, andBiotechnology) themes have recently been closed to sub-missions. Indicative amount of budgets to be allocated forprojects under the Energy, Environment and KBBE themesare respectively EUR 26.3 million, 212 million and 96.85million. Unlike the Environment and KBBE calls, which areimplemented as one-stage submission and evaluation, pro-posals under the ENERGY-2008-1 call is subject to 2-stagesubmission. This means that the proposers are requested tosubmit a maximum 10-page proposal during first stageclearly outlining the scientific excellence of their propos-als, supplemented by a maximum 2-page description ofthe project consortium and budget. The indicative dead-line for those proposers invited to submit full proposals forthe second stage is 29 May 2008.

For more information on FP7 calls see:http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm

CCOONNTTEENNTT

The EU has also created special thematic and geographi-cal programmes for third countries, such as theDevelopment Cooperation Instrument (DCI). DCI assistscountries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to reducepoverty towards sustainable development.

There are also country specific programmes to finance theimplementation of bilateral agreements with third countries or group of countries such as specific instruments for Asian or Latin American countries.

The jungle of funding opportunities, all with different eligibility criteria, application forms, and deadlines mayseem difficult to get a grip on. Funding may also be available in instruments that do not seem to be the most obvious, the best advise for a successful fundraising venture is to invest some time in browsing the differentalternatives, also be flexible and open-minded. Thewww.2007-2013.eu website is a good resource to reviewthe different funding alternatives with direct links to theprogrammes' websites.

Good luck!

The Europa Media Team magazine@europamedia.org

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Topic of the month – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....1

News – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Quiz – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Interview – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Policy of the month - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Practical hints – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Trainings, events – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Deadlines – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Winter 2008

1: A Programme financing the implementation of theEuropean Neighbourhood Policy2: French Accronym for the European Union3: Country benefiting from ENPI without being a part ofthe ENP4: Candidate Country 5: Financial instrument for Candidate and PotentialCandidate Countries6: Fund for development cooperation in ACP countriesand overseas countries and territories7. Cooperation programme between higher educationinstitutions of the EU and Latin America.8: Low and Middle income cooperation countries inFP7 9: On-line registration service of the EU Commission fororganisations working for the development of develop-ing countries

(See the answers on page 7)

SSoolluuttiioonn:: DDGG iimmpplleemmeennttiinngg tthhee CCoommmmiissssiioonn''ss eexxtteerrnnaall aaiiddiinnssttrruummeennttss

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APPLY NOW!

WORKSHOP 26-30 MAY

BUDAPEST

EARLY BIRD RATE

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Winter 2008

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MMrr.. LLeeoonngg KKiinn MMuunn Malaysian Industry-Government Group for HighTechnology (MiGHT) Technical Advisor for EUM-BIO

Europa Media: Firstly I would like to ask you to introduceyourself, your organization and your experiences with EUfunded projects. .

Mr. Leong Kin Mun: I have served as the advisory panelmember for Asia IT&C Programme and Asia InvestProgramme of the European Commission since 2004. Ialso work in a public university consulting company andpart of my role is to facilitate EU funded project withMalaysian government agencies including the recent EU-Malaysia Biotechnology Business Partnership (EUM-BIO)project. Over the years, I have accumulated relevantworking experiences with the European Commission'sAsia wide Programme i.e. Asia Urbs, Asia IT&C, Asia ProEco and Asia Invest, playing the role as project leader ortechnical advisor.

EUM-BIO is a Business Match-Making project co-fundedby the Asia Invest II Programme of the EC and is jointlypromoted by MiGHT and two European Partners. i.e.European Association for Bioindustries (EuropaBio),Belgium and Association for the BioPharmaceuticalIndustry (BioFarmind), The Netherlands. The event washeld on 24-26 October 2007 at MATRADE Exhibition andConvention Centre (MECC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The main objective of EUM-BIO is to establish businessand technology co-operation by arranging one-on-onepartnering meetings between biotech companies and/orresearch institutions from the 27 Member States of the EUand Asia/Malaysia to formalize business partnership inareas such as technology licensing, R&D, trading ofbiotech products, venture capital investment, contractmanufacturing/research, fund raising etc. via the event.The areas of focus of the project are Bio-agriculture, Bio-healthcare, Bio-manufacturing and Bioinformatics.

EM: Based on your previous experiences, what are themain differences you have experienced between carryingout national projects, international projects or EC projects?

