TNC Factsheet - Italy

• Local Action Groups (LAGs) can start TNC activities at different times depending on the specific region.  
• TNC themes and priorities in the Local Development Strategy (LDS) are defined by the Local Action Groups as part of their LDS based on a list of possible themes defined at the Member State level / by the Managing Authority.   
• TNC budget in the LDS is defined by the LAGs.  
• Calls for TNC projects: TNC projects are included in the LDS. The regional Managing Authority checks the eligibility of the project according to the requirements foreseen at national and regional levels, and their consistency with the purpose of the LDS. LAGs define the calls for TNC projects and launch them according to their own schedule.  
• Average (planned) time for official approval - by the national or regional authorities - for TNC projects selected by the LAGs varies across the Italian regions. 
• The list of possible cooperation themes published by the Managing Authority includes: 
  • green communities, circular economy, bioeconomy  
  • ecosystemic services, biodiversity and natural resources 
  • services, collective and inclusive spaces 
  • networks for the development of socio-cultural and tourist offers 
  • local food networks, districts, agri-food supply chain 
  • organisation of local craftmanship and manufacturing 

In case LDS themes differ from this list, cooperation themes shall be in line with the LAG's LDS themes. 

• Guidelines on transnational cooperation in LEADER/CLLD for the 2023-2027 programming period: The Italian CAP Network has drafted the document “Orientamenti per la programmazione Leader 2023-2027” (Guidelines for programming Leader in 2023-2027) available in Italian. 

• Types of territory that can be covered in a TNC project can include
  • rural territories in EU Member States
  • non-rural territories in EU Member States
  • territories in third countries (non-EU)

TNC projects, in general, can involve both rural and urban territories, if the financed actions are consistent with the objectives and outcomes planned within the LDS.

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

• Eligibility criteria for preparatory actions for TNC projects: the CSP only provides a list of eligible expenses, categorised as follows:
  • feasibility studies, research, acquisition of specific consultancy services
  • communication, awareness-raising, information, and related activities
  • organisation, coordination, and implementation of design, facilitation, management, monitoring, and project evaluation activities
  • participation in partner events and meetings
  • organisation of events and/or activities defined in the project
  • expenses related to the implementation of the common action and the establishment and ongoing management of any joint structure

The eligibility criteria for preparatory actions are included in most of the CAP Regional Strategic Plans or in the calls for LAG selections launched by the regions themselves.

• Eligibility criteria for TNC projects (based on the national regulation for LEADER/CLLD implementation): according to the national CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), cooperation operations must:
  • involve at least two Italian partners, including at least one LAG selected under the LEADER/CLLD framework (for interterritorial cooperation), or at least two partners from different countries, including at least one Italian LAG selected under the LEADER 2023-2027 framework (for transnational cooperation)
  • designate a lead LAG
  • focus on the implementation of a concrete project with clearly defined objectives and measurable results
  • include the execution of a common action aimed at achieving the critical mass necessary to ensure its sustainability and long-term viability, while seeking complementarity with other programmatic tools
  • demonstrate added value compared to actions carried out without cooperation, in terms of improving the economic and social competitiveness of the territory, enhancing the results/performance of the products or services delivered, and promoting the dissemination of information

• 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.)
• 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
  • travel
  • costs related to dedicated project staff (e.g., joint project manager)
  • expenditure related to local actions directly linked to the TNC project
• Non-eligible costs for TNC: operations aimed exclusively at exchanging experiences and/or training are not eligible.
• The use of simplified cost options (SCOs) for TNC: not specified at Member State (CSP) level.