EEA and Norway Grants in Bulgaria

Fact sheet - September 2012

Fund for Non-Governmental Organisations

Fact box Programme allocation: €11 790 000 Programme operator: Open Society Institute - Sofia (OSI) as lead organisation in a consortium with the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation Programme objective: Strengthened civil society development and enhanced contribution to social justice, democracy and sustainable development

Why we support civil society in Bulgaria Civil society across Central and Southern Europe faces many constraints and challenges. The economic and financial crisis continues to hit the sector hard. Sources of funding have been reduced with the crisis also increasing inequalities and social tensions. It is essential that NGOs are able to advocate for vulnerable groups, tackle rising intolerance and provide key services, particularly to the most deprived.

Vulnerable groups are also less likely to be formally represented or have an effective voice in public decision-making. Protecting human rights and empowering vulnerable groups, such as minorities and Roma, is a key concern for the NGO Fund in Bulgaria.

What the key priorities are Promoting democracy, human rights, good governance and transparency Combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination Advancing civic participation and civic engagement Tackling social inequalities, poverty and exclusion Promoting gender equality and combating gender-based violence Around 20% is dedicated to capacity building

Who will benefit The NGO programme will channel support to civil society organisations in Bulgaria. At least 10% will support children and youth organisations, or projects and activities for children and youth. While applicants need to be registered as NGOs in Bulgaria, entities from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway may participate as project partners.

Call for project proposals will be published on the website of the Fund Operator, Open Society Institute-Sofia and on www.eeagrants.org

What we will achieve Over the five years covering 2009-2014 (with projects running until 2016) support from the NGO programme will help to: Promote democratic values, including human rights Foster active citizenship and advance civic engagement Increase involvement of NGOs in policy and decision-making processes Empower vulnerable groups Increase the provision of welfare and basic services to the most deprived Strengthen the capacity of NGOs and develop their advocacy and watchdog role Develop networks and coalitions of NGOs working in partnership

Who we will work with Strengthening bilateral relations between NGOs in the three donor countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and Bulgaria is important; partnerships are encouraged in NGO projects under the Fund. Sharing and transferring knowledge, expertise and good practice helps build capacity and is mutually beneficial.

A total of €230 000 is set aside to facilitate bilateral cooperation between NGOs in Bulgaria and in the donor states. The Fund Operator will manage a ‘bilateral cooperation fund’ to facilitate project partnerships. Thematic workshops and an annual event will be organised to share experience and develop contacts and linkages. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee will facilitate contacts and cooperation with NGOs in Norway.

How we will work Results, transparency and accountability are the watchwords of the grant schemes. Working in partnership, we will ensure that the NGO Fund delivers value for money, and improve practices on monitoring, evaluation and transparency by:

Ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the programme Publishing clear, concise information about the programme on www.eeagrants.org

Fact sheet - September 2012

EEA and Norway Grants in Bulgaria

Children and youth at risk

Fact box Programme allocation: €7 860 000 Programme operator: Ministry of Education, Youth and Science in Bulgaria Programme objective: Improved well-being of children and youth at risk. In addition, the programme sets to strengthen the values and human rights standards promoted by the Council of Europe

Donor programme partner: Council of Europe (CoE)

Why we support care for children and youth at risk in Bulgaria As some of the most vulnerable members of society, children require particular protection. Despite European, national and international efforts to protect and promote the rights of the child, the situation of many children in Europe is far from satisfactory. According to the EU, almost 20% of children in the EU are at risk of poverty. In Bulgaria this figure is particularly high, with almost half (44%) of Bulgarian children living at risk of poverty or social exclusion.

The most vulnerable, such as children living in institutions for people with disabilities or in juvenile detention centres, can face numerous restrictions or violations to their rights. Every day, children are trafficked or fall victim to sexual abuse. The EEA Grants aim to address such threats and improve the well-being of children and young people at risk. The Council of Europe (CoE) will contribute with its expertise in minority rights.