LKM: The national projects mostly focus on the local agen-da or politically driven while the international projectsespecially those funded by the EU served as good platformto introduce many EU best practices/case studies via inter-national conference, best practices study, capacity building programmes and working visit to Europe.Additionally, we are also exposed to EU R & D results,technologies, business model, policy framework,European culture as well as various emerging markettrend. EU-funded projects provide good knowledgeexchange and learning opportunities for Malaysian organ-isations in moving up the value chain in the knowledgeeconomy. This is particularly useful to small-mediumenterprises, government officers (policy makers) andresearchers.

EM: There are many funding opportunities for Malaysiaand Asia during the programming period 2007-2013including target programmes and FP7. How would youdescribe the knowledge on these opportunities amongMalaysian stakeholders.

LKM: Generally, Malaysian organisations have someexposure on FP7 because the EC Delegation to Malaysiahas consistently conducted awareness campaign on FP7via information briefing session and press releases.However, most of the interested Malaysian organisationsdo not have the know-how to apply for projects funded bythe Framework Programme especially preparing the application form. It actually requires certain types of skillsto prepare the application form - it is an art rather than sci-ence. Additionally, not all the Malaysian organisationshave the financial capacity to raise the residue of the grantamount for example the EC has provided 75% grant how-ever the potential applicant may has the difficulties to findthe matching grant for the remaining 25%. For the purposeof encouraging participation of Malaysian or Asianorganisations in FP7, more information briefing sessionswill be welcomed. One strategy which can be consideredis to organise those information briefing session in conjunction with EC-funded events in Asia.

EM: Based on your experiences of participating and coor-dinating EU funded projects what are the advantages anddisadvantages of taking part in EU funded projects?

LKM: The advantages of taking part in EU funded projectsfor Asian partners are the international exposure to the EUbest practices, technologies, better understanding of theEuropean culture and policy framework from the EU aswell as tapping the experiences of EU researchers andtheir commercialisation models. The "disadvantage" or thechallenges are to fulfill the project's objective such as get-ting targeted number of companies in the business match-making event. Besides, before you get the project, the bidding process is indeed a hassle; after you have securedthe project, the reporting bureaucracy is quite heavy aswell. In a nutshell, during the project design stage, thegrant applicant should ensure the objectives they targetare attainable and manageable. Overly ambitious projectobjectives must be avoided.

EM: Do you have any advice to share with the readers,who want to initiate cooperation between entities basedaround the world within the frame of EU funded projects?

LKM: For those who are exploring for EU funded project,they should analyse the concepts of those approvedprojects. They should also seek advice from the EC offi-

cers before proceeding to the grant application. Of course,to attend training programme on learning EC projects' bestpractices is another good option. Lastly, consultation withsubject matter expert is a "must do" process for all thepotential grant applicants.

EM: Thank you very much for taking the time and I wishyou the best in your future endeavours.

LKM: Thank you

IINNTTEERRVVIIEEWW

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This issue of the Magazine is dedicated to the presenceand activities of the European Union outside the 27Member States. The EU has indeed developed and main-tained relations with individual countries or regionalgroups around the globe since the 1950s . These relationshave been in various forms including political coopera-tion, trade cooperation, humanitarian aid, developmentcooperation, the European Neighbourhood Policy etc. Inaddition, with globally increasing security and defenceconcerns the EU has developed a Common Foreign andSecurity policy (CSFP) in an aim to promote and maintainstability around the world .

TThhee EEUU EExxtteerrnnaall PPoolliiccyy FFrraammeewwoorrkkWhen it comes down to questions of security and defence,the implementation of the adopted strategies and policiessuch as the CSFP, the frontiers of the EU is gaining partic-ular significance. Therefore, among all external policies ofthe EU, the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) holdsa very significant place. The overall objective of the ENPis to avoid the emergence of new dividing lines betweenthe EU and its neighbours, and strengthen the prosperity,stability, and security of all concerned . The policy in par-ticular aims at establishing democracy and human rights,rule of law, good governance, the principles of marketeconomy and sustainable development in the ENP targetcountries.

*Although Russia is also a neighbour of the EU, relations with Russia are based ona Strategic Partnership

With regards to the statuses of Croatia, Turkey, Macedoniaand the other Western Balkan Countries (WBC), which arealso neighbouring the EU, there is a distinction: Thesecountries are considered within the Enlargement Strategyof the EU and are in the statuses of Candidate Countries(Croatia, Turkey and Macedonia) and Potential CandidateCountries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro,and Serbia including Kosovo under UN Security CouncilResolution 1244). Therefore, these countries benefit notfrom the ENP but from the mechanisms established withinthe Enlargement policy - for example the Instrument forPre-accession Assistance (IPA), a financial assistanceinstrument dedicated solely to the enlargement countries.Financial assistance is indeed one specific tool that isincorporated within most of the EU policies in an aim tocontribute to the implementation of those policies con-cerned. The ENP countries (as well as the RussianFederation), as such, benefit from a special financialinstrument namely the European Neighbourhood and

PPaarrttnneerrsshhiipp IInnssttrruummeenntt ((EENNPPII)).. This policy-driven instru-ment was launched a year ago as we entered the new EUbudgetary period 2007-2013. In line with the process of"streamlining" Community financial instruments, previousfunding, which was available through various programmesincluding TACIS (for our eastern neighbours and Russia)and MEDA (for our southern Mediterranean neighbours),as well as thematic programmes such as EIDHR (EuropeanInitiative for Democracy and Human Rights), has beenstreamlined into a single instrument, ENPI.

