Romania-Bulgaria Cross-border Cooperation 2007-2013-Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism

ROMANIA – BULGARIAROMANIA – BULGARIA CROSS BORDER

COOPERATION PROGRAMME -- 20072007--2013 2013 --

Romania-Bulgaria Cross-Border Cooperation Operational Programme 2007-2013

Joint Approval Committee, Bucharest, 2-3 April 2007

• Technical meeting with DG Regio and Bulgarian partners, Brussels, January 23, 2007

• Technical meeting with DG Regio and Bulgarian partners, Sofia, February 28, 2007

• Interact Workshop for the New European Territorial Cooperation Romania-Bulgaria Programme, Sofia, March 1, 2007

EC recommendations onEC recommendations onOP Strategic SectionOP Strategic Section

RecommendationSection of OP

revised accordingly

Insert general/thematic maps in the document to present the programme area and illustrate the issues treated in the description of the current situation of the border area

Ch. 2 (pg. 12-34)

Focus the presentation on the Danube River, that should have a central, strategical role in the OP

Ch. 2 (pg. 14-30; 36)

End each section of the description of the current situation should end with trends and conclusions

Ch. 2 (pg. 12-47)

Strenghten the CBC relevance and cooperation criteria requested for projects

Ch. 2 (pg. 12-47), Ch. 3 (pg. 47-54)

RecommendationSection of OP

revised accordingly

PA 1- Accesibility - to put more emphasis on Danube River and ferry transport

Ch. 4.1 (pg. 64-65)

PA 2- Environmnent – to target primarily on flooding

Ch 4.2 (pg. 69-71)

PA3 – Econ. and social development:

– a clearer definition of KA1 (regional identity and image)

- change the title of KA3 (labour market) and extend it it to include joint education and creation of needed skills

Ch 4.3 (pg. 72-74)

Ch. 4.3 (pg. 75-77)

Indicators system proposed – to be revised Ch. 5 (pg. 85-90)

RecommendationSection of OP

revised accordingly

Change of the title of the OP to Romania – Bulgaria Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013

Cover page, Ch. 1 (pg. 7)

Insert comments concerning raiway transport in the eligible area

Ch. 2.8 (pg. 27)

Insert Codes for the priority theme dimension, Codes for the form of finance dimension, Codes for the territorial dimension

Ch. 4.1 (pg. 65. 66), Ch. 4.2 (pg. 68, 70), Ch. 4.3 (pg. 73, 76, 77), Ch. 4.4 (pg. 79), Ch. 4.5 (pg. 80-84)

Programme eligible areaProgramme eligible area

Border length: 609.1 km (470 km - Danube River, 139.1 km - land) Eligible areas:

– NUTS III areas on border: counties of Mehedinti, Dolj, Olt, Teleorman, Giurgiu, Calarasi, Constanta, and districts of Vidin, Montana, Vratsa, Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Silistra, Dobrich– an adjoining area: district Razgrad (Art. 21(1) ERDF Reg)

Total Area: 71,929.6 sq.km (54.66%- Ro, 45.34%- Bg) Population: 5,104,508 inhabitants (64%-Ro,36%-Bg)

Programme AreaProgramme Area

Programme objective Programme objective and budget and budget

STRATEGIC GOAL:

To bring together the people, communities and economies of the border area to participate in the joint development of a cooperative area, using its human, natural and environmental

resources and advantages

Total Budget: Eur 256 million (current prices), of which EUR 218 mil. ERDF

centred around 2 key directions:

• Improving the key conditions of cooperation through addressing the most important obstacles;

• Supporting the co-operation initiatives of various actors in the cross border area.

= A coherent and effective response to the obstacles and weaknesses, relying on the strengths and opportunities identified by the SWOT analysis

Programme strategyProgramme strategy

1. Improved access to transport infrastructure within the eligible area to facilitate the mobility of goods and people

2. Improved availability and dissemination of information on joint opportunities within the border area;

3. Sustainability of the intrinsic value of the area’s natural resources by prudent exploitation and effective protection of the fragile environment.

4. Sustainable economic development of the border area by joint initiatives to identify and enhance comparative advantages, and reduce disadvantages.

5. Social and cultural coherence strengthened by cooperative actions between people and communities.

Programme specific objectivesProgramme specific objectives

Programme priority axesProgramme priority axes1. AccessibilityAccessibility

Improved mobility and access to transport, information and

communication infrastructure

44 . T

ech

nic

al a

ssis

tan

ce.

Tec

hn

ical

ass

ista

nce

2. EnvironmentEnvironment

Prudent exploitation and protection of the intrinsic quality and value of the area’s outstanding natural resources

3. Economic & Social DevelopmentEconomic & Social Development

Economic and Social Development by joint identification and enhancement of

the area’s comparative advantages

Main Objectives

·  To improve cross border mobility through improving existing conditions and developing new facilities for transport in the eligible area.

