Report on decisions
At its fourth meeting, the Shadow MC 2027* confirmed the work plan for the new programme start-up phase and made important decisions for the implementation of the projects. Meanwhile, the Cooperation Programme document has been submitted to the European Commission, who is expected to feedback by May 2022.
Besides matters of procedural and administrative nature necessary for the correct management and control of the programme, the following was decided by the members of the shadow MC2027.
Interreg NPA 2021-2027 First Call for projects
The shadow MC approved the Terms of Reference for the First Call for projects. From 27th April, project applications to the new programme can be submitted via the new online monitoring system (Jems).
The submission period will close on 20th June and funding decisions will be made by the MC at their meeting on 29th September 2022.
Due to limitations in the structure of the electronic monitoring system, the shadow MC agreed that project applications can only be submitted under Priority 1 - Strengthening the innovation capacity for resilient and attractive NPA communities and Priority 2 - Strengthening the capacity for climate change adaptation, and resource sufficiency in NPA communities. The Shadow MC has the view to open for Small Scale projects under Priority 3 - Strengthening the organisational capacity among NPA communities to make use of cooperation opportunities from October 2022.
The shadow MC also concluded that participation of partners from countries outside the programme area will not be possible unless necessary guarantees at national level could be put in place, as demanded by the Interreg regulation. Currently, such guarantees are not in place for any country outside the NPA area. Inclusion of partners outside the programme area is exceptional and should be for the benefit of the NPA area. It is strongly recommended to contact the JS at an early stage in these cases.
In addition, the shadow MC approved the proposed simplification measures concerning the budgeting and reporting of Staff Costs and the Eligibility and Selection Criteria to be applied during the assessment of project applications. Detailed information about the above will be included in the guidance documentation targeted to the applicants, such as the Programme Manual. The shadow MC tasked the Joint Secretariat to finalise the Manual and publish it in connection with the call, together with other relevant documents such as the Application Form guidance and Instructions how to apply on Jems.
Composition of the Programme Bodies
Monitoring Committee
The Monitoring Committee (MC) is responsible for supervising the programme and its overall task is to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the programme's implementation. The MC is also responsible for the selection of project applications. Each programme partner country is represented on the committee and decisions are made by consensus. It was agreed at the meeting to nominate one national and one regional representative from each programme partner country to the Monitoring Committee.In addition, the shadow MC agreed to review the list of potential permanent observers during their next meeting in September 2022.
Regional Advisory Groups
The shadow MC decided that Regional Advisory Groups (RAGs) are to be established in each programme partner country. These groups will mainly have an advisory role in the assessment procedure of project applications, the members shall have different fields of expertise upon which they base their recommendations and will also promote and facilitate project development. At its next meeting the MC will agree on the Terms of References (ToRs) to be followed for the nomination of the members of the RAG in each partner country.
Regional Contact Points
The shadow MC decided that one Regional Contact Point (RCP) per programme partner country will be nominated to assist the JS with its information, promotion, and advisory tasks. The RCPs shall also provide technical support to the Regional Advisory Groups in assessing main project applications within the framework established by the MC. The RCP organization shall be appointed by the national authority and Terms of Reference for their work is to be approved by the MC at its meeting in September 2022.
The next meeting will take place on 29th September 2022.
*The Programme bodies for the NPA 2021-2027 such as the Monitoring Committee, the Regional Contact Points etc. cannot be formally appointed and act, before the Programme has been approved by the European Commission. In the transition period, there is a need for certain structures to ensure that necessary preparations are carried out, and that the programme administration is established and fully operational from day one. For this reason, the MC2027 is established as a shadow Monitoring Committee until approval of the Cooperation Programme.