What the key priorities are Improving school attendance, targeting in particular the Roma population Widening access to pre-school day-care (age group 3-6) for underprivileged and Roma families Training for pre-school teaching specialists and management staff to improve early multicultural education Establishing youth centres which meet the Council of Europe quality label standard Capacity building for Roma school mediators and pre-school teaching staff and local council workers

Who will benefit The programme will channel support to projects run by local municipal bodies and NGOs in Bulgaria, to benefit children (aged 3-6 years old) and young people from underprivileged, including Roma, families.

Call for project proposals will be published on the website of the Programme Operator, Ministry of Education, Youth and Science, and on www.eeagrants.org

What we will achieve The support will improve the situation for children from disadvantaged families, including Roma, in Bulgaria. Over the five years covering 2009-2014 (with projects running until 2016) support from the children and youth at risk programme will help to:

Establish 4 youth centres Refurbish or reconstruct 10 municipal kindergartens Provide training for 7 youth workers, Roma school mediators and experts from local institutions who work in youth centres in each project (N.B. all figures are indicative)

Who we will work with There is a strong focus on encouraging partnerships in projects. Almost €140 000 has been set aside under the bilateral fund to facilitate cooperation and contacts with partners from the donor countries. The Council of Europe will be involved in the organisation of seminars for potential partners to develop ideas and joint projects. A share of the fund will cover networking events and knowledge exchange between project promoters and entities in the donor states or with the Council of Europe.

How we will work Results, transparency and accountability are the watchwords of the grant schemes. Working in partnership, we will ensure that the programme delivers value for money, and improve practices on monitoring, evaluation and transparency by:

Ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the programme Publishing clear, concise information about the programme on www.eeagrants.org

Fact sheet - September 2012

EEA and Norway Grants in Bulgaria

Green industry innovation

Fact box Programme allocation: €13 699 000 Programme operator: Innovation Norway (IN) Programme objective: “Increased competitiveness of green enterprises, including greening of existing industries, green innovation and green entrepreneurship”

Why we support green industry innovation in Bulgaria Encouraging more sustainable production processes, product design and services is good for both the environment and business. However, small businesses in Bulgaria, as elsewhere, are often hampered by a lack of funding. Bulgaria’s performance in the field of green industry innovation is also below the EU average, plus the economy is the most energy-intensive in Europe. On the basis of this, Bulgaria has developed a new national investment policy with special focus on promoting the development of innovative enterprises. The EU has also recognised the need to increase support for green innovation in business in its recently launched Eco-Innovation Action Plan.

The Norway Grants are supporting the national effort to increase competitiveness of green enterprises, including the ‘greening’ of existing industries, green innovation and green entrepreneurship. Aside from the lower carbon footprint, the green push also makes economic sense. Businesses across the whole economy can save money through increased energy and resource efficiency. The world market for environmental products and services is growing every year and new markets are there to be exploited.

What the key priorities are Supporting innovative projects related to environmental technology, product and processes Stimulating business opportunities and increased use of eco-friendly technologies within sectors such as construction, transport, information and communication technologies (ICT) Capacity building and awareness-raising of environmental issues and innovation Training for Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs on the benefits of environmentally friendly production and technologies A small grant scheme is available to facilitate study tours to Norway

Who will benefit This is a new business development programme, primarily targeting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Projects should be implemented in partnership with Norwegian businesses and other Norwegian entities. With funding available until 2016, Bulgarian and Norwegian enterprises can enter into eco-innovation partnerships to develop new ‘green’ business ideas and solutions that make better use of precious resources and reduce the negative effects of our economy on the environment.

Call for project proposals will be published on the website of the Programme Operator, Innovation Norway, and on www.eeagrants.org

What we will achieve Over the five years covering 2009-2014 (with projects running until 2016) support from the green industry innovation programme will help to: Increase ‘green’ business opportunities and create a supportive environment for green innovation entrepreneurs Increase technological capacity of sectors with significant market potential - 50 new or improved products or technologies introduced to the market Provide 12 training sessions for around 300 employees from SMEs and young entrepreneurs to raise awareness on the benefit of environmentally friendly production and technologies. Modules to include issues such as green innovation, smart and green purchasing and corporate social responsibility

Who we will work with There is a strong focus on encouraging partnerships in projects. Innovation Norway will play a key role in facilitating networking and cooperation.

