The European funds are envisaged to be financial instruments that support the implementation of individual EU policies in the Member States. One of the most significant policies is Cohesion Policy, for which the European Union allocated € 376 billion from the budget in the 2014-2020 financial framework. In the 2007-2013 financial period € 347 billion was earmarked for the same purpose.
The European Union's Cohesion Policy is financed through 3 main funds:
1. COHESION FUND - is intended for Member States with a GDP less than 90% of the European Union average income for financing transport and environmental projects.
2. EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (ERDF) - aims at strengthening economic and social cohesion in the European Union and reducing regional development differences.
3. EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND (ESF) - promotes employment and job opportunities in the European Union.
Apart from the mentioned funds, the financial framework 2014-2020 also comprises the following:
4. EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL FUND FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (EAFRD)
5. EUROPEAN MARITIME AND FISHERIES FUND (EMFF)
These five funds are also referred to as the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds). The European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund are also known as the Structural Funds.
You can entrust us with the preparation of the project and the documentation required for applying your project in response to some of the calls for proposals to obtain grants from EU funds. In accordance with the investment needs, we will find an adequate call that supports the general and specific goals of your project. Calls are published and funds allocated by line ministries. The duration of the procedure from the application deadline to a grant decision is at least 3 months. A grant agreement shall be concluded within 30 days of the grant decision being taken.
The EU funds are allocated for the purpose of meeting certain goals and according to given rules, which means that projects that contribute to development objectives of the Republic of Croatia and the European Union are financed. Therefore, it is important to know that not every project can be funded with EU funds, regardless of the quality of the investment.
As a rule, EU funds cannot finance 100% of the project amount. The investor co-finances part of the activity cost, either with his own funds or with a bank loan. Similarly, the investor finances all ineligible costs (e.g. VAT, interest, depreciation, etc.). The minimum and maximum support that can be obtained is defined in the instructions for applicants. The funds received must be used for intended purposes for the costs incurred during the implementation of the project.
Services under EU funds include:
- consulting and drafting of project applications for calls from EU funds
- project implementation and reporting to competent authorities
- consulting as regards conducting the public procurement process