·  To enable efficient regular exchange of information and data of cross border relevance

Priority Axis 1: Priority Axis 1: AccessibilityAccessibility

Priority Axis 1: Priority Axis 1: AccessibilityAccessibility

Key-Areas

1. Improvements to land and river cross border transport facilities

2. Development of information and communications networks and services within the cross border area

Budget: 37% of the resources allocated to the Programme

- Construction, rehabilitation, widening of cross-border (segments of) roads connecting settlements alongside the border to the crossing points and/or small remote villages with main road, which leads to the border;- Improvement/restoration/construction of (segments of) roads linking to the national/international systems as well as to economic sites and tourist centres of cross border interest; - Improvement/restoration/construction of ferry crossing points and associated passenger, freight and vehicle infrastructure, equipment and facilities, incl. construction of facilities that will assure the access of disabled persons;- Promotion of joint regular public transport systems and common management systems to border crossings and zones of interoperability, harmonisation of, and provision of bi-lingual information on cross-border timetables and routes

1. 1. improve river and road transport infrastructure having cross border impact

1.2. improve the public river and roads cross border transport services

  -  Investments to secure reliable and regular operation of ferryboats and associated infrastructure; Improvements to the safety of cross border transit and local traffic; - Support to cross border traffic related services and supplies (bilingual information services about traffic conditions, electronic sign posts; public transport co-ordination measures, especially related to improving intermodality, etc.); - Cross border policy coordination among competent traffic decision makers / bodies; - Joint research studies, investigations and planning of environmentally friendly transport initiatives and innovative solutions to resolve bottlenecks (pilot projects, strategies, etc.);-Joint research studies for identifying opportunities and needs for cross border traffic;-- Joint elaboration of feasibility studies, engineering planning documents, architectural plans, environmental impact assessments related to road/river transport development.

• Joint investment in low cost ICT communications infrastructure with cross border impact;

• Development of cross border connections, information and communications networks and services.

2.1. Supporting the development of cross-border ICT based information resources, cooperation and networking

- Upgrading existing facilities to enable linkages between communities and public services which promote co-operation on a cross-border and wider international basis;- Joint training programmes at schools and community centres aimed at increasing IT understanding and use in cross border related activities; - Bilingual community access programmes (in schools, libraries, public places) in the area of IT for connecting within CB communication network;- Bilingual cross border local information provision, promoting on-line use by community groups, encouraging posting of local events and encouraging people to get involved in cross border area community through ICT;- Preparation of joint studies, surveys and research to identify priority areas for improved communications by joint initiatives, including analysis of IT infrastructure;-Joint ICT awareness seminars/conferences/courses, dissemination of best practice and exchange of experience; regular briefings in the local newspapers; Setting up regular programmes in local TV/radio.

2.2. Extending community access to cross border information and communication

Main Objectives• To ensure effective protection and use of the area’s

natural assets by coordinated joint management systems.

• To increase area’s awareness on the environmental protection and management

• To protect local population, businesses, environment and infrastructure from the potentially disastrous consequences of natural and man-made crises, by joint preventative actions and emergency response services throughout the border area.

Priority axis 2: Priority axis 2: EnvironmentEnvironment

Priority axis 2: Priority axis 2: EnvironmentEnvironment

Key-Areas

1. Development of joint management systems for environmental protection

2. Development of joint infrastructure and services to mitigate the impact of natural and man-made crises, including joint emergency response services

Budget: 35% of the resources allocated to the Programme

1.1. improve nature protection and conservation of cross border environment

Cooperation between the existing institutional frameworks (e.g. environment protection agencies, administrations of the protected areas) for the protection of the shared natural environment, a cross border integrated approach and networking;· - Development of the joint/correlated management plans for protected areas;· - Improvements/setting up infrastructure in protected areas (e.g. places for vistors);•- Joint action-based solutions for safeguarding biodiversity;· - Support to establishment of area wide environmental monitoring centres and laboratories, and facilitating cooperation between existing agencies and institutions;·  - Building common data bases of the area’s natural assets and assessment of their risk levels;· - Joint research studies, inventories, data collection, transfer of information between universities/environmental research institutes and emergency intervention bodies, know how exchange on cross border area’s natural resources protection

• Joint public awareness campaigns for environmental protection and nature-friendly behaviour: joint conferences, workshops, exhibitions, bi/multi-lingual promotional literature;

• Promotion and management of joint cross border information campaigns focused on protecting the area’s fragile environment, including cross-border and international workshops on environmental risk prevention.;

• Joint bilingual training programmes on biodiversity conservation and environment protection.

