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The Advisory Assistance Programme (Beratungshilfeprogramm) for Environmental Protection in Central and Eastern Europe, initiated by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) in 2000, aims to support EU accession countries in adopting and implementing European environmental law. It also promotes exemplary environmental projects in former Soviet Union states and fosters cooperation in the Western Balkans. Since 2015, the program has expanded to include Mongolia and Mediterranean countries, helping establish institutional conditions for sustainable development.
The program offers technical advice and administrative management through the German Environment Agency (UBA) and provides ongoing support for EU Twinning projects, environmental policy development, and the transfer of sustainable technologies. It particularly focuses on water and waste management, as well as projects raising environmental awareness, often led by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The program supports cross-border cooperation, model projects, and best practices in resource-efficient production.
Eligible entities include associations, research institutions, municipalities, public bodies, companies, and educational institutions. The funding is available for projects that contribute to the transfer and implementation of European environmental law, development of environmental policies, and preparation of environmental investments. Additionally, the program emphasizes fostering environmental consciousness through NGO-driven initiatives.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a focus on international collaboration. The program encourages partnerships between federal and state governments, with municipalities applying for funding through state authorities. By enhancing environmental protection, the Advisory Assistance Programme plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and advancing environmental governance in the wider European region.
Find the funding call website in german here.
Expected Outcome
The expected outcomes of the Advisory Assistance Programme (Beratungshilfeprogramm) are focused on enhancing environmental protection, fostering sustainable development, and building institutional capacities in the targeted regions. Key expected outcomes include:
- Adoption and Implementation of European Environmental Law: EU accession countries and neighboring regions are expected to successfully integrate and enforce European environmental regulations and standards, bringing them closer to EU environmental policies.
- Improved Environmental Governance: By developing and implementing environmental strategies and policies, the program aims to create robust institutional frameworks that support long-term sustainability in the partner countries.
- Enhanced Cross-Border Cooperation: The program seeks to strengthen international collaboration on environmental issues, particularly through joint projects that address shared environmental challenges and promote regional stability.
- Transfer of Modern Environmental Technologies: The program anticipates the successful introduction and adoption of resource-efficient and eco-friendly technologies in industries and sectors like water and waste management, leading to reduced environmental impacts and better resource conservation.
- Model Projects and Best Practices: The program aims to develop exemplary projects that can serve as models for other regions, showcasing best practices in environmental management and sustainable development.
- Increased Environmental Awareness: Through the support of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-driven projects, the program expects to raise public awareness of environmental issues and foster greater participation in environmental protection efforts.
- Preparedness for Environmental Investments: The program anticipates that the supported projects will pave the way for future environmental investments, particularly in infrastructure and systems related to water, waste, and sustainable resource management.
Overall, the program aims to drive significant progress in environmental protection, sustainable development, and cooperation in the targeted regions.
Scope
The scope of the Advisory Assistance Programme (Beratungshilfeprogramm) is to provide technical, administrative, and financial support to projects focused on environmental protection and sustainable development in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as other regions neighboring the European Union. This includes former Soviet Union states, Western Balkans, Mongolia, and Mediterranean countries. The program aims to:
- Support the adoption and implementation of European environmental law in EU accession countries by providing technical advice and guidance.
- Facilitate cross-border environmental cooperation through projects that foster international collaboration on environmental issues.
- Develop environmental policies and strategies by supporting the creation of sustainable frameworks, particularly in water and waste management sectors.
- Promote the transfer of modern environmental technologies to these regions, encouraging the adoption of resource-efficient and environmentally friendly production techniques.
- Prepare and support environmental investment projects, focusing on practical solutions to environmental challenges.
- Raise environmental awareness, especially through projects driven by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and increase public participation in environmental protection.
- Develop model projects and best practices that can serve as examples for other regions or countries looking to implement sustainable development practices.
The program targets a broad range of eligible entities, including associations, municipalities, public institutions, companies, and research or educational institutions. The continuous application process enables flexibility, and the program is managed by the German Environment Agency (UBA) under the oversight of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV).
The overall scope is to strengthen environmental governance, support sustainable development initiatives, and foster international cooperation on environmental protection in the targeted regions.