CBCMed: 38 new projects open new thematic horizons for cooperation among Mediterranean countries

A total of 38 new projects have been approved under the Mediterranean Cross-Border Cooperation programme, addressing issues ranging from green technologies to improved mobility for young people and professionals.

The projects submitted in response to the second standard call for proposals of the Cross Border Cooperation in the Mediterranean Basin programme (CBCMed) were adopted by the Programme’s Joint Monitoring Committee during its eighth meeting held in Larnaca, Cyprus on 17 June 2013. Besides confirming the relevance at Mediterranean level of topics such as the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, waste and water management, innovation processes and territorial planning, the approved 38 projects shed some light on new thematic areas. These include for instance the boost to green technologies in industries, the optimisation of port logistics, the facilitation of goods circulation, support to job creation or the improvement of the mobility of young people, professionals and entrepreneurs.  

The proposals, worth a total of €63.1 million (€56.8 million ENPI contribution), address the four Programme Priorities and ten related Measures.  Among the 291 organisations taking part in the 38 projects, around 46% come from Mediterranean Partner Countries and 52% from EU Countries, while 2% are international organisations. 

The 38 new standard projects add to 56 running operations, meaning that the Programme is now supporting a total of 94 projects for an amount of €203 million (€181 ENPI contribution).

The use of the remaining €1.3 million will be decided by the Joint Monitoring Committee in the coming months although this amount does not allow to finance additional projects.  Selected projects will swiftly enter the negotiation process with the Joint Managing Authority. The first grant contracts should be signed starting from September onwards. 

The ENPI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme 2007/2013 is a multilateral cross-border cooperation programme funded by the European Union under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument. It aims at reinforcing cooperation between the EU and partner countries' regions located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.