1.2. improve the cross border public awareness on environmental management and protection

- Cooperation of existing institutional frameworks to harmonise activities in the field of: Danube River flood prevention, water, air and soil quality protection, contamination issues; Establishment of joint management structures and technical systems to strengthen co-operation between existing institutional frameworks and harmonise activities concerning natural and technological risk joint prevention· Implementation of integrated cross border flood prevention and management systems, development of retention areas; Implementing joint works for flood prevention;· Cooperation of existing institutional frameworks to harmonise activities and implement joint measures in the field of Black Sea shore protection and rehabilitation;· Elaboration of joint detailed maps, data bases indicating natural and technological risks, and land use for regional planning authorities/ environmental agencies/ emergency services; Elaboration and distribution of bilingual maps, information sheets and brochures about flood prevention and environmental protection, including joint bi-lingual internet sites.

2.1. Joint natural and technological risk joint prevention

-  Creation and/or harmonising of joint flood forecast signalling systems;

- Purchasing common equipment for measuring/monitoring environmental parameters, e.g. emission levels, water purity, analysis of soil and water samples etc., and joint assessment of results;

- Elaboration of studies and plans for joint disaster early warning, control and emergency management, emphasising the sharing of best practices; preparation of joint emergency and disaster management plans;

- Investment in the development of small-scale regional level cross-border infrastructure in the fields of emergency preparedness;

2.2. Joint early warning and emergency response activities

- Support for the implementation of joint projects to forecast possible crises (meteorological services, river level monitoring, coastal climate monitoring);

- Cooperation among health-care service providers: joint purchase and use of medical equipment, planning of joint research infrastructure, establishment of on-line network for emergency actions; creation of joint portfolio of health services in emergency situations;

- Creation of joint structures for urgent, unexpected situations that requires fast reaction/interventions;

- Joint studies and planning, including development of communication links, joint monitoring, preventive interventions;

- Joint training (including bilingual skills) for staff involved in fast responding to emergency/risk actions.

2.2. Joint early warning and emergency response activities (cont)

Main Objectives• To develop cross border business infrastructure and

services • To promote the image of the cross border area inside

and outside its boundaries• To support development of joint integrated tourism

products based on the comparative advantages of the cross border area

• To stimulate cross border cooperation between universities, research institutes and businesses

Priority axis 3: Economic Priority axis 3: Economic and Soc. Developmentand Soc. Development

Main objectives (cont) • To support the cross border sharing of information on

employment opportunities• To develop cross border training services for

employment, in connection with the integrated market needs

• To develop cross border linkages and exchanges between education/training centres

• To strengthen social and cultural coherence and co-operation among local people and communities in the programme area

Priority axis 3: Economic Priority axis 3: Economic and Soc. Developmentand Soc. Development

Priority axis 3: Econ. and Priority axis 3: Econ. and Soc. DevelopmentSoc. Development

Key-Areas

1. Support for cross border business cooperation and promotion of regional image and identity

2. Cooperation on human resources development – joint development of skills and knowledge

3. People-to-people actions

Budget: 22% of the resources allocated to the Programme

• Construction/rehabilitation/extension of business infrastructure facilities (joint logistical centres, trade centres, business incubators) directly serving the development of cross border business and trade;

• Refurbishment of existing business infrastructure facilities directly serving the development of cross-border business and trade;

• Establishment of centres for exchange of information on cross border economic cooperation;

• Support for cross border information services for SMEs (web-based information, newsletters, etc.).

1.1 Support for cross border business infrastructure development and promotion of cooperation

1.2 General networking to promote foreign investment and a positive regional identity and image

• Organisation of cross-border business events, facilitating the meeting of small and medium sized businesses (sectoral conferences, trade fairs, study tours, forums for searching partners and dissemination of information on the cross border cooperation results and projects);

• Joint workshops and seminars setting out the climate for creating robust networks for economic cooperation, identifying key issues and challenges for successful cooperation;

• Developing information networks for the promotion and communication of the area’s image;

• Multi-media promotion of area’s positive regional characteristics derived from surveys;

• Elaboration of strategies for managing the challenges of developing CB networks, network development capacity building and strategic

partnership building.

1.3. Promotion of cross border tourist networks and diversification of existing cross-border tourist services

• Support in creating, upgrading and improving tourist attractions;

• Support to establishment of cross border tourist development agency to coordinate and publicise the region’s tourist facilities and potential;

• Support to development of integrated tourism facilities, products and services;

• Regional studies to identify advantageous tourist products and target markets;

• Development and upgrade of facilities and infrastructure which enables a co-ordinated activation of cross border leisure activities;

1.3. Promotion of cross border tourist networks and diversification of existing cross-border tourist services (cont)

• Promotion and development of public cross-border infrastructure for tourism e.g. historic tourist roads, roads (including scenic routes) within tourism areas, roads providing access to these areas, walking and cycle paths, facilities for adventure tourism;

• Establishment of joint bilingual tourist information systems;

• Development of cross border bilingual tourist information signs;

• Establishment of common systems linking Danube/Black Sea tourism service providers;.

