Reuniting Europe (RE) Programme

Application period for 2012-2013 is over.

The Diplomatic Values and Influence Fund (DIV) Reuniting Europe (RE) helps deliver our vision of building an effective and globally competitive EU in a secure neighbourhood.

It does this by supporting EU enlargement and by helping European partner countries to implement the reforms necessary for EU accession. It focuses, in particular, on stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the respect for and protection of minorities.

The priority objectives and indicators of Reuniting Europe Programme in 2012/13 are as follows;

Objective A: To support political reforms and undertake political advocacy

Political advocacy in support of EU membership is as important as concrete reform work. As the UK is one of the strongest supporters of EU enlargement, we focus on establishing effective means of communicating the benefits of EU membership to the public in candidate and potential candidate countries. We also work to take forward broader political issues such as improving relations with neighbouring countries; a key issue in the accession process for many of our seven countries and one which was cited in the 2011 EU Country Progress Report Strategy.

Objective B: To increase political transparency and good governance

The EU’s agreements and action plans with neighbouring countries place a strong emphasis on progress in the fields of political transparency and good governance. These are fundamental to political and economic development, to combating corruption, building investor confidence and paving the way for closer EU integration.

Objective C: 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 in this area is in great demand.

Objective D: 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 and our targeted interventions can effect real change. We adopt a collaborative approach, involving senior government officials and involving well-respected experts from the UK to encourage good communication and help build trust. This 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 and minority rights can be particularly challenging but 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.

Frequently asked questions:

• Projects should be at a minimum of £20,000.
• Projects spanning 3 financial years are permitted. (if funding permitting)
• We regret that we are unable to fund academic courses or research, or English language courses.
• Any organisation can apply for funding. We do not accept project bids submitted by individuals.
• Please note that we cannot make pre-payments; the successful bidders should make the payment and then ask us to reimburse these expenses. The implementer should be able to receive money transfers from us.
• A partnership framework to support the broader engagement of a project can strengthen your bid.
• The Reuniting Europe Programme is one of many programmes of the wider Diplomatic Influence and Values Fund.

Contact:

Mrs. Özge Manyas
Reuniting Europe Projects Coordinator
E-mail to Ozge.Manyas@fco.gov.uk

UK in Turkey