Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
EUbulletin
Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
INTRODUCTION
In this edition:
CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION 2
News on Accession Negotiations between the Republic of Croatia and the
European Union
The Celebration of Europe Week
EU bus Croatia 2009 Tour
Celebration of Europe Day in Zagreb
Night of EU Cultural Institutes
Dear readers,
Conference “EU Enlargement: Five Years Later – Achievements and Experiences”
This edition of the EU newsletter is primarily Exhibition “A Borderless Europe”
dedicated to the European week celebrations and Days of European Union at the Faculty of Economy
the EU bus Croatia tour 2009, organised for the Young Students from Baranja – Winners of “My Idea for European Tomorrow”
third consecutive year by the Delegation of the Winners of Robert Schuman Annual Journalist Award for 2009 Announced
European Commission to the Republic of Croatia
and its partners – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NEWS FROM THE EU 7
European Integration, embassies of Belgium, the European Commission called the citizens to turn out and vote on European
Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Parliament election
Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Sweden and European Commission Publishes eYouGuide – a Guide to Web Use and On-line Shopping Rights
United Kingdom, as well as the towns and counties Easier Purchase of New Vehicles in Other Member States
that welcomed the EU bus on its tour. We want First European Week of Small and Medium-Size Entrepreneurship 2009
to express our gratitude to all those who have Life-Long Education Awards Presented
contributed to yet another successful EU week. European Commission Launches Internet Pages with Press Articles Dealing with EU Subjects
New Website – South-eastern Europe: People and Culture
In addition, we also bring you the usual overview of The Lorenzo Natali Prize Competition Opened
events, news and calls for applications.
Cannes Palme d’Or and four more prizes to films Co-financed by EU Funds
Maribor and Guimaraes – European Capitals of Culture for 2012
The Editorial Board
TENDERS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT 10
DID YOU KNOW? EU PROJECTS IN CROATIA 11
NATURA 2000 Project Results Presented on Cvjetni Square
Æ More than two million EU citizens have the
possibility to enrol in studies outside their Results of «Human Resources Development within IPA Program» Twinning Project
Presented
home country
Results of CARDS 2004 “Development of National Metrology, Standardization,
Æ Number 112 is ‘the uniform European Conformity, Assessment and Accreditation System” Program Presented
emergency number’. In the event of an
Presentation of Results of “Building of Institutional Capacities and Support to
emergency where assistance is required, you
SAPARD/IPA-RD Program Implementation in Croatia” Project
can dial 112 free of charge in any EU Member
State, including Croatia. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Launches Information
Campaign on IPARD Program
Æ Between 2007 and 2011, the Western Balkan
countries will receive assistance within the NEWS IN PICTURES 12
framework of IPA amounting to around 13
VISIT EU: THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN
4 billion EUR. This is the largest amount of
financial support given by the European NEW PUBLICATIONS IN THE EU INFO CENTER 14
Commission to any region in the world.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 14
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
News on Accession Negotiations between the Republic of Croatia and the EU
On 8 May, the Croatian Parliament ratified the Draft Agreement on the solution of the border dispute
with Slovenia, authorizing the Croatian Government to sign Commissioner Olli Rehn’s proposal. In this
way, Croatia formally accepts Rehn’s final proposal in the form it was presented, without amendments.
The Slovenian response to Rehn’s proposal was submitted on 18 May, albeit amended. On 27 May,
Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn met the representatives of foreign ministers of Croatia and
Slovenia in order to discuss the border issue and the continuation of Croatia’s negotiations on the
EU membership. Rehn’s spokesperson, Krisztina Nagy confirmed at the meeting that Commissioner
Rehn had received the Slovenian response to his final compromise proposal and that he welcomes
both countries’ commitment to the process of facilitation of the EU, approved by the Presiding
Trio and by the EU member states. Shortly, he will submit a report to the Presiding Trio in order to
conclude this process. The DG for Enlargement has recently received a formal reply from Slovenia,
which is currently being examined, although no official statements have yet to be released.
EU bus Croatia 2009 Tour
For the third consecutive year, the Delegation of the European Commission to the Republic of Croatia organized the EU bus Croatia
Tour. During its visit to ten Croatian towns, the passengers of the EU bus, through direct interaction with citizens, provided information
about the EU and Croatia’s accession process. The EU bus started its journey on 28 April from Supetar on the island of Brač and continued
towards Knin, Opatija, Krapina, Karlovac, Čakovac, Koprivnica, Virovitica, Vinkovci and, finally, Zagreb, where Europe Day was
celebrated. At info-stands around the bus, citizens could find brochures with information about the EU, its Member States, accession
processes, and pose questions directly to the employees at the stands. There was also a play area for children, where they could engage
in creative work or play with jigsaw puzzles, and everyone could take part in the EU Quiz with interesting daily prizes. In addition to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia, the partners of the project were embassies of the EU
Member States and towns and counties that the bus visited on its journey.