Over €200 000 has been set aside under the bilateral fund to facilitate cooperation and contacts with Norwegian partners. A share of the fund can be used to develop partnerships, prepare applications exchange experience, and strengthen co-operation between Innovation Norway and relevant bodies in Bulgaria.

Ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the programme Publishing clear, concise information about the programme on www.eeagrants.org

Fact sheet - September 2012

EEA and Norway Grants in Bulgaria

Capacity building and local and regional institutional cooperation

Fact box Programme allocation: €2 016 000 Programme operator: Operational Programme “Technical Assistance” Directorate, Council of Ministers Programme objective: “Strengthened institutional capacity and human resource development in public institutions, local and regional authorities through cooperation and transfer of knowledge with similar institutions and authorities in Norway. Cross-border cooperation shall be strengthened under the programme” Donor programme partner: Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) and the Norwegian Barents Secretariat

Why we support capacity building and institutional cooperation in Bulgaria Well-functioning public institutions contribute to social and economic development. Developing institutional capacity and modernising public administrations through cooperation and exchange of experience is an important activity within many programmes supported by the Grants. Supporting more efficient public institutions will help to improve service delivery for citizens and businesses in Bulgaria. The programme will also promote cooperation with neighbouring countries, Turkey, Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to improve statistical mapping on shared issues on concern.

What the key priorities are Strengthening institutional capacity and skills in public institutions and local and regional authorities through cooperation and transfer of knowledge between the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) and the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB), Improving knowledge exchange on cross‐border issues between the Norwegian Barents Secretariat (BS) and the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW).

Who will benefit Bulgarian public institutions, local and regional authorities will benefit from the programme. Calls for project proposals will be published on the website of the Programme Operator, Operational Programme “Technical Assistance” Directorate, Council of Ministers, and on www.eeagrants.org

What we will achieve Over the five years covering 2009-2014 (with projects running until 2016) support from the capacity building and institutional cooperation programme will help to:

Develop training courses to improve the skills of public sector employees and enhance the quality of services provided Upgrade NAMRB’s training centre to make the centre universally accessible and modernise the technical equipment

Strengthen cooperation between Norway and Bulgaria through the development of networks, knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices Increase accessibility of data on cross-border cooperation (CBC) and border issues with the establishment of a Data Centre and application of data visualisations tools – data to be compiled on a number of cross-border issues including smuggling and people trafficking, criminality, healthcare, demographics, cultural exchange, economy and infrastructure (transport, internet access etc.). Establish a data journalism training programme (target of 30 journalists) Harmonise statistical standards and methodology on cross-border data by increasing cooperation between statistical agencies neighbouring countries. Four annual conferences to be held in Sofia for partners from Turkey, Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Who we will work with Cooperation, knowledge and experience sharing can be key triggers in stimulating dynamic regional development. The programme as a whole will make a positive contribution to Bulgaria’s local and regional development capacity, with bilateral relations strengthened through cooperation and knowledge exchange between Bulgarian and Norwegian partners.

The two donor programme partners - Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) and the Norwegian Barents Secretariat – have been actively involved during the development of the programme.

Ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the programme Publishing clear, concise information about the programme on www.eeagrants.org

Fact sheet - September 2012

EEA and Norway Grants in Bulgaria

Judicial capacity building and cooperation

Fact box Programme allocation: €3 000 000 Programme operator: Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria Programme objective: A fairer and more efficient judicial system

Donor programme partner: Council of Europe (CoE)

Why we support judicial capacity building in Bulgaria It is often said that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’. The European Court of Human Rights regularly criticises European countries for lengthy court proceedings. It has also stated that Bulgaria needs to undertake structural reforms in order to respect the European Convention on Human Rights, the cornerstone for the protection of human rights in Europe.

