Visegrad Group Achievements: Transforming Region Towards Prosperity and Cooperation

1. V4 Achievements Political stability Peaceful transition to democracy from the totalitarian regimes Quick transition to market economy from command economy EU and NATO membership Foreign direct investment averaging some 30% of GDP per annum High economic growth Strong cooperation among the V4 countries Creating one of the most dynamic regions of Europe Establishment of the Visegrad Fund (civil sector) Joint help towards the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans (V4+2, know-how transfer, scholarships,etc.) ENP

2. Cooperation Is a Must Even in the EU and NATO, small countries (small, aging population) could achieve somethingonly by joining forces (Benelux, Scandinavia) European Union is getting less globalised and becoming more regionalised, internal trade has grown Economic competition with other regions is also a driving force Inside the V4: Growth in trade and greater degree of foreign investment among the V4 states V4 countries represent 65 million people V4 capital markets are more and more interconnected Infrastructure development (traffic, energetics, disaster recovery, health, environmental protection, etc.)

3. Improving Regional Competitiveness Consider the long-term interests (forget the short-term, individual interest in V4 Cooperation) Support, develop small and medium-size enterprises (similar problems of V4 companies: underfunding, lack of contacts; possibilities: V4 cooperation—concentration of power, common EU projects, public procurements, web-advertisements, etc.) DevelopingjointV4 strategies, more cooperation in the field of cross-border issues (transportation, environment, energy safety, fight against corruption,etc.) Intensive support for development of knowledge and innovative capabilities Assistance for big companies to bring their headquarters and R&D divisions to our region Closer cooperation with the neighbouring regions, ENP (Western Balkans and towards the eastern neighbour countries) Intensify regional awareness More regional knowledge, news (education, media) Further development potentials: Schengen, Eurozone, etc.

4. CZ + HU + PL + SK = V4 • V4 as a Consultation PlatformRegular meetings at all levels and in all sectors • Joint AchievementsMembership in the EU, NATO; common positions within EU (e.g. EU budget); cooperation with Benelux,etc. • GoalsForming the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy and the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Schengen Agreement, energy security, etc. • Common Experience and ExpertiseSimilar levels of social and economic development and transformation experience, fight for freedom as a know-how

5. Basic Facts about the Fund: • The only organization of the Visegrad Group • Established in 2000 with the seat in Bratislava (Secretariat of the Fund) • The Fund has supported to date about 2,200 grant projects, 550 scholarships and 70 artist residencies • 2010 budget: €6,000,000 (i.e. €1.5 million per member state)

6. Supported Fields of Project Activities • Cultural Cooperation • Scientific Exchange and Research • Education • Youth Exchanges • Cross-Border Cooperation • Promotion of Tourism

7. Distribution of total funding: (Total funding of all programs in 2008 per receiving countries)

8. Project Breakdown (Small/Standard Grants by categories):

9. The Fund’sBudget Breakdown: Valid as of: 1 Jan. 2009(2009 Budget including leftovers in the total value of €6,038,712)

10. Basic Grant Conditions: • Having a project with Visegrad features • Cooperation of institutions from at least 3 V4 countries (i.e. organizer + 2 partners) • Securing at least 50% of the project’s budget from other sources • The remaining 50% can be all in-kind contribution • Not being directly funded by the state (e.g. NGOs, municipalities, schools, etc.)

11. How to apply for a grant? Have a V4-related idea? Found partners in V4 countries? Fill in the online application form Attach letters of intent from the project partners Attach copies of founding or registration documents and statutes

12. Small Grants • 2009 Budget: € 512,000 • Deadlines: March 1, June 1, September 1, December 1 • Cooperation of at least 3 V4 countries • Contractual period: 6 months • Supported amounts: up to € 4,000 (covering max. 50% of the total budget) • Approx. 8 weeks approval period (the project cannot start sooner) On-line applications:http://applications.visegradfund.org/

13. Standard Grants • 2009 Budget: € 2,200,000 • Deadlines: March 15 and September 15 • Cooperation of at least 3of the V4 countries • Contractual period: 12 months • Supported amounts: from € 4,001 (covering max. 50% of the total budget) • Approx. 10 weeks approval period (the project cannot start sooner) On-line applications:http://applications.visegradfund.org/

14. Visegrad Strategic Program • 2009 Budget: € 300,000 • Deadline: February 15, May 15 • Cooperation of all V4 countries • Contractual period: 12 - 36 months • Supported amounts: usually €50,000 (max. 50% of the total budget) • Approx. 10 weeks approval period(the project cannot start sooner) On-line applications:http://applications.visegradfund.org/

15. Visegrad Strategic Program:2009 Priorities • Sharing V4 Know-How with Neighboring Regions • Good Governance in the Public Sector • Building a Green Visegrad • V4 Promotion: 2009 – an Important Anniversary in the Lives of V4 Countries

16. Refundable Cost Categories • Printing and Publishing Costs (publications, posters, invitations etc.) • Rent of Premises and Related Technical Services • Fees for Experts, Fees for Artists • Accommodation and Board • Transport Costs • Translation, Interpretation Costs • Awards and Prices • Office Supplies and Promotional Materials • Advertising Costs (radio, TV, billboards, press, etc.) • Webpage Design and Update

17. Non-Refundable Cost Categories • Capital Investments • Own Indirect Costs(electricity-, gas-, water-, phone-bills, etc.) • Internal Costs and Expences(rent of own premises, etc.) • Employments Ruled by the Labour Code(including all other related costs, e.g. per diems, social funds, etc.)

18. Visegrad Scholarship Program 2009 Budget:€ 1,884,000 480 semesters Deadline: 31 January • Master’sandPost-Master’slevels • Study/research periods for 1 or 2 semesters (Except for the Master’s level within the In-Coming scheme in which it is possible to apply for 1- to 4-semester scholarships.) • Financial support for both scholars and host universities(Supported sums: €2,000 (Intra-Visegrad) or €2,500 (Out-Going, In-Coming)/semester/scholar, €1,500/semester/host university.) • Applications evaluated by independent experts from V4 countries

19. Visegrad Artists Residency Program • A 3-month residency program for V4 artists to work in other V4 countries • 2009 Budget: € 108,000 • 2009 Deadline: 10 September More/contact: http://artists.visegradfund.org

20. Overview of Deadlines:

21. Inquiries/Consultations: Address:Kráľovské údolie 8 81102 Bratislava SlovakiaTel.: +421 259 203 811Fax: +421 259 203 805E-mail:visegradfund@visegradfund.org

22. Application forms: http://applications.visegradfund.org/ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Partner finding message board: http://visegradfind.visegradfund.org/