Despite the rain, the citizens of Supetar showed great interest in EU-related topics at the stands on the Supetar’s seafront, where the
Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the Republic of Croatia Vincent Degert, Hungarian Ambassador Peter Györkös,
Czech Ambassador Karel Kühn and other distinguished guests greeted the citizens of Supetar. Subsequently, the EU bus passengers
held a lecture at the City Library based on the European Union and Croatia’s progress towards the EU.
The bus then continued its journey towards Knin; stands were installed on Ante Starčević Square, and the Knin klapa music band was an
overture for the arrival of guests, who greeted and addressed the citizens, after which a lecture was held at the premises of the Croatian
Chamber of Commerce in Knin. In Lovro Monti High School, the students were able to take part in simulated accession negotiations
between Croatia and the EU organized by the Spanish Embassy.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
On its way to Opatija, on Wednesday, 29 April, the EU bus stopped in Rijeka to attend the exhibition STREET by the Hungarian artist
Schaár Erzsébet, which was opened by the Hungarian Ambassador Peter Györkös and town officials. The following day, the EU bus
parked its wheels by the Opatija market. After the introductory speeches, the Opatija Kindergarten and Society “Our Children” from
Opatija, implementing the EU-funded project Comenius – A Sense for Nature joined the event, and the students of the Food and Drink
Service Industry High School prepared European specialties for all interested citizens.
On 2 May, the EU bus made its next stop on Ljudevit Gaj Square in Krapina. The citizens were very interested in the stands, and various
members of the French-Croatian society Amitie Coucy-le-Chateau celebrated the event through dancing and singing.
In Karlovac, on 4 May, the EU bus made its way to the Franjo Tuđman Promenade. The program included several events. At the City Hall,
the representatives of the European Commission and MFAEI held a lecture on the EU for high school students. In the Youth Library, the
Dutch Ambassador Catharine Marie Trooster opened the exhibition “Croatia and Netherlands – joint future in Europe – the encounter of
the two identities” by Dan Oki. In the Zilik Art Gallery, the Belgian Ambassador Marc de Schoutheete de Tervarent held an introductory
speech and opened the exhibition of the International Ceramics Center – Janja Gora Atelier, containing works by Flemish artists created
as a result of cooperation between Janja Gora Atelier and the ceramics centre “Het laatste huis” from the Belgian town of Boom.
After visiting the first five cities, the bus continued its journey towards Čakovec, where distinguished guests greeted the citizens. The EU
bus passengers then held a presentation “Croatia on its way towards the EU” at the Međimurje Polytechnic. They also visited the School
for Civil Engineering and the EU-funded project REVETIS Centre. In the afternoon, an award ceremony for the competition “Seeing
Europe through Imagination” and county EU Quiz was organized in Scheier Hall by the country authorities, and various prizes were
awarded by David Hudson, the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EC in Croatia. The celebration also included performances by the
members of the Children’s Parliament, Tamburitza Band performing songs from Međimurje County, folklore groups and the “Žiga and
bandisti” band.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Reaching the 7th day of the tour, on Wednesday, 6 May, the EU bus Croatia 2009 visited Koprivnica. In Fran Galović Library, the “Service for
the Blind” project was presented, and an exhibition of posters named “Ortszeit” by Stefan Koppelkamm was opened in cooperation with the
Goethe Institute. Also, the Local Development Agency and Croatian Chamber of Commerce organized the Conference for Small and Medium-
sized Enterprises. A lecture was held for the students of Fran Galović High School, who expressed a keen interest for EU-related topics.
The next stop was Virovitica, where stands with autochthonous products were presented around the bus. At the County Hall, the EU bus
passengers held an interactive lecture on the EU, after which high-school students and citizens had an opportunity to pose questions
about the process of Croatia’s accession to the European Union and other EU-related issues.
