IDEA II project description

The main aim of the project is to strengthen economic relations, trade and transport links between the EU and the programme's participating countries. The participating countries are: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Romania, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The project will contribute to the development and implementation of regional transport policy actions such as the relevant actions of the TRACECA Action Plan 2010-2013 related to infrastructure development, the facilitation of multi-modal transport and the harmonisation of transport legislation

On operations, measures set out by the Commission aim at ensuring the interoperability between the EU transport systems and those of neighbouring countries. Of the beneficiary countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, are part of the Eastern Partnership initiative. Eastern Partnership seeks closer approximation of those countries with the EU.

Results to be achieved, indicators, constraints and assumptions are laid out in Annex 2: Project Logical Framework Matrix. Specific Project purposes are as follows:

·          Contribute to projects identification, projects definition and appraisal leading to mobilization of funding. Help to prepare and implement regional infrastructure projects, through providing studies, developing business and master plans, analysing financial and technical feasibility including public-private partnerships.

·          Strengthen the political and transport dialogue mechanisms between the European Commission (EC), Eastern Partnership and TRACECA beneficiary countries, other project stakeholders and IFIs, by achieving effective communication and dissemination of activities and results of the TRACECA programme.

·          Support the implementation of the IGC Long-Term Strategy until 2015 and related Action Plans, through assistance to the TRACECA Permanent Secretariat and member countries.

·          Adapting the regulatory framework with a specific focus on sector reforms in order to facilitate the flows of goods within the beneficiary countries and between the beneficiary countries and outside.

The Project has five work components:

Ø  Ensuring Dialogue and Coordination

Ø  Infrastructure and network

Ø  Attracting funds

Ø  Training and Capacity Building

Ø  Communication, Visibility and Information

Project starting date:    16 January 2013

Project duration:          Three years (36 months)