To Lead Partners and Partners of Kolarctic CBC projects
Following the Russian military aggression on Ukraine, and in line with the decision of the European Council to suspend cooperation with Russia and Belarus, the European Commission and the Managing Authorities of CBC programmes between EU and the Russian Federation, had a meeting in Brussels on 22nd March. In the meeting, they explored ways to continue the implementation of concerned ENI CBC programmes. As a result, it was understood that the EU and Norwegian beneficiaries may carry on the project operations, whereas the activities and financial flows on the Russian and Belarusian side have to be suspended.
Continuation of the activities in Finland, Sweden and Norway:
The Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian project partners can continue project implementation without interruption, to the extent that is reasonable and possible, depending on each project. The Managing Authority will contact each project separately in order to agree on the implementation of the activities and the partnership structure. In case the project has a Russian Lead Partner, the aim is to appoint the tasks of the Lead Partner to an EU or Norwegian organisation.
Participation of the Russian organisations
Due to the suspension of the Financing Agreement, the participation of the Russian organisations to the projects is suspended from the 3rd of March 2022 onwards until further notice. During the suspension, the costs of the Russian organisations are ineligible. No payments can be made to the Russian organisations neither by the Managing Authority nor by the EU or Norwegian project partners.
The Managing Authority does not prohibit the communication between the EU, Norway and Russian organisations.
Reporting and payments
Payments to the project partners are based on approved reports.
Payments to the EU and Norwegian organisations are made according to the programme rules. In case the project has a Russian Lead Partner, the payments will be made directly to the EU and Norwegian partners, as to be agreed.
The costs of the Russian project partners are eligible until the 2nd of March 2022. However, currently the Managing Authority is unable to proceed the payments.
Communication
The programme logo is currently not used. The Managing Authority will give the new visibility instructions next week.
With regards,
The Managing Authority of Kolarctic CBC
