ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME FOR GRANTS 2015 of the Office of the European Union Representative (West Bank, Gaza Strip and UNRWA)

Transcription

1 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME FOR GRANTS 2015 of the Office of the European Union Representative (West Bank, Gaza Strip and UNRWA) I. European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights / Country- Based Support Scheme 2014 & 2015 II. Euro-Med Youth IV Programme III. Cultural Diplomacy 2015 IV. EU Regional Partnership for Peace Programme 2015 V. Civil Society Organisations Local Authorities Thematic Programme

2 I. European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights / Country- Based Support Scheme 2014 & Basic act and Financing source Regulation (EU) No 235/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing a financing instrument for Democracy and Human Rights worldwide EIDHR (OJ L 77; Volume 57; 15 March 2014). Budget line: Objectives of the programme, priorities for 2015 and expected results The global objective of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) is to enhance the respect for, implementation and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with international and regional human rights standards, conventions and instruments, and to strengthen their protection, promotion and monitoring, mainly through support to relevant civil society organisations, human rights defenders and victims of repression and abuse. It also aims at supporting, developing and consolidating democracy in third countries by enhancing participatory and representative democracy, strengthening the overall democratic cycle, in particular by reinforcing an active role for civil society within this cycle, the rule of law and improving the reliability of electoral processes through means of election observation missions. The Country-Based Support Scheme (CBSS) is one of the EIDHR implementation modalities. Considering the human rights evolution in the ground and in line with the EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan and in complementarity with the EU Single Support Framework (SSF), it is proposed that the EIDHR-CBSS for Palestine 1 address objectives 2 and 3 of the EIDHR Strategy Paper focusing in particular on the following priorities: EIDHR Objective 2: Support to other EU Human Rights Priorities - Promote and protect the rights of the vulnerable groups (in particular children, women victims of violence, disabled and the elderly) and minorities. - Promote respect for international human rights and humanitarian law (IHL) through observance, monitoring and advocacy actions. EIDHR Objective 3: Support to Democracy - Ensure respect for human rights fundamental freedoms (Freedoms of Association/Assembly and expression). - Promote effective reporting and implementation of international agreements, instruments and commitments to which Palestine has acceded, including inclusive capacity building initiatives. Given the sensitivity of the implementation of some actions and to guarantee the security of local partners/applicants, confidentiality and security would be granted when needed. Specific attention will be given to actions which include Gaza Strip and Area C focus. In addition, added-value will be considered for actions including: 1 This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue.

3 - Sub-granting mechanism, in order to reach grassroots organisations and marginalised communities. - Promotion of partnerships and networks in view of strengthen common approaches and agendas amongst civil society actors responding to the needs of Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and most marginalized communities. - Human rights-based approach, mainstreaming gender equality and other cross-cutting issues such as good governance and environment. 3. Eligibility conditions: In order to be eligible for a grant, applicants must: be legal persons and be non profit making and be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with their partners, not acting as an intermediary and be an in-country Civil Society Organisation (CSO) ], with Headquarters in Palestine and officially registered with the Palestinian competent authorities and founded at least 2 years before the launching date of this Call and which may wish to cooperate with European-based organisations or European public-sector institutions; or, be an EU Member State CSO, European CSO, officially registered and founded at least 4 years before the launching date of this Call and necessarily (mandatory) act with co-applicants that are local civil society organisations from Palestine. 4. Selection and award criteria The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions. 5. Maximum rate of European Union financing The indicative minimum and maximum amount for grants awarded under this Call are: Minimum amount: EUR 500,000 Maximum amount: EUR 750,000 The minimum and maximum percentages of total eligible costs for the grants awarded under this Call are: Minimum percentage: 60 % of the total estimated eligible costs of the action. Maximum percentage: 75 % of the total estimated eligible costs for European CSO 6. Indicative time-schedule of call for proposals 90 % of the total estimated eligible costs for Local CSO The call for proposals is expected to be launched in February/March Indicative amount of call for proposals In order to increase the impact and the effectiveness of the actions, it is foreseen to launch an open call for proposals pooling two years budget (2014 and 2015). The indicative amount of the Call is EUR

4 3,000,000, including: - EUR 1,500,000 from the EIDHR-CBSS 2014 budget. - EUR 1,500,000 from the EIDHR-CBSS 2015 budget (with a suspensive clause).

