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IPA 2009 CROATIA PROJECT FICHE

HR2009-01-35-05

1. Basic information

1.1 CRIS Number:IPA/2009/21661 1.2 Title: Enhancing the Sustainability and the Development of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as Proactive Social Actors in the Implementation of the EU Acquis (under the Civil Society Facility)

1.3 ELARG Statistical code: 01.35 - Civil society

1.4 Location: Croatia

This is a national project under the Civil Society Facility.

Implementing arrangements:

1.5 Implementing Agency:

Central Financing and Contracting Agency (CFCA)

Programme Authorizing Officer (PAO): Marija Tufekčić

Address and contact details:

Ul. Grada Vukovara 284 (Object c)

10000 Zagreb

Phone: +385 1 4591 245

Fax: +385 1 4591 075 1.6 Beneficiary (including details of SPO):

The Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs

Senior Programme Officer (SPO): Igor Vidačak

Address and contact details:

Radnička cesta 80

10000 Zagreb

Phone: +385 1 4599 810

Fax: +385 1 4599 811

E-mail: info@uzuvrh.hr

Web site: www.uzuvrh.hr

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Financing:

1.7 Overall cost (VAT excluded)1: 3 125 000 EUR

1.8 EU contribution: 2 500 000 EUR

1.9 Final date for contracting: 2 years following the date of conclusion of the Financing Agreement

1.10 Final date for execution of contracts: 2 years following the end date for contracting

1.11 Final date for disbursements: 3 years following the end date for contracting

2. Overall Objective and Project Purpose

2.1 Overall Objective:

The overall objective is to improve the environment conducive to development and sustainability of civil society organizations in Croatia as proactive social actors in the implementation of the EU Acquis.

2.2 Project purpose:

The purpose of the project is to strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations to act both as proactive policy advocates and watch-dogs in important areas of EU accession such as democratisation, human rights, refugee return and integration of Serb minority, as well as providers of innovative social services in the areas of special State concern.

2.3 Link with AP/NPAA / EP/ SAA This project is following the Key Priorities set in the Council Decision on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Croatia and repealing Decision 2006/145/EC, and even more specifically it is contributing to the realisation of overall key priorities of the revised Croatia 2007 Accession Partnership, particularly in the parts referring to the reassurance of proper implementation of all commitments undertaken in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, especially commitments under Political Criteria, with an emphasis on Democracy and the Rule of Law. Moreover, it has a direct implication to the Croatia 2007 Accession Partnership document, which highlights the importance of effective implementation of the Joint Inclusion Memorandum (JIM), as well as an indirect implication on the Chapter 28

1 The total cost of the project should be net of VAT and/or other taxes. Should this not be the case, the

amount of VAT and the reasons why it should be considered eligible should be clearly indicated (see Section 7.6)

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(Consumer and Health Protection) which stipulates the development of the community-based services as an alternative to the institutionalization.

The key findings of the Croatia 2008 Progress Report (Brussels, 05.11.2008, SEC(2008) 2694 final) also stress out the importance of meeting of the Copenhagen political criteria. It identifies the progress in terms of civil society organizations’ role in the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights, rights of minorities, advocacy of refuge returns and integration of the Serbs minority, however at the same time it underlines that the civil society organizations “continue to have difficulty influencing policy debate and remain relatively weak in analytical capacity2. Besides, although there have been some positive developments with regard to the Serb minority, Croatia 2008 Progress Report indicates that there are still “ethnically motivated incidents which could have a detrimental impact on the willingness of refugees to return. Members of the Serb minority, including those who remained in Croatia during the war, face difficulties concerning access to employment, especially in the war affected areas.”3 Therefore, this project seeks to support CSOs to encourage a spirit of tolerance and advocate for appropriate measures to protect those who may still be subject to threats or acts of intimidation.

Furthermore, in the Chapter 2.2 (Human Rights and the Protection of Minorities), section “Civil and Political Rights”, the document stresses the need of further efforts in the field of socially vulnerable and/or persons with disabilities, especially in terms of de-institutionalisation and the support to inclusion of civil society organizations in delivering community-based services in order to become sufficiently developed for serving as an alternative to institutionalisation. This particular aspect of the social policy is set out also in the Joint Inclusion Memorandum and the related National Implementation Plan (whose effective implementation is one of important stipulation of the Croatia 2008 Progress Report), which encourages the inclusion of all participants, state administration bodies, regional and local self-government units, social partners, civil society, scientific and professional institutions, social welfare institutions, the media and other relevant agents, in the active fight against poverty and social exclusion. Furthermore, in the document’s Chapter 19 (Social Policy and Employment), the cooperation of the Government with the civil society organisations is assessed as not sufficient to create an adequate net of community-based services, addressing therefore again the aligning with the Political criteria – Economic and Social Rights. In the document Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2008-2009, which is accompanying “Croatia 2008 Progress Report”, in the chapter 3.1 (Accelerating the course of the Western Balkans towards EU membership), it is stated that „increased participation of civil society organisations in the reforms

2 Croatia 2008 Progress Report, page11 3 Croatia 2008 Progress Report, page 13

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undertaken in the enlargement countries is a strong determinant for the pace and quality of the accession process, as well as in attaining public support for accession4“. Elaborating on the key challenges of Pre-accession instruments, in the framework of implementing the renewed enlargement consensus, the Commission addresses the development of civil society as a key challenge. Therefore, this project addresses better communication with the public as a key principle of the renewed consensus on enlargement, complementing with Commission's efforts in promoting public debate about EU enlargement, both in the member states and the enlargement countries, carrying out communication activities for, among others, civil society organisations. The document also highlights the “Enlargement Agenda for 2008-2009”, targeting the acceleration of the pace of the Western Balkans towards EU membership, presupposes the increased participation of civil society organisations in the reforms undertaken in the enlargement countries as a strong determinant for the pace and quality of the accession process, as well as in attaining public support for accession; in that respect this project is complementary to Commission's efforts, with specific tailor-made approach to civil society development in Croatia. The conclusions of that document include the finding that the EU has made efforts to improve the quality of the enlargement process by giving greater focus to, among others, civil society development. 2.4 Link with MIPD

Support to the civil society is highlighted as a crosscutting issue of the Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) 2008-2010 for the Republic of Croatia. Specific references to the civil society dialogue and development are included in the description of each component of the IPA, in particular as part of the first Strategic Objective under IPA Component I which comprised the further improvement of Croatia's alignment with the political criteria, including a reinforced support to the civil society. Besides, under MIPD 2007-2009 for Croatia, support to civil society and minorities has been identified as on of the priorities under Political criteria, “as significant improvements in these areas are indispensable as a solid basis for full implementation of the acquis.” Namely, civil society development and dialogue has been stressed as the main vehicle for accelerating the implementation of legislation in the area of human rights and the protection of minorities, combating intolerance and encouraging reconciliation 5

