TERRA programme: spatial planning projects
The European Commission, DG XVI, has launched a call for proposals under the TERRA programme for networks of local and regional authorities to carry out innovative and/or demonstrative pilot projects on spatial planning in specific areas, under Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation. The general aims of TERRA are to strengthen economic and social cohesion and promote sustainable development through the introduction of a cooperation network in the European Community. The network would carry out innovative and/or demonstrative pilot projects on spatial planning in areas whose specific features make them especially vulnerable. Networks must provide for participation by a small number of local authorities in the European Community that share specific geographical and/or structural features. Regional or local authorities in the Community can submit a project to the Commission for funding under the TERRA programme. Networks may be transnational, intranational or mixed, as appropriate. In the case of intranational networks, one or two local authorities from other Member States must attend as observers. Local authorities from non-member countries may participate in the groups provided that they bear all their own costs. Proposals may cover all activities directly linked to spatial planning for which the authorities participating in the project are responsible. They must be innovative in nature and/or be such as to demonstrate the beneficial effects that the implementation of spatial planning projects has on the cohesion and sustainable development of the regions concerned. Projects should last for a duration of between one and three years. Community funding for the projects must not exceed 55% of the total eligible cost in Objective 1 and 6 regions and 40% of the total eligible cost in other regions. In general, the Community contribution to the projects will range between ECU 1 million and ECU 3 million. Approximately ECU 20 million is available under the programme. Projects must not be in receipt of any other Community funding, of whatever source. An information sheet describing the context in which the pilot projects are to operate and containing an application form is available to local EC authorities from the Commission address below. The words "TERRA programme - Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation", the full address of the applicant and the desired language must be indicated. The information sheet may be obtained (only by fax) from: European Commission DG XVI - Regional policy and cohesion Unit A3 - TERRA programme - Article 10 of the ERDF Regulation CSM2 2/017 200 rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels Tel. +32-2-2992099; Fax +32-2-2950138/2950139/2950140 Proposals should be submitted to the same address.