IPA III - Guidance - Eurecna S.r.l.

INTRODUCTION & EVOLUTION

ABOUT IPA: A KEY EU FUNDING MECHANISM

Overview: initiated by the European Union in 2007, the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) is designed to encourage reforms in the "enlargement countries" by addressing the developmental needs and facilitating crucial pre-accession reforms.

IPA Beneficiary Countries: The countries currently benefiting from the IPA framework are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey.

IPA HISTORY: MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Was channelled through five distinct components:

(I)Transition Assistance and Institution Building;
(II) Cross-border Cooperation;
(III) Regional Development;
(IV) Human Resources Development;
(V) Rural Development, with various European Commission Directorates-General (DGs) overseeing them.

Focal sectors under IPA II encompassed:

Democracy and Governance;
Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights;
Environment and Climate Action;
Transport and Energy;
Competitiveness and Innovation;
Education, Employment, and Social Policies;
Agriculture and Rural Development;
Territorial and Regional Cooperation.

While still focusing on pre-accession assistance, IPA III differs by emphasizing performance-based principles.

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Strategic Orientation

It builds upon IPA II but pivots more towards country-led reforms. Given the seven-year span, beneficiary countries are expected to achieve significant strides in their EU journeys.

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Focus

The policy underlines the significance of the rule of law, fundamental rights, and good governance. It places these "fundamentals first" at the forefront of its strategy for 2021-2027.

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Investment

IPA III aims at magnifying its emphasis on investment in sectors such as digital initiatives, connectivity, and energy efficiency. Beneficiary countries will gain access to instruments like the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+).

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Impact

IPA III is synchronised with the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), enhancing the cohesiveness and synergy between different EU external action instruments.

IPA III hinges its programming on EU thematic priorities rather than predefined country strategies.
Instead of separate country strategy documents as in IPA II, IPA III operates on one thematic strategy document for 2021-27 (IPA III Programming Framework), coupled with beneficiary countries Strategic Responses.
The assistance provided under IPA III is further streamlined with thematic "windows" and prioritises performance assessments annually.
The financial arrangements and commitments under IPA III are refined, with specific spending targets, especially towards climate change.

DISCOVER MORE: EXPLORE FURTHER DETAILS ON THE IPA III

Regulatory and Strategic Framework - Dive into the list of crucial regulations that shape the IPA initiatives.
Novelties and Stakeholders - Get acquainted with the latest additions to the IPA and identify the key players.
Programming Framework - Discover the core of IPA programming, its priorities, and guiding principles.
Programming Process - Understand the systematic approach to programming, from identification to formulation and final adoption.
Tips for Programming Documents - Equip yourself with essential tips to navigate and understand IPA's programming documentation.