Multibeneficiary IPA – MB IPA
In addition to the European Union support to national reforms in the process of European integrations through pre-accession funds (Instrument for Pre-Accession – IPA), the EU is implementing a Multi-beneficiary IPA (MB IPA). Its objective is to support the sectors who seek horisontal cooperation i.e. across the sectors in several countries at the same time, and not as a national approach but as unambiguous support to regional cooperation per se. Geographically, this instrument covers Western Balkans and Turkey.
See here the list of 2007-2013 MB IPA projects related to social inclusion.
For more information see ec.europa.eu
Cross-border Cooperation Programme – CBC
The Cross-border Cooperation Programme is part of the regional/cohesion policy of the European Union. In addition to regional linking, it aims to develop national and local administrative capacities and structures for use of structural funds that will become available upon accession to the EU.
The EU regional policy is devised to improve economic and social cohesion and reduce disparities in the level of development of different regions. One specific feature of the programme of cross-border cooperation is its focus on the local level in bordering areas.
CBC programmes are implemented in almost all the neighbouring countries – with the EU Member States and those who are not member states as yet.
Serbia currently participates in CBC programmes with six neighbouring countries:
- Serbia – Croatia
- Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Serbia – Montenegro
- Serbia – Bulgaria
- Serbia – Romania
- Serbia – Hungary
For more information, see: www.europe.gov.rs
Macro-regional strategies
Macro-regional strategies are a new type of territorial cooperation initiated by the European Union. Currently, there are two strategies: the Baltic and the Danube strategies. Adoption of the Adriatic-Ionian strategy is expected in late 2014. A fourth macro-regional strategy to cover the region of Alps is also planned. Macro regions cover specific geographic areas on the basis of their geographic specificities, and include both EU Member States and the accession countries. The Republic of Serbia takes part in the Danube and the Adriatic-Ionian strategies.
For more information on the Danube Strategy see www.danube-region.eu and www.dunavskastrategija.rs
For more information on the Adriatic-Ionian Strategy see ec.europa.eu and www.interact-eu.net