Europe
CBIB is a Regional Project, directly managed by EC DG ENLARG, in charge of providing assistance to the implementation and coordination of IPA CBC in the Western Balkans.
Cross-Border Co-operation has been a prominent and strategic component of the policies implemented in the Western Balkans within the frame of the Stabilisation and Association Process. Cross-Border Co-operation has been implemented through a number of various instruments, including INTERREG, CADSES, CARDS and SAP CBC, and Neighbourhood Programme (NP).
The overall objective of the CBIB Project was to strengthen the capacities of the eligible partners to prepare and implement cross-border development projects and to enhance prosperity and good neighbourly relations through improved cooperation in the border regions of the beneficiary countries.
The CBIB Project focused on co-operation at “internal” borders – i.e. borders between the States of the Western Balkans region building upon the experience gained through cross-border co-operation with Member States (including Romania and Bulgaria).
CBIB operated in close coordination with the on-going projects of Technical Assitance to the National Autohorities in charge of CBC in the different WB counties.
The project provided the national authorities (Joint Programming Committee and Drafting Team) in the elaboration of Cross-Border Programmes. Eight Cross Border Programmes (CBP) were prepared, submitted to the EC and approved by the EC.
CBIB provided support at the central level to the national authorities in charge of CBC programmes, and developed a network of “focal points” in all concerned institutions (line ministries and regional/local authorities) on CBC issues.
The capacity of the National Authorities in charge of CBC programme in the beneficiary countries is being enhanced through a comprehensive training on programme management.
CBIB provided support in the establishment of Joint Management Structures in the concerned countries (Joint Technical Secretariat and their antenna in the partner country; Joint Monitoring Commitees) and provided them with hands-on assistance. A specific training programme was delivered to JTS and antenna staff.
The CBIB project contributes to raise awareness on IPA/CBC and to foster cooperation among stakeholders and potential partners in the beneficiary:
A Regional Forum was established and sustained through a series of workshops, conferences and an interactive website.
Regional conferences were organized and attended by numerous participants from EC from Brussels, the EAR and ECD offices in the region, as well as from the national and regional authorities directly involved in preparation and implementation of the cross-border programmes.
The dissemination material issued by the project, and in particular through website and other tools has contributed to enhance communication amongst stakeholders.
The project provided support to the NA for the implementation of the CBC programmes on the external borders and as well as for the further preparation of Call for Proposals on the internal borders. A Manual for potential applicants was issued. 18 trainings on the preparation of a Grant proposal were held in 4 countries and attended by more than 600 participants.
General management of the CBIB : Provision a Team Leader in charge of coordinating of a TA team located in 4 different countries. Setting up a central office in Belgrade, Serbia and 3 local offices in Skopje, Tirana and Sarajevo.
Needs Assessment and Analysis conducted through a series of interviews of key players and analysis of 250 questionnaires sent to stakeholders in the central government, local/regional government, and civil society organisations.
TA to the national authorities involved in CBC
Assisting the drafting teams in preparing Cross-Border Programmes: statistical analysis and SWOT analysis of the border regions and definition of eligible areas, selection of priorities, drafting implementation provisions
Identification of possible structures for creation of JMS, establishment of task forces for setting up the JMS, job description s and organisational setup of JMS. Organisation of workshops and facilitation meetings.
Preparing Operational Guidelines for JMS. Coordinating and harmonizing a JTS Manual of Procedures for all WB Countries with centralized management
Hands-on assistance to TA / JTS for the implementation of calls for proposals.
Developing training modules on programme management and project preparation, training the trainers, and delivering training to JMS staff and final beneficiaries.
Deliver Training in Project Preparation and Project Cycle Management calls for proposals and relevant European Commission Rules an Procedures for concerned stakeholders at National level and in the eligible area
Organisation of information workshops at national level and regional level; organisation of 2 IPA/CBC Regional Conferences. Support to the establishment of a Regional Forum.
Publication of promotional leaflet and information package. Issuing a monthly bulletin.
Website development large scale mailing and e-mail alert