The amount of EC funding available through the ENPI forthe 2007-2013 period reaches up to EUR 12 billion. Thisshows a 32% increase compared with the finances of2000-2006 period allocated to the beneficiary countries.The allocation of this overall budget by country is basedon Strategy Papers (2007-2013) and Indicative pro-grammes covering country, regional and cross-border pro-grammes, for four years (2007-2010) . However, what iscentral for the implementation of the EuropeanNeighbourhood Policy is the bilateral ENP Action Plansagreed upon between the EU and each partner comprisespolitical and economic reforms with short- and medium-term priorities. The Country Strategy Papers and NationalIndicative Programmes must therefore contribute to theachievement of the objectives set in the ENP Action Plans.

The European Commission has set up Delegations in theENP countries and in the Russian Federation. These struc-tures help maintain close relations between the EU and theneighbour countries, monitoring the implementation ofthe cooperation agreements, and assist in management ofthe funds. Funding opportunities and calls for proposalsare announced at the home pages of the EC Delegations.It is worthwhile to note that in most cases the EU MemberStates can also take part in projects and tenders in part-nership with the neighbour countries. Therefore it is rec-ommended to keep an eye on the funding and partnershipopportunities available around the European borders

PPOOLLIICCYY OOFF TTHHEE MMOONNTTHH

http://ec.europa.eu/world/what/external_relations/index_en.htmibid.http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/policy_en.htmEU-Russia relations: http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/russia/intro/index.htm

EC Delegation to Russia: http://www.delrus.ec.europa.euEC Delegation to Ukraine: http://www.delukr.ec.europa.euEC Delegation to Algeria: http://www.deldza.ec.europa.euEC Delegation to Israel: http://www.delisr.ec.europa.eu

For a complete list of EC Delegations to ENP countries:http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/index_en.htm

Winter 2008

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PPRRAACCTTIICCAALL HHIINNTTSS

IInntteerrccuullttuurraall ddiiffffeerreenncceess -- EEnnjjooyy iitt oorr iitt wwiillll ddrriivvee yyoouuccrraazzyy……..

Are you the coordinator of a project or do you plan to be?Are you a partner in a project or do you plan to be?Whatever your role is in the project, you will have to consider the cultural differences between partners and itsimplications for a successful implementation.

European projects are in general carried out in interna-tional consortium with partners from many differentEuropean, and sometimes also other, countries.Transnational cooperation is a mean bt which to implement a project covering a wider area of the European territory. Transnational cooperation is also an objective initself to deepen and strengthen European integration.

Working with organisations and people form differentcountries is a challenging but at the same time enrichingprocess. Cultural differences may make the work go slower, but in many instances more enjoyable as well!Learn from the experience and bring the best of all wordsback to your organization..!

Communication, efficiently used, is the key to success inany EU funded project. The inverse is equally true, as poorcommunication will have a catastrophic impact on theproject. When formulating your message, do it strategical-ly and keep the recipient in mind; who will read your message? Communication over the borders requires extraattention to cultural differences and to the written wordespecially when you write in a language that is not yourmother tongue. Communicate strategically and considerthe recipient as well as the effect you would like to obtainand the process of project implementation will go muchsmoother.

There are many ways to accomplish a task, and Europeanprojects are a nice way to discover other working stylesand way of doing things. You may even have the sameresult from a 12 hours meeting perfectly organized as froma more relaxed focused meeting. What seems logical toyou at a first glance may not be it for others and vice versa.Bear this in mind and enjoy your cultural meetings inEuropean projects.

DDiidd yyoouu kknnooww tthhaatt........??

- Albania and Montenegro are now an associated countryto the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) and can assuch fully participate in FP7's all actions since 1 January2008. Other associated countries to the FP7 are; Turkey,Israel, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland,Serbia, Croatia and Republic of Macedonia. An associatedCountry can participate with the same conditions as aMember State and contributes financially to the programme's budget.

