The «Balkan-Meditteranean Programme 2014-2020» is a new Interstate Cooperation Program, resulting from the split of the Program «South East 2007-2013» as well as the strong will of the participating countries of the Program «Balkan-Meditteranean» to promote cooperation in the region. Five (5) countries, three (3) EU member states participate in the Program. (Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece) and two (2) candidates for EU membership. countries, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Priority Axis 1: Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Ensures an integrated, structured and comprehensive approach to effectively addressing the issue of fragmentation of markets and strengthening the business environment that could encourage further collaboration opportunities, through a comprehensive approach.

• Specific Objective 1.1: Competitive regions: boosting business performance and extroversion through transnational interconnections, clusters and networks

The aim is to provide support opportunities in order to improve the business environment in the program cooperation area, through a transnational approach involving new types of business models, supporting/exchange of ideas and encouraging innovation. It also aims to strengthen SMEs’ capacities for technology transfer to improve their competitiveness. Also, this specific objective will strengthen business activity through clusters/clusters.

• Specific Objective 1.2: Innovative regions: Improving at a transnational level the innovation capacity of the business sector.

This specific objective aims to provide sufficient support to SMEs to improve their ability to adapt to changing socio-economic and political conditions, by supporting/facilitating innovative business models.

• Specific Objective 1.3: Areas with knowledge: entrepreneurial learning and knowledge transfer to improve the competitiveness of SMEs

The purpose of this objective is to support business learning and improve the business skills of SMEs and their competitiveness through education, training, and guidance, so that SMEs acquire the necessary skills/tools to strengthen their competitiveness, to develop to other markets and introduce innovation in all phases of their business cycle. The ultimate goal is for SMEs to adapt their skills and prepare the new generations for the needs of the labor market.

Priority Axis 2: Environment: Aims at an integrated, holistic approach to improving the environment, enhancing sustainable development and creating sustainable growth and employment

• Specific Objective 2.1: Biodiversity: Promoting ecological cohesion and transnational integration of ecosystems

This specific objective aims to preserve and promote the natural and cultural heritage and to strengthen the capabilities of the competent bodies to develop an ecosystem approach that promotes the efficient use and exploitation of natural resources and cultural heritage. Emphasis will be placed on policies and strategies as well as management and coordination to reduce pressure on the environment in areas of natural and cultural heritage that are affected either by local factors or by the effects of climate change.

• Specific Objective 2.2.: Sustainable regions: Promoting transnational cooperation for more efficient use of resources and resilience to climate change

This specific objective aims to promote the transfer of technology and test applications for more efficient use of resources (water, waste, soil, air and energy) and resilience to climate change.

• Specific Objective 2.3.: Development of an institutional environmental framework: improving the capacities of governance at the transnational level

This specific objective aims to strengthen the capacities of public authorities and other involved bodies, in order to improve the implementation of the relevant environmental legislation and to strengthen environmental monitoring and governance.

• Education and training
• Employment
• Environment and Climate Change
• Natural and Cultural Heritage
• Public Administration
• Regional Development
• Research, Technological Development and Innovation
• Small-Medium Enterprises and Competitiveness

• Associations
• Central Government
• Chambers
• Educational Institutions
• International Organisations
• Local Authorities
• NGOs
• Non Profit Organisations
• Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
• State-owned Enterprises
• Training Centres

Marilena Αgiomamitou, Planning Officer, General Directorate of European Programs, Coordination and Development, +357 22602870, +357 22602890, +35722602820, mayiomamitou@dgepcd.gov.cy

http://www.structuralfunds.org.cy/edafikisinergasia

Managing Authority of the TNCP :”Balkan-Mediterranean 2014-2020”,65 Leoforos Georgikis Scholis ,Pilea , GR-57001,  Thessaloniki, Greece www.interreq.gr, Ms Nikoletta Tatari, Mr Themistoklis Chatzikonstantinou, +302310469600