MED-URBS programme call for proposals

As part of its new Mediterranean policy, the Directorate-General for External Relations of the European Communities calls for proposals concerning the MED-URBS programme to promote decentralized cooperation between local authorities in the Community and those of Mediterranean ...

As part of its new Mediterranean policy, the Directorate-General for External Relations of the European Communities calls for proposals concerning the MED-URBS programme to promote decentralized cooperation between local authorities in the Community and those of Mediterranean non-member countries (MNC).

This programme aims to support local socio-economic development in MNC by helping to initiate or expand joint operations between local authorities in the Community and those in the MNC. To this end, the programme seeks to:

- Help create or improve trans-Mediterranean cooperation networks between Community and MNC local authorities;
- Foster the development of contractual partnerships and the establishment and development of lasting links between partners in the networks;
- Encourage the dissemination of experience and expertise in municipal administration and development within the networks.

The MED-URBS programme is open to associations of European local authorities and local authorities in the MNC which have been directly or indirectly elected by universal suffrage. Proposals must involve at least one MNC partner and at least two other partners from two Community Member States and must relate to urban development issues of common interest. The following subjects are priority areas:

- Environmental protection;
- Energy resources management;
- Urban planning;
- Municipal administration;
- Social and economic integration;
- Social projects;
- Management of human resources;
- Economic development;
- Urban transport;
- Local taxation
- Culture;
- Local democracy.

Proposals, which should include specific objectives and a detailed work programme, are sought for the following activities within the priority areas listed above:

- Training municipal management teams;
- Advice and consultancy work;
- Audits;
- Dissemination of experience, transfer or know-how;
- Communications;
- Local involvement in Community activities;
- Seminars and conferences.

Community financing may vary depending on the project, but may not exceed 80% of the total budget. All candidates will be informed of the result of their application within one month of the Commission's Decision on financing the programme.
Proposals must be submitted to:
Commission of the European Communities
Directorate-General for External Relations, Unit H/2 (Science 14 - Office 8/36)
200 rue de la Loi
B-1049 Brussels
Fax [phone]