- Israel is an associated country not only to the FP7 butalso to the Competitiveness and Innovation programmethat is a programme aiming to foster competitiveness ofcompanies. At present Israel can participate in the first pillar, Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme (EIP)but Israel has also shown interest in the two other specific programmes, ICT PSP programme and the IntelligentEnergy-Europe programme.

- The European Neighbourhood Policy covers countriesneighbouring EU and the present Candidate Countries byland or by sea. Turkey is a Candidate Country to the EUand that is why even countries like Iran and Iraq are alsocovered by the European Neighbourhood Policy

FFPP77 EEuurrooppeeaann FFuunnddiinngg AAccaaddeemmyy -- SSpprriinngg 220000882266--3300 MMaayy 22000088BBuuddaappeesstt,, HHuunnggaarryy

The FP7 European Funding Academy is Europa Media'smost comprehensive training on FP7 project developmentand management, designed to meet the needs of proposersand managers. The 5-day training simulates the entire life-cycle of an FP7 project, allowing participants to draft aproposal, evaluate proposals, negotiate with the EC andsubmit financial reports. E-learning before the training provides background knowledge on FP7, with continuousonline consultation, and initiates the first steps in FP7 proposal development.

JJuunniioorr PPrroojjeecctt MMaannaaggeemmeenntt SSuummmmeerr SScchhooooll1166--1188 JJuunnee 22000088BBuuddaappeesstt,, HHuunnggaarryy

The Junior Project Manager Summer School providesyoung professionals with the practical tools needed to findand successfully apply to the numerous funding opportu-nities offered by the EU, and to develop and implement EUprojects.

JPM Summer School is comprehensive, providing practicalguidance to the students, yet is cost sensitive. The studentsgain the knowledge they need to advance their careers inEU project management without compromising their monetary resources.

EEuurrooppeeaann SSuummmmeerr AAccaaddeemmyy1166--1188 JJuunnee 22000088BBuuddaappeesstt,, HHuunnggaarryy

This special Europa Media event is a 5-day complete programme on European project development and management. The European Summer Academy will bridgethe gap between "Information Days" and the several yearsof actual experience required to develop project proposalsand manage EU-funded projects.

Organised once a year the Summer Academy is the ultimate solution for project managers from universitiesand organisations to learn how to develop proposals and manage EU funded projects while relaxing and enjoyingthe summer in one of Hungary's most popular summerdestinations, Lake Balaton.

TThhee 44tthh IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall SSeemmiinnaarr oonn EECC PPrroojjeecctt DDeevveellooppmmeennttEEnneerrggyy && EEnnvviirroonnmmeenntt 2255--2266 SSeepptteemmbbeerr 22000088SStt JJuulliiaannss,, MMaallttaa

Each year a special workshop is organised for project leaders and CEOs from the energy and environment sec-tors. During these workshops, the new European programmes available for organizations in the energy andenvironment sectors are introduced and new partnershipsformed at the seminar. The event will take place in St.Julian’s, Malta.

Winter 2008

TTRRAAIINNIINNGGSS,, EEVVEENNTTSS

7

QQuuiizz ssoolluuttiioonn

Answers:

1: ENPI2: UE3: RUSSIA4: CROATIA5: IPA6: EDF7. ALFA8: ICPC9: PADOR

SSoolluuttiioonn:: EEuurrooppeeAAiidd

For more information on these and other up-coming trainings please visit:

www.eutrainingsite.com

Winter 2008

8

DDEEAADDLLIINNEESS

New deadlines were recently published! MY EU Center provides you with a personalised service for project development and management. Visit http://www.myeucenter.org for more information

Chief Editor: Mr. Gabor KitleyPublisher: Europa Media PSC., Address: 15 Vitorla, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary •

Tel: +36-1/453 3801; Fax: +36-1/436-9038; e-mail: info@europamedia.org; www.europamedia.org

Call Title Reference Programme Theme Deadline

Enhancing road safety in Egyptthrough the reform of road safetyplanning and operations

EuropeAid/126519/C/ACT/EG

MEDA Egypt -Transport 20 March 2008

EUROMED YOUTH III EuropeAid/126465/M/ACT/SY

Euromed YouthIII

Syria - Youth 16 March 2008

Effective Responsive andAccountable Local GovernmentService Delivery throughEnhanced Capacities for Socialand Downward Accountability

EuropeAid/126522/M/ACT/UG

9th EDF Uganda - SocialInfrastructure

25 March 2008

Enabling the Civil Society Sectorfor active contribution in the Pre-accession Process in the Area ofDemocratisation and HumanRights

EuropeAid/126529/M/ACT/HR

Phare Democratisationand HumanRights

31 March 2008