Division 5.1.5.1 Technical methodology for the project selection procedure

Once a year the Commission makes an inventory of specific needs regarding the development and implementation of Union environmental or climate policy and legislation that need to be addressed during the following years and identifies among them the needs that could be addressed by preparatory projects. A maximum of 1 % of the resources allocated to action grants (other than integrated and technical assistance projects) may be reserved for preparatory projects.

Before launching the annual call for proposals, Member States receive a draft list of specific needs that could be addressed by preparatory projects and will be asked to comment. Based on these comments, the final list is established.

The Commission defines specific selection and award criteria for the projects thus identified, the project duration, and the indicative budget to be allocated to each project.

The project selection procedure will be organised as follows:

• Evaluation of proposals

  The Commission will verify the compliance of each proposal with the eligibility and selection criteria and will evaluate them against the award criteria.

• Preparation of the final list of projects to be funded and of the reserve list

  After a review phase, successful projects will be proposed for funding, within the available budget. A reserve list may be constituted, if appropriate.

• Signature of the grant agreement