This project is also complementary with the draft of the Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) 2009-2011 for the Republic of Croatia, which stresses that the “support to civil society will continue to benefit from a reinforced emphasis and will aim at assisting the Civil Society Organisations in developing, implementing and monitoring public and acquis related policies as well as raising awareness on the challenges of EU accession through integration into local,

4 Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges, page 10 5 Multi-Annual planning Document (MIPD) , page 14-15

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regional, national and trans-national networks.6” The document also puts an emphasis on the dialogue with the civil society organizations and their development which are supposed to be “of great importance to ensure the sustainability of measures taken as well as the broadest possible support for them through the different IPA components, this MIPD will put more emphasis on the activities that might be envisaged in these fields.7” The draft MIPD 2009-2011 puts reinforced emphasis on the political criteria priorities, especially on the support to civil society sector. The very first strategic objective under the IPA Component I - for which it is explicitly stated that it will be given more focus than under the MIPD 2008-2010 – envisages clearly “to further improve Croatia's alignment with the political criteria, including a reinforced support to the civil society.8” In Chapter 2.2.2 (Strategic choices for IPA assistance over the period 2009-2011), i.e. in the part that concerns political criteria it is clearly stipulated that “IPA assistance will further support Civil Society organisations in participating and contributing in developing, implementing and monitoring public and acquis-related policies as well as raising awareness on the challenges of EU accession under the political criteria, the economic criteria as well as in the implementation of the acquis where applicable, through intra-sectoral and cross-sectoral cooperation, partnership and networking on local, regional, national and trans-national level, the latter being carried out on a bilateral and/or multilateral basis. It will also aim at further supporting their efforts in order to promote legitimacy, transparency, effectiveness, plurality and accountability of the public administration9.” As regards results that are to be achieved by the end of the period covered by the MIPD 2009-2011, one expects (in the area of political criteria) the improvement in terms of the regulatory framework and institutional capacities at national, regional and local levels for effective consultation with the civil society. Moreover, it is foreseen that the “capacity of Croatian CSOs in participating, developing, implementing and monitoring public or accession related strategies and programs including through local, regional, national and trans-national networking is [going to be] enhanced10” As regards the expected results in the area of participation and the reinforcement of the capacity building of the civil society organisations, they will be measured against a “number of good practice examples of CSOs contributions in the wide spectrum of the challenges of EU accession, the number of successfully implemented projects as well as the number of established partnerships and networks, and the strength and sustainability of cooperation between Croatian and EU CSOs, in a broad goal of deepening civil society dialogue and exchanging experiences and best practices between civil

6 Draft of the Multi-Annual Indicaive Planning Document (MIPD) 2009-2011, page 2 7 Ibid., pages 9-10 8 Ibid., page 13 9 Ibid., page 15 10 Ibid., page 22

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society sector in Croatia and the EU member states and other candidate countries.11” 2.5 Link with National Development Plan (where applicable)

N/A

2.6 Link with national/ sectoral investment plans (where applicable) The Croatian Government adopted the National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society 2006-11 and the accompanying Operational Implementation Plan in July 2006 and February 2007, respectively. Ensuring more active role of the civil society organizations in the process of European integrations is one of the important goals defined within the Chapter XI (Civil Society Development in the International Context). The relevant specific objectives related to that goal include, among others: the establishment of formal and informal consultation mechanisms between the Government and CSOs regarding the accession process; the policy analysis and public debate on the effectiveness of the sectoral reform processes; the involvement of civil society representatives in the formulation of relevant national strategies and pre-accession assistance programs; the creation of preconditions for a political and civil dialogue on all possibilities and challenges related to the Croatia’s accession to the EU; and the creation of preconditions and open space for public dialogue (political and civil) on all the challenges and opportunities associated with the Croatian accession process to the EU. Furthermore, Chapter IV (Citizens’ Participation in the Croatian of Public Policy) outlines objectives which include introducing educational contents directed towards the adoption of values, views, knowledge and skills necessary for the active participation of citizens in democratic political processes. Chapter V (Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights) sets the objective to encourage the development and implementation of regional and local programmes of formal and non formal education for democratic citizenship and human rights through cooperation between public scientific and educational institutions with civil society organisations, and to apply domestic and best international practice in education for democratic citizenship and human rights. Furthermore, the National Strategy, in Chapter VIII (Financing the Support and Development of Civil Society), sub-chapter 8.2 (Conclusion of Contracts with Civil Society Organisations on the Provision of Public Services), stresses the objective of including civil society organisations as service providers in the implementation of reforms in the areas of social welfare, health and education, as well as in other areas, and to change relevant legislation to that effect, and at defining standards, priorities and criteria for signing high-quality social contracts, i.e. contracts with CSOs at the provision of public services. On the other hand, the objectives set within the sub-chapter 8.3 (Development of the Social Economy and Non-profit Entrepreneurship) of the National Strategy, among others, include the

11 Ibid., page 23

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promotion of programmes of social entrepreneurship and social economy the systematic work on the development of measures for capacity building and infrastructural support for all subjects of social entrepreneurship; and the encouragement of joint programmes of social economy by the public, business and non-profit sectors at local levels through public-private partnerships. Also, the capacity building of the CSOs for the future social service delivery is very much complementary to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare actions towards creating institutional framework for social contracting and compatible with the planned prospects within the IPA 2010-2011 IV Component and valuable preparation for the future participation in the EU Structural Funds, more particular the European Social Fund. The further implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development, and the related Operational Implementation Plan, continues to be the key priority also of the 2008 National Programme for the Integration of the Republic of Croatia into the European Union, in the area of Freedom of Association, likewise during previous years.

o Description of project

3.1 Background and justification: At the state administration level, there is a three-pillar institutional framework for the cooperation with the civil society sector: the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs, the Council for Civil Society Development and the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, each fulfilling its distinctive role. The above-mentioned Government’s National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development is based on a broad consensus among civil society and government representatives, about the strategic priorities in the period 2006-11. The implementation of the measures, proposed by the Strategy, should ensure adequate legislative, administrative and social conditions for the development and agency of civil society, as a fully independent and highly relevant social agent for social innovation, promotion of participatory democracy, protection of human rights and competent and efficient monitoring of public policies in the context of Croatia’s final phase of accession to the EU and its immediate aftermath. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have already played an important role in preparing for accession and advancing different sectoral reforms, both Acquis related as well as in regards to the overall promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. They have proved to be important vehicles for advocating tolerance, reconciliation and social cohesion in war-affected areas, but also providing important social services in the areas where the State does not have enough capacities or resources to act. The realization of the project relies on several important assumptions. Firstly, it is expected that synergy and complementarities with other EU IPA 2008-2009 projects