The town of Vinkovci welcomed the EU bus and its passengers towards the end of the tour. Stands with indigenous Slavonian products
and an extensive all-day program of events attracted a large number of citizens to the town center. After browsing through the stands
with local products, guests visited an exhibition of students’ work from last year’s celebration of European Week in Vinkovci High School,
after which they held a presentation on the topic of EU and Croatia for high-school students and other interested citizens. A special
Euromagazine TV show, “Renewable energy sources and local community development: experiences from Great Britain” was also shown,
which was produced by Croatian Television and Radio together with the UK Embassy. In the late afternoon, the EU bus passengers took
part in a special Euromagazine show/Hrvatska uživo broadcast live to mark the European Week celebrations.
For more information on visit to each city, visit the pages of the Delegation.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Celebration of Europe Day in Zagreb
On Saturday, 9 May, the EU Bus Croatia 2009 ended this year’s Croatia tour in Zagreb. Citizens were
greeted at the Flower Square by the Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the
Republic of Croatia, Vincent Degert, and the Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs and European
Integration, Gordan Jandroković. The final celebration of Europe Day was complemented by a
celebration at the Bundek Lake, which included a sportive themed program With Sport to EUrope
which included a half-marathon race with roller-blading and running, and other sporting events. The
Head of the Delegation of the EC to the Republic of Croatia, Mr. Vincent Degert, won the bronze medal
in the half-marathon running race, and the winner of the gold medal was Goran Čegar from Serbia. As
part of the Bundek Lake celebration, the CD “Fly Up To Europe, Song of Hope” was launched, which
was produced by the Delegation of the European Commission. The concert included performances
by Jacques Houdek, Lana Klingor, Ivana Radovniković, Žanamari Lalić and Branka Delić, with Kikići
and Mali Sesvećani children choirs. On the main stage at Lake Bundek, the overall EU Quiz winner
of the entire EU Bus Tour was announced. Young Luka Miškulin from Mirkovci, was awarded with a
free foreign language course, lasting a term. Luka chose an English course and will start attending in
September. In the evening of this European Saturday, at 8 p.m., the Head of the Delegation Vincent
Degert opened the finals of the night streetball tournament at the Ban Jelačić Square by tossing
the ball high into the air. The tournament was part of a project organised by SINEKI association that
promotes good social values and encourages young people who live ‘street life’ to adopt such values.
To download the songs from the album ´Fly Up To Europe, Song Of Hope´ visit the pages
of the Delegation. Also, a copy of the CD can be obtained at the EU Information Centre
on Trg žrtava fašizma 6.
More info and photos from Zagreb events can be found at the Delegation website.
Night of EU Cultural Institutes
The Night of EU Cultural Institutes was organized at the Student Centre on 9 May as part of the
Europe Day celebrations. The event included the presentation of works by artists from six EUNIC
(European Union National Institutes for Culture) member countries: Austria, France, Italy, Germany,
Spain and Great Britain. Their common theme was questioning and examining the slogan of
the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009: “Imagine. Create. Innovate.” The works
involved various forms of artistic expression: performance, new media, video materials, video and
lighting installations.
For more information, visit the EUNIC website.
Conference “EU Enlargement: Five Years Later – Achievements and Experiences”
The conference “EU Enlargement: Five Years Later – Achievements and Experiences” was held
on Thursday, 30 April, at the Sheraton Hotel. Organized by the Delegation of the European
Commission to the Republic of Croatia in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
European Integration, the conference was attended by numerous representatives of the business
sector, public administration, non-governmental organizations and the media. The formal
opening ceremony featured the President of the Republic of Croatia, Stjepan Mesić, and the Head
of the Delegation of the European Commission to Croatia, Vincent Degert. In his speech, President
Mesić said: “We are aware that we have entered this process voluntarily, we know that significant
progress has been made and that changes are visible. We just have to make the final additional
effort to successfully “jump over the bar”. I will repeat here something that I have always stressed –
we are harmonizing the system and launching reforms for our own benefit, and not for the EU.”
More information on the conference can be found on the Delegation website.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
CROATIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Exhibition “A Borderless Europe”
On 30 April, as part of the celebration of European Week, the Delegation of the European Commission
to the Republic of Croatia organized an exhibition “A Borderless Europe” at the premises of the
Croatian Society of Fine Artists in Zagreb. Through photographs and posters, the exhibition showed
the evolution of the EU enlargement, starting from 1951 and the establishment of the European
Coal and Steel Community to today’s EU, consisting of 27 Member States: from the Treaties of Rome
in 1957, which are considered to be the foundation of the European Community, to all subsequent
enlargements, such as, for example, the creation of the Union in Maastricht in 1992, the introduction
of the euro and the accession of 10 new Member States from Eastern Europe.
More information on the exhibition can be found on the Delegation website.
