Cross border programmes
European Neighbourhood Partnership Instrument
The ENPI is a “policy driven” instrument. The framework of this instrument is provided by the existing bilateral agreements between the EU and the neighbouring countries. It is designed to target sustainable development and approximation to EU policies and standards - supporting the agreed priorities in the ENP Action Plans (as well as the Strategic Partnership with Russia, which was previously also covered by the TACIS programme). For the budgetary period (2007-2013), approximately €12 billion in EC funding will be available to support these partners' reforms, an increase of 32% in real terms. Legislative approximation, regulatory convergence and institution building will be supported through exchange of experience, long-term twinning arrangements with Member States or participation in Community programmes.
The ENPI will support cross-border contacts and co-operation between local and regional actors and civil society. The ENPI cross-border cooperation (CBC) programme will cover activities across the EU's external borders in the East and the South, with programmes for the period 2007-2013 receiving financial support of €1.18 billion. A summary of the Commission approach can be found in the ENPI Cross-Border Cooperation Strategy Paper.
The participation of EU member organisations in cross-border programmes is supported by the European Regional Development Fund under the third objective. The specific measures and objectives are described in the operational plans in each member state.