The European Commission is organising on a workshop on how to access and mobilise directly managed EU funds (i.e. those managed by the Commission) to pursue implementation of the Action Plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area. The key financing instruments are those for the environment (LIFE+), the EU's research and innovation funding programme (Horizon 2020) and the programme to assist enterprises and SMEs (COSME). In addition, the European Investment Bank can mobilise its financing tools and expertise in support of suitable projects in order to further the Action Plan's priorities.

EU funds that are co-managed by the Member States (the so-called European Structural and Investment Funds: the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the European Fund for Regional Development, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Social Fund) can also be put to use in the implementation of the Action Plan. Operational programmes are being developed at national and regional level for the implementation of these funds. It will be important that they also take account of the Atlantic Action Plan.

Objective:

The objective of the workshop is to provide participants stakeholders in the Atlantic area with an improved understanding of how the proposed actions could be financed by directly managed EU funds, and to share best practice in the preparation of Operational Programmes.

Format:

The first (morning) session will cover, through presentations, funding programmes directly managed from the EU budget (e.g. LIFE+, Horizon 2020, COSME). The second session (afternoon) will cover, through a mixture of presentations and case studies, the planned use of European Structural and Investment Funds, such as the ERDF or the ESF, for the Atlantic area and will provide an opportunity to showcase examples of Regions that are working to integrate the Action Plan in their Operational Programmes. The second session will also include a presentation of the EIB and the role that EIB instruments can play in contributing to the implementation of the Action Plan.

Target audience:

- Public stakeholders and organisations (e.g. national, regional and local authorities) responsible for the preparation and establishment of spending plans (e.g. regional Operational Programmes) encompassing EU funds.

- Other stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of projects that can benefit from EU funding (e.g. research bodies, financial institutions, European and national associations, private companies).

Agenda

Reference documents: Action Plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area - Delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth [COM(2013)0279] of 13 May 2013.

Further details will follow.