Days of European Union at the Faculty of Economy
Within the framework of European Week, the Delegation of the European Commission joined the
project “Days of European Union: 5 Years After Enlargement – Experiences of New EU Member
States”, organized for the 10th time at the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb. The students had the
opportunity to discuss EU-related issues with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
European Integration, the Delegation of the European Commission to the Republic of Croatia, and
representatives of the embassies of the EU Member States.
For more information, visit the Faculty of Economics web pages.
Young Students from Baranja – Winners of “My Idea for European Tomorrow”
The winners of the “My Idea for Europe Tomorrow” competition organized by the Delegation of the
European Commission within the framework of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation were
three students in the 7th and 8th grade of the Popovac Elementary School from Popovac: Tena Mihajlović,
Dina Mihajlović and Ana Savanović, with the help of their colleague Egzot Gaši. These four students from
Popovac in Baranja presented in a sincere, playful and well-argumented manner their joint vision of
the future of traffic and transport. Through an image of frustrations during a potential journey from
Popovac to Zagreb and from thereon to Brussels and around Brussels, they have clearly portrayed the
current problem of inadequate traffic infrastructure, particularly in larger cities. The winners of this
competition, for which the Delegation received more than 70 works from almost all corners of Croatia,
will be rewarded with a trip to Brussels and a visit to one of the EU Directorates-General.
For more information, visit the Delegation website.
Winners of Robert Schuman Annual Journalist Award for 2009 Announced
The Delegation of the European Commission to the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian Journalists’
Association, for the 4th consecutive year, selected the winners of the Annual Robert Schuman
Awards for best journalistic items on EU-related issues and raising awareness of Croatia’s accession
to the EU. This year’s winners are: Lada Stipić Niseteo (EUkonomist) for print journalism, Silvana
Skočajić (Kapital Network) for TV journalism and Goran Vežić (STINA) for radio journalism. The award
ceremony took place at the premises of the Croatian Journalists’ Association in Zagreb as part of
the award ceremony for annual journalist awards of the Croatian Journalists’ Association. The EC
Delegation awards were presented to journalists by His Excellency Mr. Vincent Degert.
For more information, visit the Delegation website.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
NEWS FROM THE EU
European Commission called the citizens to turn out and vote on European
Parliament election
European Commission called the EU citizens to turn out and vote on European Parliament
elections held between 4 and 7 June in 27 countries. 375 million citizens are called to the polls
to elect the European Parliament. In a video message posted on his website, the President of
the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, urges people to turn out and vote. The video
is available in six languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian) on Mr
Barroso’s website and on the European Commission’s audiovisual portal. The written version of
the message is also available in the other 17 EU languages. The Commission President says that
although the Commission will continue to take the political initiative and make the necessary
proposals to deliver concrete results for citizens it is the European Parliament that makes the laws,
together with national governments. “You must choose the members of parliament that reflect
your views on how to tackle the challenges we face, because what Europe does will affect you
and your daily life.“ added Barroso. EU teams up with famous MTV on campaign „Can you hear me
Europe?“ to encourage young people to vote.
Whole speech can be seen or read on President of the European Commission, José
Manuel Barroso website.
More information on cooperation between EU and MTV is available at „Can you hear
me Europe?“ website.
European Commission Publishes eYouGuide – a Guide to Web Use and On-
line Shopping Rights
The European Commission has published this guide for European consumers explaining their
rights regarding web-use and on-line shopping. Although Internet shopping is gaining in
popularity, many consumers still remain sceptical concerning money transactions carried on-line.
EU regulations on the protection of consumers stipulate: easy-to-understand information about
the prices and conditions before ordering; the consumers’ right to decide whether and how their
personal data will be used; delivery of goods within 30 days from placing an order; the so-called
“cooling-off period” of 7 days from the day of placing an order, during which they are allowed to
change their mind about the purchase; a warranty period of no less than two years; protection
against dishonest sellers, unfair contractual terms and dishonest commercial practices. All these
rights are applied within the framework of any webpage ending with the “.eu” domain.
For more details, visit the eYouGuide website.
Easier Purchase of New Vehicles in Other Member States
From 1 May, 2009, the easier purchasing of vehicles is provided to EU citizens in any Member State.
The previous administrative restrictions discouraged cross-border vehicle purchases, but now the
process has been made considerably easier through the Harmonization Certificate. The certificate
is introduced through a new regulation passed by the European Commission, in accordance with
the Directive 2007/46/EC, and will apply to all new vehicles from 29 April, 2009. This certificate will
be mandatory for registration of all new vehicles in the EU Member States.