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(namely with IPA IV component) and other reform initiatives in relevant fields funded by bilateral assistance will be established. Secondly, efficient implementation of the Operational Plan for the Implementation of the National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development would need to be ensured, especially in respect to the specific measures related to improving the environment for civil society participation in policy dialogue, as well as establishing standards, benchmarks and priorities for contracting civil society organisations for the provision of social services. The project seeks to achieve the continuity of efforts in supporting valuable CSOs initiatives in the above-mentioned fields, therefore ensuring the sustainability of work of CSOs as key actors of social change in the forthcoming pre-accession and post-accession period. Ad-Hoc Evaluation of the 2003/2004 Decentralized CARDS Programme in Croatia highlighted the ever-increasing importance of EU funds to Croatian CSOs, due to the withdrawal of other international funding sources, which will contribute to their competencies to take part in post-accession development schemes. This needs to be taken into account, by designing future assistance schemes in a way that would ensure support for CSOs’ institutional development, with particular attention paid to bridging the gap in the capacities and ability to apply for EU funding between already well-developed national and regional leaders and smaller grassroots organizations. The experience of many smaller CSOs in new member states suggests that EU accession can result in adverse effects unless these CSOs are able to cope with a new funding situation. EU assistance has already proved to be critical in creating the economic and social conditions necessary for the sustainability of refugee return and integration of Serb minority in war-affected areas. Encouraging the spirit of tolerance and promoting further democratization, as well as the integration of minorities in the areas of special State concern is a long-term process and still requires special attention. Civil society organizations as key vehicles for introducing reforms in the mentioned fields need to be continuously supported.

By signing the Sarajevo Declaration in 2005, the representatives of the Governments of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and then Serbia and Montenegro, created the preconditions for mutual identification and settlement of refugee problems and obstacles existing in the region. This process was being supported by OSCE, EC, World Bank and UNHCR.

The recent data12 confirm the number of 79509 refugees from Croatia in the region, of which the largest number (69985) are those in Serbia. Then follows the number of refugees in Bosnia and Herzegovina (7163) and in Montenegro (2361). By March 2008, there were returnees in Croatia, of which were minority representatives’ returnees.13

As from the year 1991, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is active in the Republic of Croatia, offering help and humanitarian aid to refugees which

12 UNHCR Fact Sheet, available at: http://www.unhcr.hr/files/fact_sheet_200801.pdf. 13 UNHCR Statistic Report, available at: http://www.unhcr.hr/images/stories/statistics/dsu_en.pdf.

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were depopulated during the war actions in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The UNHCR Offices in Knin and Sisak, with the support of the European Commission, remain to be active only by July 2009. The aim of the UNHCR Croatia mission includes supporting and facilitating reintegration of refugees from Serbia, Montenegro and Herzegovina, as well as offer help to Croatian Government and to non-profit, non-governmental organizations, in order to develop refugee system compliant with international/European principles and practices. The UNHCR support to non-profit, non-governmental organizations includes the support through various legal assistance and local community integration projects. In the period from 1991 the non-profit, non-governmental organizations are acting as partners to UNHCR, assisting the refugee return process by offering counseling services, and by delivering practical organizational services of arrangements in the transport of household’s objects, as well as agricultural machinery. In the process of refugee return, the non-profit, non-governmental organizations were involved in providing assistance to refugees by intermediating with the administration bodies, and by representing them in front of the Court of Law. The network of partner NGOs is being supported by UNHCR in their work in the field of refugee return. The partners coordinate all the activities with the relevant state and local institutions, in order to ensure the respecting of relevant national norms and international standards. The support from UNHCR for the NGOs active in the field of refugee return, existing at the moment only in the area of Knin and Sisak, is to cease in July 2009.

In this context, this project also aims aims at providing of conditions for sustainable refugee return and integration of Serb minority, as one of preconditions for Croatia’s accession to the EU. In addition, CSOs have recognised a lack of direct inclusion of citizens in public policy creation process, as well as monitoring of policy implementation and lack of citizens’ knowledge on policy processes on EU level and on EU Acquis. More specifically, there is lack of knowledge and sensibilisation of citizens for acceptance of main EU policies in domain of human rights, democracy, rule of law, non violence policies, anti-discrimination and equal opportunities policies, social inclusion, peace building, especially in the areas of special State concern. While during previous years CSOs have build their capacities to participate in national public policy process, due to the speed of harmonisation process and acceptance of Acquis, citizens have often been left out from policy process on the level of participation, but also on the level of information and understanding the meaning of transition and harmonisation processes and main EU policies, therefore it is hard to expect their active contribution to creation and implementation of EU policies as well as to implementation of accepted Acquis. Although previous years CSOs have build their capacities for advocating and participating in public policy process related to harmonisation with Acquis, there are still insufficient capacities of CSOs to promote and provide innovative social services especially in the areas of Special State concern.

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According to the findings of Ad-hoc Evaluation Report of the 2003/2004 Decentralized CARDS Programme in Croatia, the relevance and impact of projects in the social service delivery sub-sector have suffered from the change of focus in the national social care policy and resistance to institutional change. The absence of government funds and a policy framework to support the roll out of its results has, according to the evaluation report, had a negative impact on the prospects of sustainability and replicating innovative approaches to social service delivery. The issue of CSOs as service providers to public services is also identified in the National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development which is being translated into a concrete government programme as from April 2009 when the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs has initiated inter-sectoral coordination in order to define standards in social contracting. The Proposal for the improvement of the system of contracting with CSOs for the delivery of social services of public interest is under development, and, with the formal involvement of all relevant stakeholders, is to ensure the long-term feasibility of social services provision initiatives, in order to ensure the sustainability of overall efforts for the reaching of EU standards of public service provision in terms of quality involvement of CSOs in service delivery. Therefore, CARDS 2003 – 2004 projects focusing on social service delivery by CSOs currently do not sit outside national priorities for the sector. Along with that, CSOs which are social service providers are advocating for affirmation of social contracting and for fostering social economy. Consequence of lack of financial support for development of social contracting resulted in lack of capacities of CSOs to promote and implement models of innovative social service delivery, especially in the areas of special State concern. This project will be a logical continuation of the CARDS 2004 Social Service Delivery by Non-Profit Sector – Grant Scheme targeted at the increase of the participation of CSOs in the delivery of social services. In order to be able to introduce new innovative models of social contracting in the areas of Special State concern, CSOs should be further strengthened in the field of provision of social services. Main reasons for the need for providing such support lay in the fact that CSO lack capacity and capital since many CSOs lack access to mainstream financing sources to capitalize their social ideas. Without such support, CSO self-financing initiatives would fail.

This support to new social service delivery initiatives by civil society organizations will be complementary with the planned activities under IPA Component IV.

Starting from the necessity for the development of services which would be better adapted to the needs of various beneficiary groups, the network of social services needs to be expanded in order to cover different areas in a more uniform way. With the aim to improve availability and the quality of services, they are being decentralized and deinstitutionalized to a greater extent, in order to provide the beneficiaries with services in their local communities (community-based services).