5 II. Euro-Med Youth IV Programme 1. Basic act and/or Financing source Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) 2. Programme: The Euro-Mediterranean Youth Programme (Phase IV) Budget line: of the general budget of the European Union 2. Objectives of the programme, priorities for 2015 and expected results The global objective of this Call for Proposals is to support and strengthen the participation and contribution of youth organisations and youth from the Euro-Mediterranean region towards the development of civil society and democracy. The specific objectives of this Call for Proposals are: To stimulate and encourage mutual understanding between young people within the Euro- Mediterranean region and to fight against stereotypes and prejudices. To promote active citizenship among young people and enhance their sense of solidarity. To contribute to the development of youth policies in the different partner countries. The specific objectives are to be attained through 3 different types of Actions as envisaged by the Euro-Med Youth Programme: - Action 1 Euro-Med Youth Exchanges: A Youth Exchange is a project based on a transnational partnership between two or more organisations from different countries. It brings together in one of the 8 ENPI South countries/territories, for one specific period of common life, groups of young people from the Euro-Mediterranean region, providing them with an opportunity to participate to activities where they can: discuss and share on one theme of mutual interest; discover and become aware of social realities and cultural backgrounds; learn from each other s countries and cultures. A Youth Exchange requires the active participation of all groups of young people in the preparation and implementation of the activities. The Youth Exchange funded under this Call for Proposal is limited to funding ENPI South entities in hosting EU and other ENPI South beneficiary Countries and Territories. - Action 2 Euro-Med Youth Voluntary Service: Voluntary Service is a project offering young people an opportunity to carry out a long or short term volunteering activity in one of the 8 ENPI countries/territories. The volunteer/s is/are hosted in one particular organisation of the ENPI South country, which has precise missions for

6 him/her/them to implement. Voluntary service enables volunteers to express their solidarity, to acquire a valuable intercultural experience and to develop new skills. It brings benefit to local communities and to the hosting organisation (grant beneficiary), through a new impulse, the mutual exchange and the international added-value. - Action 3 Euro-Med Youth Training and Networking: Training and Networking includes project which support the training of those active in youth work and youth organisations of the Euro-Mediterranean region (youth leaders, youth trainers, young people), in particular the exchange of experiences, expertise and good practice as well as activities which may lead to sustainable quality projects, partnerships and networks. Possible activities to be implemented in projects are: study visit, partnership building activity, seminar, training course. Regional Priorities are: Fight against racism and xenophobia, Environmental protection, Support to gender equality, Human rights, Participation of young people in development of civil society and democracy. National Priorities are: Enhancing participation of youth in the Palestinian development process Promoting cultural openness and Palestinian identity Sustaining cross-border intercultural cooperation Supporting youth community based organisations Added value will be considered for actions: Using media tools in the implementation of the action Promoting exchange of know-how and knowledge Promoting sustainable partnership 3. Eligibility conditions be legal persons and be non-profit making and be a local non-governmental organisation, with Headquarters in Palestine and officially registered with the Palestinian competent authorities and founded at least 2 years before the launching date of the Call and which may wish to cooperate with European-based organisations. be registered in Palestine. be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the coapplicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary. 4. Selection and award criteria

7 The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions. 5. Maximum rate of European Union financing Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts: Minimum amount: EUR 20,000 Maximum amount: EUR 59,500 Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum percentages of total eligible costs of the action: Minimum percentage: 50% of the total estimated eligible costs of the action. Maximum percentage: 80% of the total estimated eligible costs of the action. The balance must be financed from the applicant's or partners' own resources, or from sources other than the European Union budget. 6. Indicative time-schedule of calls for proposals The publication of the Call is foreseen on February/March Indicative amount of calls for proposals The indicative amount is EUR 168,900.