More information is available at the website of The General Directorate for
Entrepreneurship and Industry.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
NEWS FROM THE EU
First European Week of Small and Medium-Size Entrepreneurship 2009
The European Commission’s project “European SME Week 2009” took place from 6-14 May in 35
participating countries. The aim was to strengthen the entrepreneurial way of thinking, enhance
the EU image among entrepreneurs and promote entrepreneurship in general. This European
campaign is designed to facilitate access to information and advice for entrepreneurs and provide
them with support and ideas in order to successfully develop their businesses, as well as to present
entrepreneurship as a desirable career choice for young people. Within the scope of the European
SME Week, more than 1000 events were held across Europe throughout the year.
In Croatia, 41 events in almost all the counties took place within the framework of this project.
The activities were organized by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, European Entrepreneurship
Network, county-level Councils for European Integration, local development agencies, Croatian
Employment Office and other organizations. This has brought Croatia among the first ten
participating countries measured by the number of participants and quality of activities
implemented.
More information is available at the website of The General Directorate for
Entrepreneurship and Industry.
Life-Long Education Awards Presented
At the Conference on Creativity and Innovation in Life-Long Education in Prague, 18 projects
funded through the EU Education Program received the European life-long education awards
for 2009. Six “gold winners” from Belgium, Finland, Italy, Spain and two from Sweden showed
initiative in developing new materials and courses that help teachers become “life-long students”,
an innovative trans-national research network, draft of an adult education program for the Roma
minority, an educational project for students of circus skills, a language learning program for
adults with learning difficulties and an online interactive informative forum for theatre arts. The
conference presented the best ideas and also served as a forum to discuss how creativity and
innovation can contribute to the Life-Long Education Program of Europe, as well as to identify
mechanisms that would encourage entrepreneurship and cooperation between the education
system and business sector.
For more information, visit the Conference web pages.
European Commission Launches Internet Pages with Press Articles Dealing
with EU Subjects
The European Commission has launched multilingual Internet pages www.presseurop.eu where press
articles dealing with EU subjects in at least ten European languages will be published. In cooperation
with the international consortium, Courrier International, the goal of the pages is to offer the choice
of the best articles on EU issues published in the European and international press. The pages will
include a selection taken from 250 newspapers, weekly publications and Internet portals, including Le
Monde, Figaro, The Financial Times, The Economist, The Washington Post, Corriere della Serra and FAZ.
The articles will be selected by a group of journalists. Besides translations into ten languages (English,
French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portugese, Romanian and Czech), translations into 23
other official languages of the European Union will be ensured. The pages will be fully interactive, with
topic forums, on-line questionnaires with the possibility to comment on the articles published.
More information can be found on www.presseurop.eu.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
NEWS FROM THE EU
New Website – South-eastern Europe: People and Culture
The EC Directorate-General for Enlargement launched a new website “South-eastern Europe: People
and Culture”. The website is aimed at raising awareness of the cultural wealth of the EU, its candidates
for accession and potential candidates, as well as eliminating prejudices against them. The website
includes articles on the local music scene, film production, books, gastronomy and much more.
More information is available at the Delegation website
and http://www.southeast-europe.eu.
The Lorenzo Natali Prize Competition Opened
The Lorenzo Natali Prize is awarded annually to journalists for reporting on human rights and
democracy in developing countries. Created in 1992 by the European Commission, it was named
after Lorenzo Natali, former commissioner of the European Commission in charge of cooperation
and development and a well-known human rights supporter. His work largely contributed to
increasing the cooperation between the policies of the European Communities. The competition
is open to TV, radio, print and on-line journalists. The deadline for applications is 30 June, 2009.
For more details, visit the Delegation website and www.nataliprize2009.eu.
Cannes Palme d’Or and four more prizes to films Co-financed by EU Funds
“The White Ribbon” (Das weisse Band) Michael Hanekes film won Palme d’Or at the 62nd Cannes
film festival. Three more films were awarded: “A Prophet” (Un prophète) directed by Jacques
Audiard, “Fish tank” directed by Andrea Arnold, “Father of my children” (Le père de mes enfants)
directed by Mia Hansen-Løve while Charlotte Gainsbourg got the best actress award for film
“Antichrist” directed by Lars Von Trier. All this movies were Co-financed through the EU Media
Mundus Program. At the festival, as many as 17 films were shown, out of which 10 nominated
for awards were co-funded through the this program. These films received a total of more than
3 million EUR from the program fund. The Media Mundus Program provides financial support to
filmmakers and helps promote European audio and visual works around the world.
