ENPI-CBC programmes: Regional Capacity Building Initiative (RCBI) II

Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC), a key priority of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)

Description

Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) is a key priority of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). Its objective is to reinforce cooperation between Member States and partner countries along the external borders of the European Union.

The CBC strategy has four key objectives:

  • to promote economic and social development in border areas;
  • to address common challenges;
  • to ensure efficient and secure borders;
  • to promote people-to-people cooperation.

The European Commission provides technical support to the CBC programmes, mainly by financing two projects, among one is the Regional Capacity Building Initiative (RCBI):

The RCBI project supports the partner countries in the preparation and implementation of the ENPI CBC programmes.

RCBI activities include:

  • information on ENPI CBC opportunities;
  • support to identify and develop projects;
  • help to find partners on both sides of the border;
  • training in project management.

Thus, the European Neighbourhood Policy was created as a response to the EU’s enlargement with the objective of ensuring regional stability between the enlarged EU and its neighbouring countries. The ENP therefore is meant to develop long term plans to support the development and security of Europe’s neighbours. The European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) is a fund that supports the programmes and projects that are aimed at fulfilling the policy’s objectives. The ENPI is effective from 2007 to 2013 and it features a Cross Border Cooperation component that covers 79 regions. Within this context, the objectives of the RCBI II are to:

  • Support the active involvement of all ENPI partner countries in the finalization of programmes and the establishment of management, control and audit systems;
  • Develop the knowledge and awareness of the possibilities of cross border and regional cooperation; and
  • Support the preparation of projects and the identification and development of new projects (through training and technical assistance).

Services

The expected results of the services include:

  • Individual regional programmes that reflect the specific need and priorities of the regions
  • Management and control structures and systems that comply with sound financial management principles
  • Increased level of awareness of cross border and regional cooperation
  • Increased capacity of partners to identify and prepare good projects
  • A sufficient number of good development projects are prepared and approved for implementation.