• Elaboration of research studies and data collection to support tourism and creative industries development, e.g. feasibility studies, mapping and environmental impact studies.

• Cooperation of universities, research institutes and SMEs in the field of R&D and innovation, development of joint scholarship programmes to researchers;

• Implementation of joint research projects, dissemination of information of the R&D results;

• Preparation of research studies for identifying market gaps, market opportunities and joint high value added products, processes and services and dissemination of results within the cross border area;

• Studies or surveys to identify positive advantages of the border area, emphasising its European dimension, research studies;

1.4. Promotion of cross border co-operation between universities, research institutes and businesses in the field of R&D and innov.

1.4. Promotion of cross border co-operation between universities, research institutes and businesses in the field of R&D and innov. (cont)

• Studies on area’s development trends and opportunities and their exploitation for common benefit (e.g. themes of general economic development in the context of intensified transport on the European transport corridors that cross the border area);

• Creation of a joint information base for the area collecting, identifying and publishing opportunities, contacts for activities of a cross border character;

• Transfer of know how and experience to identify best CBC socio-economic project ideas;

• Feasibility studies and elaboration of joint master plans and schemes, ensuring the necessary plan basis for territorial development;

• Creation of general marketing strategy for setting up and representing of positive regional identity and image.

• Cross border marketing initiatives to promote joint products, services and places of common interest;

• Joint promotions for regional products and services at trade fairs;.

• Creation of trade directories listing products and services in the area.

1.5. Joint marketing and promotion of cross border products

• Development of cross-border approach to targeting structural unemployment;

• Cooperation in employment services to establishing networks among institutions operating in the labour market for the provision and dissemination of information;

• Initiatives to reconcile differences between legal requirements by cross-border labour markets, economic and social systems (establishment of joint labour market monitoring and information system, elaboration of databases, exchange of information, experiences, best practices);

2.1. Support for a cross border sharing of information on employment opportunities

2.2. Development of specific training services for employment, in connection with the integrated market needs

• Support to the development of training and educational facilities of education institutions and vocational schools, directly serving cross-border co-operation in human resource development;

• Elaboration and delivery of specialised training programmes at vocational schools in sectors where lack of specific skills were identified;

• Training for early school leavers, for people with special needs, for example women returning to work

• Bilingual education

• Creation of special networks for knowledge, best practices transfer among education institutions to develop skills needed for future employment;

• Support for cross-border co-operation of higher education institutions in the fields of joint curricula development, exchange of courses, training programmes, in relation to future employment opportunities;

• Cooperation between universities/training centres, such as changes between teachers, development of joint courses

2.3. Development of cross border linkages and exchanges between education/training centres

• Small-scale collaborative projects and pilot actions between local organisations;

• Organisation of joint conferences, seminars and workshops in different fields;

• Actions to promote spread of good practice from “poles of excellence” to less developed areas in the border regions.

3.1 Support for development of civil society and local communities

3.2. Improvement of local governance

Co-operation between public administration bodies on themes of mutual interest, including harmonisation of local services, exchange programmes for administrative staff.

3.3. Increase of cultural, health and sporting exchange

3.4. Enhance of social and cultural integration of border area

• Renewal and maintenance of the regional cultural traditions;• Support of creating common products of culture and traditional crafts.

• Organisation of joint innovative and sustainable events in the field of culture, sports, youth, health, science, education;

• Protection of the national culture and protection of cultural inheritance and diversity along the border through supporting cross-border cooperation of cultural institutions (museums and theatres, libraries, community cultural centres) and events;

• Development of common cross-border undertakings in the area of education, sport and culture;

• Co-operation in cross border leisure activities.

Priority axis 4: Priority axis 4: Technical assistanceTechnical assistance

Main Objectives• To enhance the quality and coherence of actions under the

Programme• To provide assurance to Member States authorities and the

European Commission that the assistance is properly managed, monitored and accounted for

• To secure the best and most effective use of the assistance through effective and efficient implementation

• To ensure that the assistance is published in a manner that raises awareness and aids the development of the Programme; supports equality of access to the assistance and informs all audience of the Programme’s achievements

Key-Areas

1. Support for the implementation and overall management of the OP

2. Support to the communication and evaluation of the OP

Budget: 6% of the ERDF resources allocated to the Programme

Priority axis 4: Priority axis 4: Technical assistanceTechnical assistance

Thank you for your attention ! Thank you for your attention !

Ministry of European Integration - Directorate for Territorial Cooperation with EU Member States Cristina COLODEICIUCPhone: + 4021 311 41 91 – ext. 1967 + 40 749 196 144 e-mail [email protected]