The Bulgarian government has shown determination to deliver judicial reform and tackle corruption, but further action is needed. Support from the Norway Grants is enabling the Council of Europe (CoE) to assist Bulgaria with these reforms.

What the key priorities are Strengthening the justice sector through reforms Improving access to justice, especially for vulnerable groups (minors, victims, minorities) Increasing the efficiency of the courts systems, including improved case handling systems Increasing competence within the judiciary

Who will benefit Legal professionals (i.e. magistrates, lawyers and court staff) will directly benefit from training and capacity building. NGOs dealing with human rights will also be able to make use of training materials developed. Vulnerable groups, in particular the Roma population will benefit from a legal aid scheme.

Calls for project proposals will be published on the website of the Programme Operator, Ministry of Justice and on www.eeagrants.org

What we will achieve Over the five years covering 2009-2014 (with projects running until 2016) support from the judicial capacity building programme will help to:

Support the development of a number of training activities and study visits. Trained legal professionals will then conduct their own training sessions and be part of a pool of experts Support nine Bulgarian judges with a 6–12 months training experience in Strasbourg participating in the work of the Registry of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)

Translate relevant case law covering Bulgaria at the ECtHR into Bulgarian and make accessible through a public web-site Establish a legal aid scheme in two Bulgarian cities to improve access to justice for the ethnic Roma population

Who we will work with Over €50 000 is set aside for a bilateral fund to facilitate cooperation and contacts with Norwegian entities. As donor programme partner, the Council of Europe has actively participated in the development of the programme, lending its expertise and experience. Experts from the CoE will work with Bulgarian institutions to increase their knowledge of the European Convention of Human Rights.

Other relevant Norwegian organisations may be involved as project partners.

Ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the programme Publishing clear, concise information about the programme on www.eeagrants.org

Fact sheet - September 2012

EEA and Norway Grants in Bulgaria

Correctional services, including non-custodial sanctions

Fact box Programme allocation: €7 000 000 Programme operator: Ministry of Justice of Bulgaria Programme objective: Improved correctional services system in compliance with international human rights instruments Donor programme partner: Council of Europe (CoE)

Why we support the improvement of correctional services in Bulgaria Dealing with growing prison populations and poor prison infrastructure is a challenge in Bulgaria, as in many other countries. The Norway Grants aim to improve prison conditions and prisoner rehabilitation as well as promote alternatives to imprisonment.

What the key priorities are Improving the Bulgarian system of correctional services in compliance with the international and European human rights standards Refurbishment of prison infrastructure Promoting alternatives to prison (e.g. by increasing use of electronic tagging etc.) Improving the quality of educational programmes and re-socialisation opportunities for inmates Improving prison staff recruitment and training

Who will benefit The programme will channel support to projects benefiting in particular vulnerable prisoners (which include juvenile offenders, female prisoners, prisoners with psychiatric mental needs), prisoners on probation as well as prison staff, magistrates, and NGOs who will have the opportunity to apply for small grants.

Calls for project proposals will be published on the website of the Programme Operator, Ministry of Justice, and on www.eeagrants.org

What we will achieve Over the five years covering 2009-2014 (with projects running until 2016) support from the correctional services programme will help to: refurbish six buildings: two prisons; one investigation detention facility and a probation service office; two medical facilities; and one training centre provide effective electronic monitoring service for supervision of 180 offenders and improve the rehabilitation of offenders under electronic monitoring improve the competences of prison staff in counselling by training 35 psychologists

Who we will work with Over €100 000 is set aside for a bilateral fund to facilitate cooperation and contacts with Norwegian entities. As donor programme partner, the Council of Europe has actively participated in the development of the programme, lending its expertise and experience. The Council will also be involved in the organisation of conferences/workshops on judicial reform in Bulgaria.

Ensuring rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the programme Publishing clear, concise information about the programme on www.eeagrants.org