In order to ensure the complementarity of activities with the actions to be proposed by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare within the IV component

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of IPA, the consultations were carried out with the representatives of the Department for preparation and implementation of EU projects in the field of social inclusion. It was concluded that there is no possibility for overlapping of actions since the activity level of the project to be proposed by the two beneficiary institutions are significantly different: under the IV component of IPA the Ministry is proposing projects with the focus on the very institutional framework in the context of decentralization and deinstitutionalization of services, with the emphasis on current beneficiaries of state subsidies (such as long-term unemployed people) and with CSOs being only one group of potential applicants; the proposal by the Government Office focuses on the civil society sector with the focus on its capacities for the provision of social services, in the areas of special State concern, as relevant partners to other stakeholders in the social service delivery system and with CSOs being the key group of potential applicants.

Due to insufficient capacities, lack of information and geographical distance from main decision making bodies there has been considerable unbalance of capacities for public advocacy and social service delivery among national and regional /local CSOs (especially those active in the areas of Special State concern). This project will give an impetus to the sustainability of work of CSOs acting as independent advocates of strengthening of social cohesion, tolerance and rule of law, as well as providers of innovative social services in the areas of special State concern. 3.2 Assessment of project impact, catalytic effect, sustainability and cross border impact (where applicable)

The CARDS 2003 TA “Capacity building and grants to civil society organizations in social services” and the CARDS 2004 “Social Service Delivery by the non- profit sector“ were focusing on fostering the delivery of social services concerning the unmet social needs in the areas of health, non-institutional education and social welfare by CSOs in partnership with local government/public institutions and Croatian regional and local institutional service providers.

The implementation of majority of project under CARDS 2004 has been entirely completed, and the concern remaining is the one concerning the sustainability of provision of services and a long-term continuation of partnerships established with local governments and public institutes and institutions. In order to ensure the sustainability of efforts for the reaching of EU standards of public service provision in terms of quality involvement of CSOs in service delivery, the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs, in the context of implementation of the Operational plan of the National Strategy of Creation of Enabling Environment of Civil Society Development measures, has initiated inter-sectoral coordination in order to define standards in social contracting and the Working group has been established in April 2009. The working group is obliged to develop the Proposal for the improvement of the system of contracting with CSOs for the delivery of social services of public interest, and, with the formal

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involvement of all relevant stakeholders, is to ensure the long-term feasibility of social services provision initiatives.

The aim of the Phare 2006 “Enabling the Civil Society Sector for Active Contribution in the Pre-accession process“ (under implementation) is to support CSOs’ projects that contribute to successful accession related reform processes, meeting of political criteria for EU membership, implementation of the Acquis in, among others, the sub-sectors Democratisation and human rights through intra-sectoral and cross-sectoral cooperation, partnership and networking. It is expected that the results of the project will be the increased public participation in developing, implementing and monitoring of public policies at all levels and improved capacity of CSOs to influence public policy (due to improved intra-sectoral and cross-sectoral cooperation and increased understanding among the wider public and knowledge of CSOs on the accession process). In addition, the result will be the enhanced absorption capacity of Croatian CSOs assisting Croatia in the implementation of the Acquis in the subsector of Democratisation and Human Rights, namely, the anticorruption measures, local community mobilization and organising (for solving local problems, especially of marginalized groups and fostering dialogue and reconciliation), and protection of children rights and promotion of gender equality.

The overall objective of the Democratisaton component of IPA 2008 is to foster structured dialogue and formalized consultation between Croatian civil society organizations (CSOs) and Croatian state administration/EU institutions within the process of shaping, monitoring and evaluation of public policies at the national and EU level, with the aim to increase the effectiveness of the Croatian CSOs, acting as independent monitoring agents and advocates, in the policy fields where civil society dialogue is particularly valuable for Croatia’s successful accession to the EU. The results to be achieved include the enhanced specific expertise, flexibility and responsiveness of CSOs related to the multi-partner monitoring of anti-corruption measures and transparency / accountability of the public administration, and the strengthened contribution of the CSOs in the implementation of comprehensive anti-discrimination policy (sex / sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnic origin, etc.) at the national and regional level. The achievement of the above mentioned results are to be achieved through the activities of enhancement of the participation of the CSOs in monitoring of the implementation of the EU Acquis, in the field of fight against corruption and the overall transparency, openness and accountability of public administration bodies, and the strengthening of capacities/roles of the CSOs related to the monitoring of the implementation of the comprehensive anti-discrimination strategy.

Because of significant unbalance of capacities for public advocacy and social service delivery among national and regional /local CSOs (especially those active in the areas of Special State concern), the present proposal builds upon the former EU assistance, focusing specifically on the fields of sustainable refugee return and Serb minority integration in the areas special State concern as areas which were

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not to a sufficient extent affected by former civil society capacity building and advocacy assistance initiatives.

Support to building capacities of CSOs for monitoring and advocacy in the field of democratisation, human rights, Serb minority integration and sustainable refugee return at the local level, in the areas of special State concern, preferably in coordination and/or partnership with academic institutions, public institutes and other education and research based organisations (EU and/or national), will contribute to strengthening the role of CSOs in monitoring and advocacy of refugee returns and integration of Serb minority in the areas of special State concern. Furthermore, it will contribute to providing education for citizens in order to understand and accept main EU policies in domain of human rights, democracy, rule of law, non violence policies, anti-discrimination, equal opportunities policies and peace-building, and to raise citizens’ awareness of and capacities for active contribution to creation and implementation of EU policies as well as to monitoring and advocating for full implementation of adopted Acquis. Strengthening of capacities of CSOs for the implementation of innovative social services at the local level (especially in the areas of special State concern) would contribute to the establishment of social contracting model, and to the sustainable development of social services delivery. Innovative high-quality social contracting initiatives require the establishment of intra-sectoral and cross-sectoral cooperation and partnership networks on local, regional, national and EU level as well as the replication and multiplication of successful projects and effective participation in development of public policies related to social services delivery through social contracting.

3.3 Results and measurable indicators:

Result 1 – related to Activity 1:

Capacities of CSOs for monitoring and advocacy in the field of democratisation, human rights, minority integration and sustainable refugee return in the areas of special State concern are strengthened.

Result 2 – related to Activity 2:

The capacities of CSOs for implementing innovative social service delivery programmes as relevant partners of local institutional providers of social services in the areas of special State concern are strengthened.

Measurable Indicators relevant to both results include: - 50% increase in the number of monitoring and advocacy initiatives in the field

of democratisation, human rights, minority integration and sustainable refugee

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return in the areas of special State concern, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data14;

- 50% increase in participation of CSOs in the delivery of unmet welfare needs in partnership with local institutional providers in the areas of special State concern during the project implementation period, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data15.

3.4 Activities:

This project will be closely coordinated with the regional programmes (Partnership Actions) under the CSF on this subject.

(including inputs = precise list of contracts to be deployed in relation to it / including where applicable national-funded contracts concurring to the activity as well as identification of source of co financing funding and its availability) Activity 1

Grant scheme 1: Building capacities of CSOs for monitoring and advocacy in the field of democratization, human rights, minority integration and sustainable refugee return in the areas of special State concern.

