Announcement of the fourth round of calls for project proposals in 2024
We are pleased to announce the fourth round of calls for project proposals under the Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027. This round includes two parallel calls for regular projects and one call for small projects. The calls will be launched on January 9, 2024, and conclude on October 31, 2024.
The call package, including the Applicant guide and application documents, will be published in January 2024. To assist potential project applicants, we have provided the relevant details below for your reference.
1. Call for regular project proposals
The call for regular project proposals is open for all Programme Objectives. The submission of regular project proposals is done in two steps: first in April and second in October.
First-step applications are to be submitted in the Jems system between April 9 and April 30, 2024, by noon Eastern European Time (corresponding local time 12:00 in Finland, including Åland, Estonia, Latvia, and 11:00 in Sweden).
First decisions: Decisions regarding the first step of regular project applications will be made by the Monitoring Committee in mid-September 2024, and the list of approved project acronyms will be published on the programme website after the meeting, based on the Monitoring Committee’s decisions.
Second-step application phase continues for regular projects which will be selected to proceed to the second step. These projects must submit their applications in Jems between October 10 and October 31, 2024, by noon Eastern European Time (corresponding local time 12:00 in Finland, including Åland, Estonia, Latvia, and 11:00 in Sweden).
Final decisions for regular projects in the second step will be made by the Monitoring Committee in mid-February 2025.
Participating regions and expansion of the programme area
The participating regions cover the whole programme area in Estonia, Finland including Åland, Latvia and Sweden. Due to Russia’s military actions against Ukraine and the subsequent suspension of funding programmes with Russia and Belarus, the Central Baltic Programme will expand its geographical scope and receive additional funding. This expansion is anticipated to be approved by the European Commission by the end of 2023. As a result, cross-border projects from the newly included areas, namely Etelä-Savo in Finland and Latgale in Latvia, also can apply for funding.
In total, 40 MEUR will be reserved for the call for regular project proposals.
2. Targeted call for regular project proposals
Given the programme area’s expansion and additional funding*, this targeted call is crucial for fostering cross-border cooperation, particularly with our EU external border regions.
Consequently, this call is tailored for regular projects with a distinct requirement related to partnership formation: either the Lead Partner or at least half of the project partners must originate from the EU external border regions within the programme area:
- In Finland: Etelä-Savo, Etelä-Karjala, Kymenlaakso
- In Estonia: Kesk-Eesti, Kirde-Eesti, Lõuna-Eesti
- In Latvia: Latgale, Vidzeme
The targeted call is open for all Programme Objectives. The submission of regular project proposals aligns with the other call for regular projects and is also done in two steps: first in April and second in October.
First-step applications are to be submitted in the Jems system between April 9 and April 30, 2024, by noon Eastern European Time (corresponding local time 12:00 in Finland, including Åland, Estonia, Latvia, and 11:00 in Sweden).
First decisions: Decisions regarding the first step of regular project applications will be made by the Monitoring Committee in mid-September 2024, and the list of approved project acronyms will be published on the programme website after the meeting, based on the Monitoring Committee’s decisions.
Second-step application phase continues for regular projects which will be selected to proceed to the second step. These projects must submit their applications in Jems between October 10 and October 31, 2024, by noon Eastern European Time (corresponding local time 12:00 in Finland, including Åland, Estonia, Latvia, and 11:00 in Sweden).
Final decisions for regular projects in the second step will be made by the Monitoring Committee in mid-February 2025.
Up to 30 MEUR will be reserved for the targeted call for regular project proposals with partners from EU external regions.
*Disclaimer: Due to Russia’s military actions against Ukraine and the subsequent suspension of funding programmes with Russia and Belarus, the Central Baltic Programme will expand its geographical scope and receive additional funding. This expansion is anticipated to be approved by the European Commission by the end of 2023. This expansion will include the integration of two additional regions, namely Etelä-Savo in Finland and Latgale in Latvia.
UPDATE: Central Baltic Programme expansion and funding increase approved by the European Commission
3. Call for small project proposals
This call is for small project proposals with a project duration of up to 18 months. The maximum budget for a small project can be up to 213,550 EUR in total.
The programme specifically encourages the submission of small project proposals for two Programme Objectives as their results are likely to be achieved with the approach of small projects:
- Programme Objective 6 Improved Employment Opportunities on Labour Market
- Programme Objective 7 Improved Public Services and Solutions for the Citizens
The call for small projects is organised in a one-step application process.
The project application must be submitted in the Jems system between October 10 and October 31 2024, by noon Eastern European Time (corresponding local time 12:00 in Finland, including Åland, Estonia, Latvia, and 11:00 in Sweden).
Decisions will be made by the Monitoring Committee in mid-February 2025. Please note that decisions for both the small and regular project calls will be made during the same meeting.
In total, 2 MEUR will be reserved for the call for small project proposals.
TIPS FOR APPLICANTS
Here are some straightforward tips to help you succeed in the application process.
Start your idea now: If you’re keen on applying for funding for a cross-border project, start working on your ideas right away. Check out the advice in the section dedicated to applicants.
Join our support events: We organise events throughout the year to guide and assist potential applicants. Take a look at the list of events designed to help you prepare for the fourth round of calls: 2024 Applicant Support Events
Try the Partner Search Tool: Our new Partner Search Tool is a handy resource for finding partners across borders to develop your project together. Join the network, connect with others, and build collaborations.
Talk to us about your project idea: Consult your project idea with the Joint Secretariat already in the development phase. For starting projects, consider consulting with your National Contact Points to see if your idea fits the Programme. See our Contacts.
Read the important documents: To understand the challenges, activities, and expected results, read the Programme Manual carefully. Also, check out specific rules for the type of project you want to apply for. Remember, the call package, including the Applicant guide and application documents, will be published in January 2024.
We appreciate your attention to these details and look forward to getting your cross-border project proposals. If you have any questions or need more info, feel free to reach out.
