Under the Collaboration Operation of the EBR Ltd Multi Annual Plan an initial allocation of €4,417,000 (€2,117,000 of which is dedicated to Environment activity) has been secured.

This Operation will contribute to the balanced and sustainable development of the cross border region by supporting the wider work of EBR Ltd. in relation to the development of the cross border region, strengthening the regional capacity for cross border cooperation by developing a spatial planning framework for the cross border region, and by protecting the Region’s biodiversity and encouraging the use of sustainable energy sources.

Major investments are related to resourcing the wider work of EBR Ltd., addressing the lack of a proper framework for cross border spatial and other planning in EBR. Key components of this Operation also relate to the environment, renewable energy and biodiversity.

The EBR Collaboration Operation, therefore, has two key themes

• investing in the regional capacity for cross border development, which is the fundamental underpinning of the cross border region, and
• the environment (detailed under the Environment Implementation Group section).

Regional Capacity for Cooperation

This component of the Operation will put in place the fundamental underpinnings of the continued development of the EBR’s capacity for cross border regional development. In so doing, it would build on the strengthening of the regional cross border development capacity which occurred under INTERREG IIIA.

This component of the Operation has the following elements

• Investment in the wider role of EBR Ltd. in the pursuit of cross border development
• development of the first ever cross border spatial planning framework for the EBR, and implementation of the pilot initiatives in cross border spatial planning undertaken under INTERREG IIIA
• investment in the wider activities of EBR Ltd. in pursuit of cross border development

The composition of the EBR Collaboration Implementation Group is yet to be determined but will include relevant key stakeholders and EBR Elected Members. The Collaboration Implementation Group will meet on a monthly basis to oversee implementation and progress ensuring timely delivery and compliance with Conditions of the Letter of Offer.