Indicative grant contracts’ activities:

- Enhancement of the capacity of the CSOs for monitoring and advocacy of sustainable refugee returns and integration of the Serb minority in the areas of special State concern;

- Awareness raising activities on promoting tolerance, reconciliation and need of creating the economic and social conditions necessary for the sustainability of refugee return

- Advocating the implementation of the Constitutional Law on National Minorities and for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy and action plan on all forms of discrimination

- Creation and delivering non-formal education programs for democratic and active citizenship in domain of human rights, democracy, rule of law, non violence policies, anti-discrimination and equal opportunities policies, social inclusion, peace-building, youth policy in the areas of special State concern;

- Building partnership and coordination with academic/educational institutions and public institutes in delivering non-formal education programs for democratic citizenship and active citizenship in the areas of special State concern;

- Research activities and public/expert discussions in the field of human rights, democracy, rule of law, non violence policies, anti-discrimination and equal opportunities policies, social inclusion, peace-building, youth policy, especially in the areas of Special State concern;

- Direct assistance activities in the areas of special State concern;

14 To be established in a research which is to be carried out by the beneficiary institution 15 ibid

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- Sensibilisation and public awareness campaigns at local and regional level concerning transparency, rule of law, anti-corruption, anti-discrimination which will be follow up of IPA 2008 activities and outcomes;

- Public policy advocacy activities at the local level, especially in the areas of Special State concern

Activity 2

Grant scheme 2: Building capacities of CSOs for implementing innovative social service delivery programmes in the areas of special State concern.

Indicative grant contracts’ activities:

- promoting the widening of the scope of service provision by CSOs in the areas of special State concern, involving volunteers and promoting stronger CSO-local administration partnership

- strengthening the role of CSOs in improving social inclusion and improvement of living conditions for vulnerable groups in the areas of special State concern

- further developing non-institutional forms of social care for elderly and people with physical and mental disabilities in the areas of special State concern

- prevention of family violence and care for its victims in the areas of special State concern

- further development of palliative care services in the areas of special State concern through joint efforts of local institutional providers and civil society organisations

- training programmes for CSOs, local administration (especially front line service-delivery personnel) focused on introducing new models and innovative approaches to social service delivery in the areas of special State concern.

- encouraging the establishment and networking of local support centres for contracting CSOs as social service providers in the areas of special State concern;

- awareness raising campaigns on the advantages and benefits of contracting CSOs for providing innovative social services, but also fostering greater public participation and ownership of social assistance programs in civil society in the areas of special State concern;

Means - Management of Grant Schemes

The Project Implementation Unit of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs will implement the two grant schemes by means of an open call for proposals for each scheme, administered in line with the EC PRAG and IPA implementing regulations. Within both of the grant schemes, Grant contracts will range in duration from 12 to 24 months, while individual grant size will range from 50 000 EUR to 250 000 EUR.

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3.5 Conditionality and sequencing:

The resources for the implementation of the project will include the four staff of the Project Implementation Unit of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs and the staff of the Central Financing and Contracting Agency (in charge of project oversight). The co-financing provided by the Croatian Government will equal 10% of the EU contribution.

In line with the identified lessons learned from previous grant schemes for Croatian CSOs, (see Section 3.7.), there is a need for technical assistance to potential and actual final beneficiaries, with focus on the quality of project design, identified as critical for the attainment of project results. In order to ensure adequate number of applications of acceptable quality, there is a need for systematic outreach to potential project beneficiaries, particularly those CSOs that are located in Croatia’s regions, other than the capital of Zagreb. The Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs will use its own human resources, communication channels (website, email correspondence, organization of a series of public presentations) and its network of contacts with the CSOs countrywide to organize outreach and TA activities in the application phase.

In order to ensure high-quality monitoring of the project impact, the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs will conduct the baseline and end-of project assessment of the advocacy initiatives and organizational capacities in each of the two policy sub-fields addressed by the grant schemes. The assessment will be a collaborative endeavour with other national and international donor institutions, interested in on-going action research on the capacity and impact of the Croatian civil society. The data collected during the baseline assessment will be valuable for the preparation of other projects targeting CSOs’ organizational and advocacy capacities, both within the scope of IPA and as part of the Government support to CSOs in respect to relevant national strategies and programs.

Efficient implementation of the project is based on the assumption that the launching of project proposals and subsequent evaluation and budget clearing of the grant applications will be carried out without substantial delays. The application guidelines and management plan of the grant schemes will integrate the lessons learned, generated within the framework of the CARDS 2003-2004, PHARE 2006 and IPA 2008 grant schemes, in the field of civil society development.

Key milestones will be:

Open calls – within 3 months of the date of signature of the Financing Agreement for Grant Scheme 1 and 2.

Start of grants implementation for Grant scheme 1 and Grant Scheme 2 is envisaged within 8 months since the date of signature of the Financing Agreement. The planned closure of the contracting window is considered essential to ensure that implementation and disbursement is completed within the allowed disbursement period.

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In order to maintain the focus on the project objectives throughout the project implementation and ensure buy-in from relevant government agencies, the Project Steering Committee (PSC) will undertake monitoring of the project at the strategic level. The SPO will act as a chairperson of the PSC, which will meet on a six-monthly basis. PSC will include the representatives of the following institutions:

1. Central Financing and Contracting Agency, 2. The Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs. 3. The EC Delegation in Croatia, 4. The Council for Civil Society Development (member appointed by the

Council), 5. The Ministry of Health and Social Care, 6. The Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure 7. The Government Office for National Minorities

3.6 Linked activities

Previously implemented activities: CARDS 2001 “Capacity Building of the Civil Society Organisations in the

Areas of Special State Concern”, (500 000€) CARDS 2001 “Small Scale Operations”, (1 000 000€) CARDS 2002 “Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights”, (500 000€) CARDS 2002 “Social Service Delivery by the Non-Profit Sector”, TA (590

000€) USAID 1998 -2001 “NGO Development Programme”, (2 850 000$) USAID “NGO Legal Reform initiative", (200 000 $) USAID "CroNGO I - Support for Croatia's Non-Governmental Organizations"

2002-2005, (5 100 000$) DFID - «Building Strategic Partnerships between Government and CSOs», (900

000€) YouthNET – European School, Youth and Community Network. “Development

of Regional and International Cooperation of Organizations of Youth, Schools and Communities”, (300 000€)

Life III 2002 – “Building up a National Ecological Network as part of the Pan-European Ecological Network and NATURA 2000 (CRO - NEN),

CARDS 2002 “Social Service Delivery by the Non-Profit Sector”, Grant scheme (700 000€)

CARDS 2003 – Capacity Building and Grants to Civil Society Organizations in Social Services (500 000€)

CARDS 2003 “Support of Civil Society Active in the Field of Environment”, (200 000€)