For more information, visit Delegation website and Cannes film festival website.
Maribor and Guimaraes – European Capitals of Culture for 2012
The European Commission selected the Portuguese city of Guimaraes and the Slovenian town
of Maribor as European Capitals of Culture for 2012. The French town of Marseille and Slovakian
town of Košice have been selected for year 2013. This year’s European Capitals of Culture are Linz
in Austria and Vilnius in Lithuania, and next year this title will be shared between the German
town of Essen, the Hungarian town of Pécs and the Turkish city of Istanbul.
For more details about the selection of Capitals of Culture, visit the European
Commission website
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Supply of Equipment for the National Customs Laboratory Network
The purpose of the project is to supply laboratory equipment in order to enhance the technical capacity of the Customs Laboratory to
take care of examinations in connection with export and import control, customs and excise taxation, and other tasks performed by the
Customs Laboratory in compliance with EU requirements.
The deadline for applications is 8 June, 2009. For more details, click here.
Support for Cluster Development
This project will perform a detailed inventory of current cluster initiatives. Also, training for cluster managers and local/regional
stakeholders will be implemented in order to increase the knowledge level providing for better development of current initiatives.
Through this operation, a cluster establishment methodology will be drafted and tested on pilot clusters using a top-down approach.
The deadline for applications is 15 June, 2009. For more details, click here.
E-business Competitiveness Improvement Programme
This project will contribute to the greater utilization of e-business and e-commerce opportunities by SMEs in the target regions through
the delivery of quality information, training and advice to SMEs on ICT through Business Support Centres.
The deadline for applications is 23 June, 2009. For more details, click here.
Reinforcement of Institutional and Administrative Capacity for the Croatian Telecommunications Agency
This project is focused on developing the operational capacity of the CTA and ensuring its ability to monitor enforcement of the acquis.
As a follow up of CARDS, this project will continue to provide support to the Agency in the process of human resources development
and with specific know-how in critical areas, with focus on the development and implementation of the cost accounting model, which
has been recognized as a priority.
The deadline for applications is 30 June, 2009. For more details, click here.
Business Related Infrastructure Grant Scheme
The Central Finance and Contracting Agency is seeking proposals for investment into business-related infrastructure, as well as investment
into the accompanying services in Croatia’s counties designated within the Regional Competitiveness Operational Programme as
“lagging behind regions” (Virovitica-Podravina, Vukovar-Srijem, Brod-Posavina, Sisak-Moslavina, Šibenik-Knin, Osijek-Baranja, Lika-Senj,
Požega-Slavonia, Karlovac and Zadar) through financial assistance from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA).
The deadline for applications is 1 September, 2009. For more details, click here.
Supply of Equipment for Strenghtening the administrative capacity of the institutions related to work and
safety at work
The purpose of this project is supply of equipment which will be done through three LOTs. Equipment in LOT 1 will be used to ensure
efficient IT working environment and easy communication on the field. Medical equipment in LOT 2 will ensure the quality of medical
exams and LOT 3 for vehicles will ensure the mobility of the inspectors.
The deadline for applications is 6 July, 2009. For more details, click here.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
EU PROJECTS IN CROATIA
NATURA 2000 Project Results Presented on Cvjetni Square
Marking Nature Protection Day and International Biodiversity Day, the environmental network
NATURA 2000 presented on Friday, 22 May the results of the NATURA 2000 Project in Croatia. It is
the world’s largest coordinated nature protection network, intended for the preservation of rich
European biodiversity which is becoming increasingly more endangered. This project creates new
possibilities for rural areas in ecotourism, agriculture and forestry activities which are harmless to
wildlife and plants, as well as recreation. Stands were also organized where visitors could obtain
information on the project participants, including the EU Information Center. A choice of the
autochthonous products of Croatian regions was equally available. The Head of the State Institute
for Nature Protection Davorin Marković, the Head of EC Delegation to Croatia Vincent Degert and
State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Zoran Šikić all welcomed the crowd. In order to join the
European network, Croatia, as an accession country, must declare its NATURA 2000 areas. The list of
such potential areas of this environmental network has been in preparation over the past year in
cooperation with numerous experts at the State Institute for Nature Protection.
For more information, visit the pages of environmental network NATURA 2000.
Results of “Human Resources Development within IPA Program” Twinning
Project Presented
The purpose of this twinning project is to provide support to Croatia in the implementation
of IPA (Instrument of Pre-accession Assistance) Program – Component 4 (Human Resources
Development), as well as preparations for successful implementation of the European Social Fund.
