Transnational Cooperation

TNC Factsheet Belgium - Flanders

This page provides information on rules and eligibility criteria relating to transnational cooperation (TNC) projects in Flanders (Belgium).

Page contents

This Factsheet describes the rules for LEADER TNC in Belgium, Flanders. 

The information can be translated to all EU languages using the “Translate this page” function accessible at the bottom of the page. You can also print the TNC Factsheet (or any page of this website) or save it as a pdf file using the right-click function of your mouse. 

For any questions or updates, please contact us at leader@eucapnetwork.eu.

 

General information

  • Local Action Groups (LAGs) could start with Transnational Cooperation (TNC) since the beginning of 2024.
  • TNC themes and priorities in the Local Development Strategy (LDS) are defined by LAGs based on a list of possible themes defined at the Member States (MS) level / by the Managing Authority (MA).
  • TNC budget in the LDS is centrally managed with a specific allocation for each LAG (a specific minimum allocation to be spent on TNC was defined).
  • Calls for TNC projects are continuously open.  The call for TNC was opened in Q2 / 2024 and remains open until the end of 2027. This is the same for all LAGs in Flanders (Belgium).
  • Average (planned) time for official approval of TNC projects: 3-6 months
  • The list of possible cooperation themes published by the MA includes three main topics that can be further refined in each LDS: 1) Innovative and sustainable local agricultural production and marketing, and valorisation of biomass residues; 2) Liveable and vibrant villages; 3) Biodiversity and landscape quality.
  • Guidelines on TNC in LEADER/CLLD for the 2023-2027 programming period are only available in Dutch.

Detailed information about eligibility criteria

Types of eligible territory and stakeholders

  • Types of territory that can be covered in a TNC project only include rural territories in the EU.
  • Types of eligible partners in a TNC project can include LAGs in rural territories in the EU and local public or private partners (non-LAG) active within a LAG territory.
  • Types of stakeholders eligible for preparatory support for TNC projects include LAGs and local public or private partners (non-LAG) active within a LAG territory.
  •  The existence of a lead partner is one of the eligibility criteria for a TNC project.

Detailed eligibility criteria

  • Eligibility criteria for preparatory actions for TNC projects: Preparatory costs are eligible on condition that the preparation process leads to an admissible project application. There is a maximum of EUR 5 000 subsidy for preparatory costs per project.
  • Eligibility criteria for TNC projects:
    • the TNC pools the knowledge or human and financial resources from the areas involved
    • the TNC contributes to the objectives of the LDS of all participating LAGs and fulfils one or more objectives from the LDS of all participating LAGs
    • the TNC consists of the implementation of a joint action with concrete results. The TNC can also focus on the exchange of experience, provided that this brings tangible results
    • the TNC realises added value for all partners involved in the implementation of the TNC, including efficiency of scale, exchange of experience and know-how
    • all other eligibility criteria that may apply to non-TNC LEADER projects

Eligible actions and costs

  • Costs eligible related to the following actions for preparatory support:
    • meetings
    • participation in events
    • study trips
    • feasibility study for the TNC project
    • interpretation and translation
    • consultancy support
  • Eligible actions for TNC projects:
    • meetings
    • participation in events,
    • preparation of publications
    • study visits
    • training
    • joint products
    • joint services
    • joint events
    • website development
    • marketing and promotion
    • local actions directly linked to the TNC project (for example, local events or capacity building for relevant local stakeholders, etc.)
    • other investments
    • travel costs are non-eligible and considered as overhead, which is covered by a simplified cost option (SCO). Study visits are eligible if they consist of other costs than travel costs
  • Eligible costs for TNC projects:
    • share of common costs related to joint publication and/or website
    • rental of venue for meetings and events
    • translation fees
    • interpreters' fees
    • fees of consultancy and expert services
    • catering
    • accommodation
    • purchase of equipment for the purposes of the project
    • costs related to dedicated project staff (e.g., joint project manager)
    • expenditure related to local actions directly linked to the TNC project
    • travel costs are non-eligible and considered as overhead which is covered by a SCO. Study visits are eligible if they consist of other costs than travel costs
  • Non-eligible costs for TNC:
    • eligible amounts lower than EUR 50, except for the categories of personnel and overhead costs and contribution in kind;
    • the purchase of land
    • the purchase of immovable property
    • the purchase of company cars
    • the investments referred to in Article 73(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115
  • The use of  SCOs for TNC:
    • SCOs can be used for preparatory support for TNC
    • SCOs can be used for the implementation of TNC projects
    • 15% overhead on staff costs
    • 40% indirect costs on staff costs (including 15% overhead)
    • standard hourly rate for staff costs
    • 7% overhead on investment costs
    • 20% staff costs on investment costs
    • standard unit cost EUR/m² for renovation and new construction
    • for preparatory costs, only the 15% overhead on staff costs and standard hourly rate for staff costs can be applied

Required documents to be submitted with an application for a TNC project

  • the cooperation agreement (draft or final) with co-promoters, including financial engagements;
  • other documents are only to be submitted if applicable, for instance, proof of application for relevant environmental or building permit.

Financial information

  • Minimum amount of support for preparatory actions related to one TNC project: not specified.
  • Maximum amount of support for preparatory actions related to one TNC project: EUR 5 000.
  • Minimum amount of support for one TNC project: not specified.
  • Maximum amount of support for one TNC project:  No maximum specified in the MS Cap Strategic Plan (CSP). Individual LAGs may apply maximum amount of support in their LDS.
  • Maximum rate of public support for preparatory actions for TNC projects: 65%
  • Maximum rate of public support for TNC projects: 65%