CARDS -"Good Governance and the Rule of Law (CARDS 2003 - 500 000€ and CARDS 2004 - 700 000€)

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USAID "CroNGO II - Support for Croatia's Non-Governmental Organizations" 2005-2007, (6 700 000$)

CARDS 2003 "Social Service Delivery by the Non-Profit Sector”, TA (500 000€)

European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights "Micro-project scheme" (250 000€)

USAID - "CroNGO - Support for Croatia's Non-Governmental Organizations" (5 100 000€)

UNDP programme “Millennium Development Goals” (approx. 35 000$) USAID "CroNGO - Support for Croatia's Non-Governmental Organizations

2005-2007” (6 000 000$)

Current and prospective actions:

CARDS 2004 “Social Service Delivery by the Non-Profit Sector” (2 000 000€) CARDS 2004 “Support to Civil Society Organisations active in the Field of

Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development” (700 000€) PHARE 2006 “Enabling Active Contribution of the Civil Society Sector in the

Pre-accession Period” (3 000 000€) Community Programme “Europe for Citizens” 2007-2013 PHARE 2005 (Project Preparation Facility) “Capacity-building for the Council

for Civil Society Development and the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs”, 2008 (39 400€)

PHARE 2006 (Project Preparation Facility) “Capacity building for the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs in the monitoring and the evaluation of the IPA project”, 2008-09 (52 360€)

IPA 2008 “Enhancing the capacities of the civil society sector for the monitoring of implementation of the EU Acquis” (3 000 000€)

Continued public funding provided to advocacy oriented CSOs, primarily by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, Government Office for Human Rights and the Government Office for National Minorities.

In addition, the IPA Civil Society Facility – Horizontal activities (Regional and Multi-beneficiary level) will provide support to CSOs in the beneficiary countries and territories of the Western Balkans and Turkey through three areas of intervention (some of the activities have already been started):

- Technical Assistance (TA) to support CSOs by increasing their capacity, improving their democratic role (e.g.: policy analysis and advocacy; monitoring of state performance; building social capital; mobilising various actors to participate more fully in politics and public affairs) and promoting networks of CSOs across regional borders;

- People 2 People visit programmes to stimulate civic participation in the region by offering individuals and CSOs the possibility of participating in short-term visits to EU institutions and organisations, becoming familiar with a number of key EU policies and legislation and creating the opportunity for CSOs to interact and significantly influence public policy;

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- Partnership Actions that will complement the activities already launched under the national civil society dialogue programmes aimed at partnerships between one or more organisations locally and organisations in EU, and will focus particularly on the following sector priorities: Environmental Forum to strengthen NGO/EC platform/system of information and discussion; Environment, Energy Efficiency, Health and Safety at Work to develop networks and partnerships in the region and at the EU; encourage intervention and transparency of public administrations; and foster public awareness on good practices and legal measures; and Fight Against Corruption, Organised Crime and Trafficking to enhance transparency and public access to self-information, citizen awareness and participation, promote the rule of law; campaign for a greater accountability of public administrations; create structure for constant monitoring of implementation of reform; and develop CSOsnetworks.

3.7 Lessons learned

The above-mentioned Ad-hoc Evaluation Report of the 2003/2004 Decentralized CARDS Programme in Croatia16 has confirmed the ever-increasing importance of EU funds to Croatian CSOs, due to the withdrawal of other international funding sources. This needs to be taken into account, by designing future assistance schemes in a way that would ensure support for CSOs’ institutional development, with particular attention paid to the bridging of the gap in the capacities and ability to apply for EU funding between already well-developed national and regional leaders and smaller grassroots organizations. For the latter, the availability of project documentation in their native language is of particular importance.

The evaluation has identified several challenges related to the management capacities on the part of contracting authority, implementing agency and final beneficiaries, which need to be addressed in the upcoming pre-accession programs, in order to ensure their greater effectiveness. The delays in contracting have negatively affected the overall relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of approved projects, which had been designed as far back as three and a half years before the beginning of implementation, thus requiring significant and often improvised modifications of logframes, due to changes in local and organizational conditions. That has resulted in discrepancies between the original project fiche and the actual project proposals.

In general, the quality of applications and project design has, in many cases, been assessed as insufficient, due to a lack of systematic needs assessment and knowledge of project cycle management, in particular the development of meaningful logframes to be used as effective monitoring tools. In the scope of the

16 The Ad-hoc Evaluation Report of the 2003/2004 Decentralized CARDS Programme in Croatia, independent evaluation report by the ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd. being contracted under the PHARE programme.

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CARDS 2003/2004 program, the insufficient competencies of final beneficiaries have not been addressed by timely provision of the TA.

The key recommendations for future EU assistance programs for CSOs include:

systematic provision of TA to potential final beneficiaries in order to improve their project design skills;

provision of TA and further professional development of the staff of CFCA to monitor the contracts;

development of a set of interventions targeting CSOs’ organizational capacities, in the scope of IPA, with special focus on grassroots organizations throughout the country, in order to offer them a chance to actively participate in future pre and post-accession EU funds

The importance of timely investment in policy advocacy capacities of Croatian CSOs in the scope of IPA is highlighted in the independent interim evaluation report Sectoral Interim Evaluation of the European Union Pre-Accession Assistance. Country: Croatia. Sector: Social. Sub sectors: Civil Society, Minority Rights and Education17. The two major lessons learnt relevant for the impact of future assistance to policy advocacy CSOs are the following:

1. At the strategic level, the major threat to the sustainability of the civil society sector, policy advocacy CSOs in particular, is the withdrawal of the foreign donors' funding, which should be addressed by continued support through IPA and an additional government grant fund. The priorities for targeted support are network building on regional, national or sectoral levels; and projects supporting the development of NGO networks or platforms for specific sectors, which currently face organizational challenges (i.e., Roma, environment, social, and consumer protection).

2. At the operational level, the main challenges faced by the interventions in the civil society sector through PHARE 2006 and consequent IPA support related to a low level of public involvement in advocacy initiatives, and potential limited access to future pre-accession and structural funds, especially for smaller CSOs. In that respect, the interim evaluation recommends more proactive publicizing of the pre-accession grant schemes on part of the GOfNGO and the National Foundation for Civil Society Development, clearer guidance to potential applicants, the launching of public awareness raising campaigns on active citizenship and stronger involvement of the local government and the business sector.

17 Sectoral Interim Evaluation of the European Union Pre-Accession Assistance. Country: Croatia. Sector:

Social. Sub sectors: Civil Society, Minority Rights and Education, independent interim evaluation report prepared by the MWH Consortium being contracted under the Phare programme. Interim Evaluation Report No. R/HR/SOC/0802, 17 March 2008.

