Please, find below a selection of funding instruments and information relevant for the Priority Area 8 of the EUSDR.
EUROPEAN PROGRAMMES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Please find an overview over European programmes and opportunities presented by Marek Przeor, Team Leader – Cluster Policy, DG GROW, European Commission at the C2Lab Event on October 25th, 2023, in Brdo i Kranju, Slovenia in the framework of the Annual Forum of the EUSDR.
EUROACCESS DANUBE REGION
EuroAccess is a free online information and search tool for an initial overview of available project funding in various EU funding programs available in the Danube Region. It is used as a support for the implementation of the Action Plan of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). EuroAccess provides information on funding opportunities not only in the Danube region, but in all four Macro-Regions. More information:
Projects and Funding – EUSDR – Danube Strategy Point (danube-region.eu)
DANUBE TRANSNATIONAL PROGRAMME
The Danube Region Programme is a financing instrument of the European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), better known as Interreg. The Danube Region Programme promotes economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Danube region as part of the European Union cohesion policy. Its aim is to provide a framework for the implementation of joint actions and policy exchanges not only among nations but among various actors from different member states.
Second call for proposals
The Danube Region Programme will be launching its second call for proposals end of October 2023. Detailed guidelines and the application form will be available on the website. The call will be open until end of March 2024.
Webinars, information events and individual consultations will be organized to assist potential applicants with project generation and application process. Details of these events will be shared on the website and on social media.
For general advice on the programme and on eligibility requirements and national rules please contact your national coordinator and contact points.
SEED MONEY FACILITY
Seed money facility is a tool for kick-starting development of strategic projects and largescale initiative for the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. Priority Area Coordinators will be strongly involved by defining the thematic scope, in streamlining the content through workshops and in evaluating projects. Call will be open from mid-November to mid-March. Further information is to be published soon.
FURTHER INTERREG PROGRAMMES
European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), better known as Interreg, is one of the two goals of cohesion policy and provides a framework for the implementation of joint actions and policy exchanges between national, regional and local actors from different Member States. The overarching objective of European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) is to promote a harmonious economic, social and territorial development of the Union as a whole. Interreg is built around three strands of cooperation: cross-border (Interreg A), transnational (Interreg B) and interregional (Interreg C). Under the following link you can find all Interreg programmes relevant for the Danube region: Interreg programmes
ACCESS TO FINANCE -SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES
EU financing programmes are generally not provided as direct funding. Aid is channelled through local, regional, or national authorities, or through financial intermediaries such as banks and venture capital organisations that provide funding through financial instruments. To find such intermediaries, visit theEU Access to Finance portal.
EUROPEAN CLIMATE INITIATIVE
The European Climate Initiative (EUKI) was launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in order to improve climate action in Europe. The initiative aims to support organisations in EU member states and candidate countries in the Western Balkans in implementing the ambitious climate goals of the EU. The regional focus is on central, eastern and southeastern Europe, the Baltic states and the western Balkans. The EUKI supports cross-border projects on the topics climate-neutral mobility, climate policy, carbon removals and sinks, energy transition and climate-neutral buildings, just transition and sustainable economy.
The 8th call for project ideas is expected to start in November 2023. Find further information about the application process on the website.
HORIZON EUROPE FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding Programme for Research and Innovation. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The Framework is based on three pillars: “Scientific Excellence”, “Global Challenge and Industrial Competitiveness of Europe” and “Innovative Europe”.
Upcoming tenders and funding can be found on the website of the European Commission.
Get in touch with specialized assistance services:
The Enterprise European Network gives free advice on questions regarding your business. They can help you find and apply for EU funding programmes that can bring forward your research, innovation and business projects. Get in touch with your local contact point here.
Find the right help for your request using the assistance service finder on the Your Europe website.
FINANCING
CROWDFUNDING
Crowdfunding is a form of financing by a crowd that usually takes place online.
The aim of a crowdfunding campaign is to (partially) finance a project, so it can be implemented. Such a campaign always has a time limit and usually runs for an average of 4 weeks.
There are several forms of crowdfunding:
- Reward based – crowdfunding as a market test and pre-sale, funders receive material or immaterial consideration
- Equity based – microinvestments of many individuals, funders receive performance-based return
- Donation based – collecting donations via the crowd, usually without consideration
- Lending based – crowd as lender, altenative to bank loans, lenders receive interest
Crowdfunding has several advantages: Besides the financing as such it’s a good tool for a first target group analysis, it offers the possibility to get direct feedback and to market the products and at best it generates the first customers.
Find more information on crowdfunding on the following platforms:
