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European Neighbourhood Policy in Action: Launch of Cross-Border Cooperation Programmes with Russia

20.11.2009
At the EU-Russia Summit on 18 November 2009, the Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and the Russian Minister for Regional Development, Viktor Basargin, signed the Financing Agreements for five cross-border co-operation programmes (CBC).

Those five financing agreements are central to the implementation of cooperation programmes between the border regions of the European Union and Russia.

The programmes have a total budget of approximately €437 million until 2013, and are funded by different sources: European Commission (€267 mio), Member States (€67 mio) and the Russian Federation (€103 mio). The cofinancing by the Russian Federation confirms the spirit of partnership at the core of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI).

There is a wide array of issues that can be addressed in Cross-Border-Cooperation programmes - examples include promotion of small and medium enterprises, business and trade, transport, technology, research, and tourism. The regions will address common challenges in the areas of environment, nature protection and renewable energy, culture or protection of historical heritage.

The innovative character of this kind of cooperation lies in its balanced partnership: for the first time partner countries and EU member states apply a single set of implementing rules, share one single budget and take decisions together within a common management structure. Common needs are identified by local partners on both sides of the border for activities that are most relevant to their local situation, creating an approach from the bottom and according to real needs.

The programmes involving Russia are:

Please click here for additional information on ENPI CBC in general

Please click here for more information on the five programmes involving Russia

 

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