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4. Indicative Budget (amounts in EUR)

SOURCES OF FUNDING

TOTAL EXP.RE

TOTAL PUBLIC EXP.RE

IPA COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION NATIONAL PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION PRIVATE

CONTRIBUTION

ACTIVITIES

IB(1)

INV(1)

EUR

(a)=(b)+(e)

EUR

(b)=(c)+(d)

EUR

(c)

% (2) Total

EUR

(d)=(x)+(y)+(z)

% (2)

Central EUR

(x)

Regional/ Local EUR

(y)

IFIs

EUR

(z)

EUR

(e)

% (3)

Activity 1 x 2 000 000 1 800 000 1 600 000 89 200 000 11 200 000 200 000 10

contract 1.1 Grant scheme

Activity 2 x 1 125 000 1 012 500 900 000 89 112 500 11 112 500 112 500 10

contract 2.1 Grant scheme

TOTAL IB 3 125 000 2 812 500 2 500 000 89 312 500 11 312 500 312.500 10

TOTAL INV

TOTAL PROJECT 3 125 000 2 812 500 2 500 000 89 312 500 11 312 500 312 500 10

NOTE: DO NOT MIX IB AND INV IN THE SAME ACTIVITY ROW. USE SEPARATE ROW Amounts net of VAT (1) In the Activity row use "X" to identify whether IB or INV (2) Expressed in % of the Public Expenditure (column (b)) (3) Expressed in % of the Total Expenditure (column (a))

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5. Indicative Implementation Schedule (periods broken down per quarter)

Contracts Start of Tendering

Signature of contract

Project Completion

Grant scheme 1 Q2 2010 Q4 2010 Q4 2012

Grant scheme 2 Q2 2010 Q4 2010 Q4 2012

All projects should in principle be ready for tendering in the 1ST Quarter following the signature of the FA

6. Cross cutting issues (where applicable)

6.1 Equal Opportunity

Based on the fundamental principles of promoting equality and combating discrimination, participation in the project will be guaranteed because of equal access regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Specifically in relation to the issue of equality between men and women, Croatia’s population (2001 census) constitutes 51,87% women and 48,13% men, with those in active employment (based on the Labor Force Survey statistics, conducted in accordance with ILO methodology, for the second half of 2002) divided into 45,31% women and 54,69% men.

The members of the evaluation committees must consider the promotion of gender equality and equal opportunities in project proposals. The selection criteria for the grant schemes will favour projects which are to be implemented in the areas of special State concern.

6.2 Environment

N/a

6.3 Minorities Based on the fundamental principles of promoting equality and combating discrimination, participation in the project will be guaranteed on the basis of equal access regardless of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. In the scope of the Grant Scheme 1, significant representation of CSOs active in the field of the promotion of (Serb) minority rights is expected, in line with the expected result of strengthening the overall contribution of the CSOs in monitoring and advocacy in the field of democratisation, human rights, minority integration and refugee return in the local level.

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ANNEXES

1- Log frame in Standard Format

2- Amounts contracted and Disbursed per Quarter over the full duration of Programme

3- Description of Institutional Framework

4 - Reference to laws, regulations and strategic documents:

Reference list of relevant laws and regulations

Reference to AP /NPAA / EP / SAA

Reference to MIPD

Reference to National Development Plan

Reference to national / sector investment plans

5- Details per EU funded contract (*) where applicable:

For TA contracts: account of tasks expected from the contractor

For twinning covenants: account of tasks expected from the team leader, resident twinning advisor and short term experts

For grants schemes: account of components of the schemes

For investment contracts: reference list of feasibility study as well as technical specifications and cost price schedule + section to be filled in on investment criteria (**)

For works contracts: reference list of feasibility study for the constructing works part of the contract as well as a section on investment criteria (**); account of services to be carried out for the service part of the contract

(*) non standard aspects (in case of derogation to PRAG) also to be specified

(**) section on investment criteria (applicable to all infrastructure contracts and constructing works):

• Rate of return

• Co financing

• compliance with state aids provisions

• Ownership of assets (current and after project completion)

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ANNEX 1: Logical framework matrix in standard format

Enhancing the Sustainability and the Development of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as Proactive Social Actors in the Implementation of the EU Acquis

Programme name and number IPA 2009

Contracting period expires: 2 years following the date of conclusion of the Financing Agreement

Disbursement period expires: 3 years following the end date for contracting Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs

Total budget: 3 125 000 EUR

IPA budget: 2 500 000 EUR

Overall objective Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification The overall objective is to improve the environment conducive to development and sustainability of civil society organizations in Croatia as proactive social actors in the implementation of the EU Acquis.

o 50% increase in the number of monitoring and advocacy initiatives focusing on consolidating democracy, rule of law, human rights, sustainable refugee return and integration of Serb minority in the areas of special State concern, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data

o 50% increase in the number of public policy advocacy initiatives implemented in the areas of special State concern, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data

o 50% increase in number of

o Annual EC Progress Reports

o Other EU institutional bodies reports

o Various annual (sectoral) reports by national public administration bodies, by national/EU CSOs

o Annual Baseline and end-of-project assessments of availability of non-formal education programmes for

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participants educated in the framework of the non-formal education programmes for democratic and active citizenship, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data

o 50% increase in the number of innovative social contracts with CSOs for the provision of social services at the local level in the areas of special State concern introduced, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data

o

democratic and active citizenship

o Baseline and end-of-project assessments of development of social entrepreneurship and social contracting model

o JIM implementation review

o Extensive research on civil society development in Croatia to be finalized by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development in 2009

Project purpose Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions

The purpose of the project is to strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations to act both as proactive policy advocates and watch-dogs in important areas of EU accession such as democratisation, human rights, refugee return and integration of Serb minority, as well as providers of innovative social services in the areas of special State concern

o 50% increase in the number of awareness-raising campaigns, as well as non-formal education programmes for democratic and active citizenship created and delivered in the areas of special State concern in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data

o 50% increase in the number of training programmes in the area of social contracting for CSOs and local public sector representatives, in comparison

o End-of project assessment of overall CSOs’ capacities

o Grant scheme dossiers

o Final Project report on both grant schemes by GOfNGOs

o IPA Sectoral Monitoring Sub-Committee reports

o On-site monitoring

o Synergy and complementarity with national and international donors’

o Efficient and timely implementation of the Operational Implementation Plan of the National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development is ensured

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with the IPA 2009 baseline data o 50% increase in the number of

created local support centers for social contracting, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data

reports by GOfNGOs PIU

o Annual reports/indicators, on the part of CSOs

o Relevant documentation of grant contractors

Results Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions Result 1: Capacities of CSOs for monitoring and advocacy in the field of democratisation, human rights, minority integration and sustainable refugee return in the areas of special State concern are strengthened.

Result 2: The capacities of CSOs for implementing innovative social service delivery programmes as relevant partners of local institutional providers of social services in the areas of special State concern are strengthened.