Besides participation of both sides (Ministry of Economy, Labor and Entrepreneurship – for Croatia
and RACINE – Agency for ESF program – for France), the project includes concrete support of the
services implementing the IPA program. The launched activities were presented, such as: current
situation analysis; the day of counselling for all the agencies involved; a workshop; a study trip to
Estonia as a new member of the EU; a manual for possible users of funds (grants). The final event
was opened by Mr. Oskar Benedikt, Counsellor at the European Commission Delegation to the
Republic of Croatia and Marija Tufekčić, Head of Central Finance and Contracting Agency.
For more information, visit the pages of the Delegation.
Results of CARDS 2004 “Development of National Metrology,
Standardization, Conformity, Assessment and Accreditation System”
Program Presented
On Wednesday, 20 May, 2009, World Measurement Day, a formal closing ceremony was held that
marked the official completion of the project within European Union’s CARDS 2004 “Development
of National Metrology, Standardization, Conformity, Assessment and Accreditation System” Program.
The project’s goal was to strengthen the national system, improve technical expertise and raise public
awareness of the importance of an adequate and functional national infrastructure of quality. The
main beneficiaries of the project were the State Metrology Institute (DZM), Croatian Accreditation
Agency (HAA) and Croatian Standardization Institute (HZN). The project is exceptionally important
for Croatia in the context of the process of the country’s accession to the EU. Croatia and the EU are
focused on the temporarily closed chapters in the area of free movement of goods – the internal
market – on which the infrastructure of quality plays an important role.
For more information, visit the pages of the Delegation.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
EU PROJECTS IN CROATIA
Presentation of Results of “Building of Institutional Capacities and Support
to SAPARD/IPARD Program Implementation in Croatia” Project
This EUR 4-million-worth project has achieved the following key results: completion and approval
of Croatian IPARD program by the European Commission; certification that the Agency for IPARD
meets the standards required for implementation of 3 measures of the measures from the IPARD
program for Croatia financed by the EU with EUR 103 million (the preparation of two additional
IPARD measures was completed, too); preparations for the pilot scheme providing farmers
assistance in landscape and environment management; establishing of local action groups in
order to implement the pilot application of LIDER approach in 3 selected areas and elaboration of
Local Development Plans in these areas; preparation of guidelines in order to ensure compliance
with specific goods regimes in the EU; more than 90 trainings and seminars and 6 study trips were
completed. The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Mr. Božidar Pankretić and
the Head of the EC Delegation to Croatia Mr. Vincent Degert addressed the crowd at the closing
of the project.
For more information, visit the pages of the Delegation.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Launches
Information Campaign on IPARD Program
IPARD is a new EU pre-accession program between 2007 - 2013, replacing the earlier pre-accession
program SAPARD. It is an integral part of the Component V (Rural Development) of the IPA
(Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance). The IPARD Program will be implemented through three
priorities: 1) Improvement of market efficiency and implementation of the Community standards;
2) Preparatory Activities for Implementation of Agriculture - and Environment-related Measures and
Local Strategies of Rural Development; 3) Rural Economy Development. By 2010, potential users will
have at their disposal approximately EUR 137 million for all IPARD program measures (with the EU
funds accounting for 75 percent of the amount).
For more information, visit the pages of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural
Development.
NEWS IN PICTURES
Winners of the Half-
marathon Race from
programme With Sport to
EUrope celebrating the
Europe Day
The first three winners from the
women’s and men’s categories from
left to right: Vincent Degert - 3rd
place, Marijana Lukić – 1st place,
Goran Čegar – 1st place, Suzana
Alberini – 2nd place, Smiljana Tomaš
– 3rd place and Andrej Vištica – 2nd
place.
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
VISIT EU
The Kingdom of Spain The visitor is immediately confronted
with a dilemma – to see the cities
With its culture and history, Spain has greatly influenced not only Europe, but
or to explore the nature. The two
also the world. The fact that more than 500 million people in the world speak
Spanish, 400 million people as their mother tongue and 100 million people as a experiences are completely different,
second language speaks for itself. except in one aspect – they are
fulfilling and exhilarating! The nature
offers all the beauty of Europe in one
place: from skiing on the Pyrenees,
to swimming and bathing on the
Mediterranean or Atlantic beaches,
adventures in canyons and wild rivers
and bird-watching in Navarra and
much, much more.
Numerous Spanish cities are included
in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List,
whereas the larger towns are infused
with the harmony of tradition and
modernity, although some visitors find
this combination almost incredible.
