European Environment Initiative (EURENI)

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What is the aim of the EURENI?

  1. What is the aim of the EURENI?

  The aim of the EURENI is to promote transnational environmental cooperation in Europe – between public authorities and administrations, between state actors and actors from business, science and civil society, and between members of European civil society among each other. Especially through dialogue, exchange of knowledge and experience, transfer of good practices and mutual learning, the EURENI seeks to strengthen environmental stakeholders in Europe in their ability to successfully plan and implement measures to protect the environment.

• 2. Who is the EURENI aimed at?

  2. Who is the EURENI aimed at?

  The EURENI is aimed at actors and organisations from politics, administration (with the exception of local and regional authorities, i.e. cities, municipalities, regions/regional federations, etc.), science and civil society active in the field of environmental protection at local, regional, national or European level, wishing to cooperate with partners from other European countries in addressing a common environmental challenge.

  They must be based in an EU or EFTA member state and their activities must be of a non-profit nature, i.e. they must not be carried out for commercial interest or for the economic benefit of the participants.

• 3. Is there a funding guideline/call for proposals detailing what type of project the EURENI is looking for?

  3. Is there a funding guideline/call for proposals detailing what type of project the EURENI is looking for?

  No. The EURENI is generally open to project ideas that correspond to the overall objectives and administrative framework of the programme. The EURENI examines funding opportunities for technically and conceptually convincing project ideas on an individual basis, within the scope of the available programme budget.

• 4. What does the EURENI fund?

  4. What does the EURENI fund?

  The EURENI funds projects that address a cross-border environmental problem and develop a joint approach to solving (or mitigating) it. “Transnational” in the EURENI sense means projects that are planned and implemented

  • through cooperation by several European partner organisations and
  • in several European countries/regions or
  • at the EU/Brussels level altogether (targeting EU stakeholders/accompanying EU processes).

  Overall, EURENI projects should contribute to the promotion of a sustainable environment in Europe and to European cooperation and understanding. Projects carried out in only one European country and only having an impact there are not eligible for funding under EURENI.

  Examples of possible topics and information on current funding priorities.

• 5. How is funding provided?

  5. How is funding provided?

  Those interested in funding first submit an informal project concept that presents a rough outline of their project. Submitters of technically and conceptually convincing concepts will be asked to submit a complete project application, on the basis of which, following a successful review, a project grant is approved.

• 6. To what extent is funding provided?

  6. To what extent is funding provided?

  The EURENI comprises a very wide range of individual projects. On average, these have a volume of around 200,000 euros with a funding period of two years. An appropriate own contribution from the applicant organization according to its individual financial means is desired.

• 7. What are the deadlines for submission?

  7. What are the deadlines for submission?

  Project concepts can be submitted continuously when the funding call is open. Due to the dynamic programme development, a short to medium-term planning horizon for the proposed projects is generally beneficial.

• 8. What does the EURENI not fund

  8. What does the EURENI not fund

  • Projects with a primary focus on European climate protection or the reduction of green house gas emissions. (Projects at the intersection of natural climate protection and nature and environmental protection are possible, but should focus on the latter)
  • Projects with primarily national implementation and impact
  • Projects that pursue commercial purposes
  • Projects that include significant investment measures
  • Basic research projects
  • Projects by individuals (natural persons)
• 9. How do I submit a project concept?

  9. How do I submit a project concept?

  Contact the EURENI Office of ZUG at eureni(at)z-u-g.org with your project topic (and other initial information, if known) for individual funding advice. Templates and access to the submission portal will be provided on that basis.

• 10. How do I submit a project application?

  10. How do I submit a project application?

  The invitation to submit a project application contains all the necessary templates and information.

• 11. Where can I get further information?

  11. Where can I get further information?

  For all questions regarding the funding programme, your specific project idea, the submission of a project concept and the subsequent funding procedure, please contact the EURENI Office of ZUG at eureni(at)z-u-g.org.