.

o 50% increase in the number of

monitoring and advocacy initiatives in the field of democratisation, human rights, minority integration and sustainable refugee return in the areas of special State concern, in comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data;

o 50% increase in the number of

CSO representatives participating in the delivery of unmet welfare needs in partnership with local institutional providers in the areas of Special State concern during the project implementation period, in

o Grant scheme dossiers o Final Grant Contracts

Reports o Annual reports on the

implementation of the National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development

o Other relevant documentation of grant contractors

o End-of project assessment of overall CSOs’ capacities

o National accession reforms are being implemented

o National strategic programmes (e.g. National Programme for Protection and Promotion of Human Rights 2008-2011; National Implementation Plan for Social Inclusion) and plans being implemented and related monitoring/progress reports timely drafted

o Increased commitment of national, regional and local authorities to ensure full implementation of the Acquis and CSOs contribution in that respect

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comparison with the IPA 2009 baseline data.

Activities Means Costs Assumptions Activity 1 Grant scheme 1: Building capacities of CSOs for monitoring and advocacy in the field of democratization, human rights, minority integration and sustainable refugee return in the areas of special State concern Activity 2 Grant scheme 2: Building capacities of CSOs for implementing innovative social service delivery programmes in the areas of special State concern.

Grant schemes, 2 open Calls for Proposals, Grant Contracts

o 1st Grant Scheme 2 000 000 EUR

o 2nd Grant Scheme: 1 125 000 EUR

o Call for proposals launched, evaluation procedures and budget clearing carried out timely, Grant Contracts signed.

o Sustainable elements and lessons learned generated within the framework of the CARDS 2003-2004, PHARE 2006 and IPA 2008 grant schemes in the field of civil society development are duly integrated.

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ANNEX 2: amounts (in €) Contracted and disbursed by quarter for the project

Contracted Q2 2010 Q3 2010 Q4 2010 Q1 2011 Q2 2011 Q3 2011 Q4 2011 Q1 2012 Q2 2012 Q3 2012 Q4 2012 Cumulated

Grant Scheme 1

2 000 000

2 000 000

Grant Scheme 2

1 125 000

1 125 000

Cumulated 3 125 000 3 125 000

Disbursed

Q2 2010 Q3 2010 Q4 2010 Q1 2011 Q2 2011 Q3 2011 Q4 2011 Q1 2012 Q2 2012 Q3 2012 Q4 2012 Cumulated

Grant Scheme 1 1 200 000 600 000 200 000 2 000 000

Grant Scheme 2 675 000 337 500 112 500 1 125 000

Cumulated 1 875 000 937 500 312 500 3 125 000

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ANNEX 3 - Description of Institutional Framework

The Implementing Agency:

Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs as a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be responsible for:

Preparation of the key documents (Guidelines for Applicants, Call for Proposals), Organization of TA workshops for applicants and final beneficiaries, Participation in providing written answers to the applicants during the Call for

Proposals, Establishing the Evaluation Committee in accordance with the Practical Guide,

and providing a chairperson and secretary to the Committee, Participation in the Evaluation Committee as voting member(s), Baseline and end-of-project data collection related to sub-sectoral advocacy

capacities and organizational capacities of final beneficiaries, Monitoring and control of the grant contracts, including on-site visits, TA to final

beneficiaries, review of mid-term and final narrative reports, Preparation of the final project publication and wrap-up event.

Supervision of the project:

The Project Steering Committee (PSC) will undertake monitoring of the project at the strategic level. The SPO will act as a chairperson of the PSC. PSC will include the representatives of the following institutions:

The Contracting Authority (CFCA), The Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs, The EC Delegation in Croatia, The Council for Civil Society Development (member appointed by the Council), The Ministry of Health and Social Care, The Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, The Government Office for National Minorities.

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ANNEX 4 - Reference to laws, regulations and strategic documents:

Council Decision on the Principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Croatia and Repealing Decision, Council of the European Union, 5 February 2008

Annex Croatia 2007 accession partnership to the Council decision on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Croatia and repealing Decision 2006/145/EC, Council of the European Union, 6 November 2007

Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2008-2009, Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament, COM(2007) 663 final, 5 November 2008

Croatia 2008 Progress Report, accompanying the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2008-2009, European Commission , 5 November 2008

Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) 2008-2010 for the Republic of Croatia, The Central Office for Development Strategy and Coordination of EU funds, version of 28 October 2008, provided by CODEF

Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document (MIPD) 2009-2011 for the Republic of Croatia, The Central Office for Development Strategy and Coordination of EU funds, draft version of 7 November, 2008, provided by CODEF

National Program for the Integration of the Republic of Croatia into the European Union 2008, Government of the Republic of Croatia, available at www.vlada.hr

Sectoral Analysis on the Capacities and Strategic Priorities of the Croatian CSOs in the Context of the Final Phase of Croatia’s Accession to the EU, drawn out by the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs, in collaboration with the Council for Civil Society Development (for the needs of IPA 2008), November 2007

The Ad-hoc Evaluation Report of the 2003/2004 Decentralized CARDS Programme in Croatia, independent evaluation report by the ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd. being contracted under the PHARE programme.

National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development 2006-2011, Government of the Republic of Croatia, 12 July 2006, published on the web site of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs, www.uzuvrh.hr

Operational Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for the Creation of an Enabling Environment for Civil Society Development 2006-2011, Government of the Republic of Croatia, February 2007, published on the web site of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs, www.uzuvrh.hr

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Sectoral Interim Evaluation of the European Union Pre-Accession Assistance. Country: Croatia. Sector: Social. Sub sectors: Civil Society, Minority Rights and Education, independent interim evaluation report prepared by the MWH Consortium being contracted under the Phare programme. Interim Evaluation Report No. R/HR/SOC/0802, 17 March 2008

Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the Republic of Croatia, signed between the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the European Commission, 14 May 2001

Joint Memorandum on Social Inclusion of the Republic of Croatia, signed between the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Croatia and the European Commission, 5 March 2007

National Implementation Plan the Joint Memorandum on Social Inclusion of the Republic of Croatia, signed between the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Republic of Croatia and the European Commission, 5 March 2007

Joint Assessment Paper on Employment Policy Priorities, signed between the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship of the Republic of Croatia and the European Commission, 28 May 2008

UNHCR Fact Sheet, available at: http://www.unhcr.hr/files/fact_sheet_200801.pdf.

UNHCR Statistic Report, available at: http://www.unhcr.hr/images/stories/statistics/dsu_en.pdf.

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ANNEX 5: Details per EU funded contract

The project activities include two grant schemes:

Grant scheme 1 – Building capacities of CSOs for monitoring and advocacy in the field of democratization, human rights, minority integration and sustainable refugee return in the areas of special State concern.

Grant scheme 2 – Building capacities of CSOs for implementing innovative social service delivery programmes in the areas of special State concern.

The Project Implementation Unit of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs will implement the two grant schemes by means of an open call for proposals for each scheme, administered in line with the EC PRAG and IPA implementing regulations.

Grant contracts with final beneficiaries (CSOs) will range in duration from 12 to 24 months, while individual grant size will range from 50, 000 EUR to 250,000 EUR.