Just ask those who visited Barcelona!
For those who travel the world primarily
for shopping, Madrid is the place to be!
It is considered the alternative fashion
capital, where you can find the widest
choice of something “different” in
comparison to other world centers.
It might be best to end with a slogan
with which this country promotes itself
It is a country of strong tradition, developed countries in the EU, with a in the world and invites tourists: “Spain
which implies a presence of a GDP per capita equal to 73% of the EU- – more than a country!”
somewhat traditional spirit, but Spain 15 average (measured in purchasing
is nevertheless in many aspects a power parities) but adding up both More information can be
vanguard in adopting new liberal Structural and Cohesion Funds, Spain found on::
paradigms, in both art and social life. has received more than 91 billion www.spain.info
euros (at 2004 prices) over the last 20 www.justspain.org
Spain is a constitutional monarchy years. www.iberianature.com
organized in the form of a parliamentary
government and EU Member State since The capital of Spain is Madrid, and
1986. After a turbulent history, the other larger cities are Barcelona,
1978 Constitution declared the country Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Zaragoza and
a Western-type democracy. Spain Malaga. What should one do first when
was decentralized in 17 autonomous in Spain? What must be experienced
provinces and two autonomous at the beginning of your journey, and
cities, although with a strong central what to leave for later? Although the
government. Spain is one of the biggest Spanish people are very different, they
beneficiaries of EU membership. The have one thing in common – pride and
country started out as one of the less love for their part of the world!
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Delegation of the european Commission to the republiC of Croatia EUbulletin - Information and news, No 18, May 2009
NEW PUBLICATIONS IN THE EU INFO CENTER
Æ IPA Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, European Æ Phare 2005 Jačanje carinske uprave - Twinning project – TARIC,
Commission Ministry of Finance
Æ IPA L’ Instrument d’aide de preadheison, European Commission Æ Učenjem pomoći zemljama u njihovom razvoju, European
Æ L’impact de tempus III, European Commission Training Foundation
Æ Willkommen beim Europaischen Parlament/ 2008, European Æ Magazin Identitet - svibanj 2009., Serbian Democratic Forum
Parliament
Æ Welcome to the European Parliament, European Parliament An overview of other titles available
Æ Phare Programme for Croatia - Implementacija-podrška in the EU Information Centre can be found
menadžmentu Twinning /2009 in the electronic catalogue.
Æ Phare 2005 - CUSTOMS - Twinning project – Taric, Ministry of
Finance
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2 June, 2009 15 June, 2009
Workshop Impact of Counterfeiting in Croatia (Pharmaceuticals) Conference “Political system of the EU and Europeisation of the
Exchange information with stakeholders of SSTA contract Croatian politics”
EU Information Centre, Zagreb Organized by the Center for European Studies at the Zagreb Faculty of
* from 10am - 5pm Political Science
EU Information Centre, Zagreb
* from 9.30am – 11am
3 June, 2009
Workshop Impact of Counterfeiting in Croatia (Health and Safety) – 17 June, 2009
Exchange information with stakeholders of SSTA contract Closing visibility event TWL PHARE 2006 “Preparation for the
EU Information Centre, Zagreb establishment of the SIRENE office”
* from 10am - 5pm Organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP)
Ilica 335 (MUP premises)
4 June, 2009
Workshop Impact of Counterfeiting in Croatia (Organised Crime) - 17 June, 2009
Exchange information with stakeholders of SSTA contract Conference on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights
EU Information Centre, Zagreb of Persons with Disabilities in Croatia, with regard to the persons with
intellectual disabilities
* from 10am - 5pm
Organized by the Human Rights Center
EU Information Centre, Zagreb
4 – 7 June, 2009 * from 10.30am – 2.30pm
European Parliament Elections
In all 27 Member States 18 and 19 June, 2009
The session of the European Council, Bruxelles
8 June 2009
Closing visibility event PHARE 2005 “Improving access to education 18 June, 2009
and employment opportunities for the Roma national minority in Closing visibility event of Business related infrastructure grant scheme
Croatia” EU Information Centre, Zagreb
* from 11am – 3pm
EU Information Centre, Zagreb
* from 8.30am – 1.30pm
30 June, 2009
TW Project Market Surveillance System in the Field of Technical
12 and 13 June, 2009 Products - Conference on cooperation between MSA and CABs (pilot
Conference on Agriculture and Enlargement public campaign 2)
Organized by the European Commission Directorate General for Agriculture EU Information Centre, Zagreb
Hotel Westin, Zagreb * from 10am – 1pm
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