IPA Italy-Albania-Montenegro CBC Programme completed the evaluation process of the first call for proposals

The Joint Monitoring Committee of the Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro has completed the evaluation process of the proposals submitted in the framework of the 1st call for projects proposals.

The ranking list of the first call can be consulted here: http://www.europuglia.it/cte-2014-2020/it-al-me/bandi

Focus on quality was the key principle that characterized the evaluation process conducted for 190 project proposals by the experts of the programme. Other key aspects of the evaluation was the innovativeness of project proposals, their impact on cross border area, as well as the sustainability of the initiatives.

The Joint Monitoring Committee also decided to increase by 5 million euros the amount allocated to the first call, so the total budget available under the four priority axes is now around 30 million euros.

The projects in the ranking list will be financed as far as funds are available, taking into consideration the fact that some budget reductions will be done for each of the projects after the negotiations phase among the applicants and the Joint Secretariat.

Next steps:

• By 19 December 2017, the MA and the JS will invite to negotiation meetings the Lead Partners of some approved and financeable projects.
• From 15th January 2018, the MA and the JS will hold negotiation meetings with financeable projects
• Approximately from 25th January the MA and the JS will invite Lead Partners of further projects, in case budget will become available after negotiation meetings.
• Approximately from 15th February the MA and the JS will start the procedures for signing the subsidy contracts.

The Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme, co-funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), has a total budget of 92.707.558,00 euro (including 15% national co-financing). Italy participates with two regions: Puglia – which also acts as Managing Authority – and Molise; Albania and Montenegro participate with the entire territory. The objective is to promote economic growth and to intensify cooperation in the low Adriatic area, by implementing joint actions between national and regional institutional and non-profit actors and by fostering smart, inclusive and sustainable development.