8 III. Cultural Diplomacy Basic act and/or Financing source European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI). Commission Implementing Decision on the Annual Action Programme 2015 Part 2 in favour of the ENI South countries (Euro-Mediterranean Partnership Global Allocation) not yet adopted. 2. Objectives of the programme, priorities for 2015 and expected results: The overall objective is to increase public awareness of EU core values and enhance visibility of the EU cooperation in Palestine through cultural diplomacy. The specific objective of this Call for Proposals is to ensure maximum EU public outreach, in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, by participating in major Palestinian cultural events, performances and festivals. Priority will be given to actions: reaching widespread and diverse audiences (youth, urban, rural) though different events/festivals. promoting partnership amongst events/festivals and/or consortiums of cultural actors. including participation or cultural exchanges with European artists and/or performers. 3. Eligibility conditions: be a legal person and be non-profit-making and be a specific type of organisation such as: non-governmental organisation, public sector operator, local authority, as defined by Article 43 of the Rules of application of the EU Financial Regulation and be an in-country CSO, with Headquarters in Palestine and officially registered with the Palestinian competent authorities and founded at least 2 years before the launching date of this Call and which may wish to cooperate with European-based organisations or European publicsector institutions; be established 3 in a Member State of the European Union or one of the ENI South Countries 4 or a country that is beneficiary of Pre-Accession Assistance 5 or a Member State of the European 3 To be determined on the basis of the organisation's statutes which should demonstrate that it has been established by an instrument governed by the national law of the country concerned. In this respect, any legal entity whose statutes have been established in another country cannot be considered an eligible local organisation, even if the statutes are registered locally or a Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded. 4 Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia..The eligibility criteria formulated in Commission Notice Nr. 2013/C-205/05 (OJEU C-205 of ) shall apply to this call for proposals. This notice, entitled "Guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June

9 Economic Area (EEA) 6 and necessarily (mandatory) act with co-applicants that are local civil society organisations from Palestine and be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the co-applicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary. 4. Selection and award criteria The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions. 5. Maximum rate of European Union financing: Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum amounts: Minimum 175,000 Euro Maximum 200,000 Euro Any grant awarded under this Call for Proposals must fall between the following minimum and maximum percentages of total eligible costs of the action: Minimum percentage: 51 % of the total estimated eligible costs of the action. Maximum percentage: 80 % of the total eligible costs of the action 6. Indicative time-schedule of calls for proposals: The publication of the Call is foreseen in February/March Indicative amount of calls for proposals The indicative amount is EUR 400, for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded by the EU from 2014 onwards", can be consulted at: 5 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey. 6 Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway

10 IV. EU Regional Partnership for Peace Programme Basic act and/or Financing source European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI). Commission Implementing Decision on the Annual Action Programme 2015 Part 2 in favour of the ENI South countries Partnership for Peace Programme (to be adopted). 2. Objectives of the programme, priorities for 2016 and expected results The overall objective of the EU Partnership for Peace Programme is to promote and encourage conditions for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and provide a solid foundation at the societal level for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. The specific objective of the programme is to support unilateral and cross-border peacebuilding civil society initiatives. Detailed specific objectives and priorities of the programme will be formulated at a larger stage, taking into account the finding and results of the ongoing evaluation of the EU PfP Programme. 3. Eligibility conditions In order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must: be a legal person and be non-profit-making and be a specific type of organisation such as: non-governmental organisation, public sector operator, local authority, international (inter-governmental) organisation as defined by Article 43 of the Rules of application of the EU Financial Regulation7. and be established 8 in a Member State of the European Union or one of the ENI South Countries 9 or a country that is beneficiary of Pre-Accession Assistance 10 or a Member State 7 International organisations are international public-sector organisations set up by intergovernmental agreements as well as specialised agencies set up by them; the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are also recognised as international organisations. 8 To be determined on the basis of the organisation's statutes which should demonstrate that it has been established by an instrument governed by the national law of the country concerned. In this respect, any legal entity whose statutes have been established in another country cannot be considered an eligible local organisation, even if the statutes are registered locally or a Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded. 9 Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia..The eligibility criteria formulated in Commission Notice Nr. 2013/C-205/05 (OJEU C-205 of ) shall apply to this call for proposals. This notice, entitled "Guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded by the EU from 2014 onwards", can be consulted at: 10 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey.

