Available Funding

The British Embassy in Skopje works with international and local partners to implement projects that facilitate meeting the Foreign and Commonwealth Office  objectives and strategic priorities. The Embassy applies for funding to the FCO in London, identifying projects that can access resources from the following funds:

• The Strategic Programme Fund (SPF) promotes action on global issues in areas of strategic importance to the UK, such as political transparency and good governance, capacity building of public administration, justice sector reforms and promotion of human rights, as well as functioning market economy.
  
• Diplomatic efforts to tackle drugs and crime are backed up, where appropriate, by funds for bilateral and multilateral project work from the FCO’s Drugs and Crime Fund (DCF).
  
• The Bilateral Programme Budget (BPB) is a devolved fund available for smaller scale projects in institution building, good governance and participatory and accountable democracy, minority rights, implementation of SAA/SAP requirements and European Partnerships. Project proposals can be submitted at any time throughout our financial year, which runs from 1 April to 31 March.

Caroline Flint's visit to Macedonia

Aplication Documents

The Project Bidding Form and the Guidance on how to fill out the application are provided in the links below:

• FCO Project Bidding Form [Word 145 KB, new window]
• Bidding Guide [Word 57KB, new window]

Relevant areas

Specifically, the FCO and the Embassy are seeking viable projects in the following areas:

Objective 1: To increase political transparency and good governance

The EU’s agreements and action plans with neighbouring countries place a strong emphasis on progress in this area. It is fundamental to political and economic development, to combating corruption, building investor confidence and paving the way for closer EU integration.

1.1     Legal and institutional checks and balances that improve transparency in political and economic policy-making and implementation established and in operation.
1.2     Mechanisms and skills developed and functioning that enable citizens to engage with elected political candidates/representatives and so participate in local and national political processes
1.3     Media capacity to act as an agent for transparency and accountability developed and mobilized.


Objective 2: To build capacity in public administration

Co-ordination of the legislative, administrative, operational and policy work demanded by the EU integration process is a formidable challenge. Governments need to review the scale and organisation of their human and financial resources and put in place strong systems for strategic direction and communication at central, regional and local level. This is a long process that may need to be supported well before accession negotiations begin. The UK is recognised as one of the most efficient EU "operators" and its expertise is in strong demand.

2.1     Structures, mechanisms and skills, drawing on UK best practise, in place for an effective and politically neutral civil service including transparent recruiting on basis of merit; strengthened business planning and performance management systems; effective financial and HR management
2.2     Structures, mechanisms and skills for planning and co-ordination of EU integration process established and operational
2.3     Best practice models of policy - making, service delivery and performance measurement introduced and operational in key areas of public administration
2.4     Players outside central government mobilised and co-ordinated to contribute to success of EU integration process.


Objective 3: To strengthen reforms in the justice sector and promote human rights

This is one of the most challenging aspects of the EU harmonisation process. There is already substantial investment in this area by the EU and others, but monitoring suggests that more progress is needed. Even where legislation and institutions exist, effective implementation can be hampered by poor communication and lack of trust. Joined-up working can have a transforming effect in safeguarding human rights, reducing corruption, increasing efficiency and winning public and investor confidence. Aspects of human rights and minority rights can be particularly challenging.
Successful social inclusion is crucial in many of countries we work in if they are to achieve political and economic stability and may be fundamental to the process of integration with the EU.

3.1     Mechanisms established and operational capacity developed to increase transparency of, and public confidence in, the judicial system, border management and law enforcement including through inter-agency and cross-border co-operation, to enhance effectiveness in combating organised and other serious crime
3.2     Mechanisms and models developed and operational and capacity building undertaken that act to reduce burdens on courts and prisons, including through inter-agency co-operation
3.3     Mechanisms in place and functioning, and capacity building undertaken to promote inclusiveness and a voice for marginalised groups, meet international human rights standards, and safeguard rights of vulnerable groups in the justice system.


Objective 4: To strengthen economic reforms in line with the Lisbon agenda

It is important for the success and continuation of the enlargement process to try and prevent, or at least lessen, the risks of opposition to and disillusionment with reform. This can stem from the unemployment and income disparity that may accompany economic restructuring. Promoting growth, job creation, innovation and productivity - the 'Lisbon Agenda' goals - is the key to overcoming this. For those closer to EU accession it can help create the conditions for strong economic growth and competitiveness post accession. It is a field where the UK is known and respected for its policies.

4.1     Effective and compatible structures for regulatory impact assessment established and functional
4.2     Regulatory environment strengthened and training delivered that improves the application of commercial and financial law
4.3     Mechanisms, policies and skills of local and regional authorities developed and functioning to lead economic development and access EU funds
4.4.    Promotion of Lisbon Agenda competitiveness goals (jobs, growth and productivity) along UK lines by at least 4 countries in projects related to innovation, skills, enterprise, labour or education
- To build capacity in public administration.
- To strengthen reforms in the justice sector and promote human rights.
- To strengthen economic reforms in line with the Lisbon Agenda.


General funding criteria emphasises long-term sustainable projects rather then short-term assistance. The British Funding Year runs from 1st April to 30th March, but multi-annual projects can also obtain approval.

For further information on FCO Programme Funding please contact Project Section at the British Embassy Skopje.

Contacts

Project proposals should be sent to:

British Embassy
"Salvador Aljende" 73,
1000 Skopje

or by e-mail to: Projects Section