11 of the European Economic Area (EEA) 11 (this obligation does not apply to international organisations) and be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with the coapplicant(s) and affiliated entity(ies), not acting as an intermediary. 4. Selection and award criteria The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions. 5. Maximum rate of European Union financing Indicative minimum percentage: 50 % of the total eligible costs of the action. Indicative maximum percentage: 80 % of the total eligible costs of the action. 6. Indicative time-schedule of calls for proposals The Call for Proposals is expected to be launched by December Indicative amount of calls for proposals Approx.: 5,000, EUR. 11 Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway

12 V. Civil Society Organisations Local Authorities Thematic Programme 1. Basic act and/or Financing source Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) 12. Commission Implementing Decision on the Annual Action Programmes for 2014 and 2015 part 1 "Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities". N.B. Financing Decision 2015 not adopted yet. 2. Objectives of the programme for 2015 and priorities: The overall objective of the programme is to strengthen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in EU partner countries. The specific objective of the programme is to enhance CSOs contribution to governance and development processes as stakeholders in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. Priorities to be addressed are: Priority 1: Stimulating policy innovation through actions supporting advocacy initiatives and participation in policy dialogue in relevant sectors. Priority 2: Supporting socio-economic initiatives aimed at creating income-generating opportunities and employment, especially for the least economically empowered groups, including in the area of affordable and green innovations. Priority 3: Contributing to the improvement of business environment and to reinforcing service provision to the productive sector through actions looking at areas such as market access, corporate social responsibility, integration of informal economy. Expected duration of the actions will be of a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 4 years. 3. Eligibility conditions In order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must: be a legal person and be non-profit-making and be specific kind of non-governmental organisation such as cooperative, producers' association, farmers' and fishermen' association, chamber of commerce, private sector association/federation, social partner, environmental organisation and 12 Regulation (EU) No 233/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation.

13 be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the action with their partners, not acting as an intermediary and be an in-country CSO, with Headquarters in Palestine and officially registered with the Palestinian competent authorities, or be an EU Member State CSO, officially registered with any of the EU Member State competent authority and mandatorily act with co-applicants that are local CSOs from Palestine. European CSOs are eligible insofar their experience adds value, and upon conditions that their actions respond to a local demand and to locally identified needs, and include support to local partners (e.g. through mentoring, peer support, joint advocacy, and not least through direct financial support). The eligibility of Co-applicant and affiliated entities is restricted to all types of CSOs and/or their associations originating from countries described above under applicant. 4. Selection and award criteria The evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in the Practical Guide to Contract Procedures for EU External Actions. 5. Maximum rate of European Union financing The indicative minimum and maximum amount for grants awarded under this Call are: Minimum amount: EUR 600,000 Maximum amount: EUR 1,500,000 The minimum and maximum percentages of total eligible costs for the grants awarded under this Call are: Minimum percentage: 51 % of the total eligible costs of the action. Maximum percentage: 90 % of the total eligible costs of the action for partner countries' CSOs and 75% percentage of the total eligible costs of the action for European CSOs. 6. Indicative time-schedule of the call for proposals The Call for Proposals is expected to be launched in March Indicative amount of the call for proposals It is foreseen to launch the Call with a suspensive clause pooling two years' budget (2015 and 2016). The indicative amount of the Call is EUR 9,200,000