DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

Annual work programme of grants and contracts for 2011

[Commission Decision C(2011)1673 of 16 March 2011]

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 SUMMARY

DG EMPL's annual work programme of grants and contracts for 2011, serving as a
financing decision

This draft Decision constitutes DG EMPL's annual work programme of grants and contracts,
serving as a financing decision for 2011. It determines the essential details of the actions
which will involve expenditure from the 2011 budget, and its purpose is to allow selection
procedures to be launched so that individual decisions on the award of grants and contracts
can be taken from the beginning of 2011.

This draft Decision covers the budget lines managed by DG EMPL directly, including those
grouped under the PROGRESS programme.

This draft Decision relates to the following budget lines:

– 04 03 03 01: Industrial relations and social dialogue

– 04 03 03 02: Information and training measures for workers' organisations

– 04 03 03 03: Information, consultation and participation of representatives of undertakings

– 04 03 04: EURES (European Employment Services)

– 04 03 05: Free movement of workers, coordination of social security systems and measures
for migrants, including migrants from third countries

– 04 03 07: Analysis of and studies on the social situation, demographics and the family

– 04 04 01 01: PROGRESS Programme: Employment

– 04 04 01 02: PROGRESS Programme: Social protection and inclusion

– 04 04 01 03: PROGRESS Programme: Working conditions

– 04 04 01 06: PROGRESS Programme: Support for implementation

– 04 04 03 01: European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
– Subsidy under Titles 1 and 2

– 04 04 03 02: European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
– Subsidy under Title 3

– 04 04 04 02: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work – Subsidy under Titles 1
and 2

– 04 04 04 03: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work – Subsidy under Title 3

– 04 04 15: European Microfinance Facility

The appropriations available under these budget lines will be used for:

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 • awarding grants (including to bodies with a de jure monopoly, such as the Member States
holding the Presidency of the Union, for the cofinancing of conferences in DG EMPL's
fields of activity);

• public procurement;

• implementation of operations jointly managed with international organisations; and

• granting of subdelegations to other DGs for actions of common benefit.

The Annex to the draft Decision sets out, for each budget line concerned, the details of the
various actions scheduled by DG EMPL for 2011 to be financed from the appropriations
earmarked for the promotion of initiatives in the fields ‘Working in Europe – Social Dialogue
and Mobility’ and ‘Employment, Social Solidarity and Gender Equality’.

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 ANNEX

SUMMARY TABLE - OVERVIEW OF THE ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 2011 WITH THE
CORRESPONDING AMOUNTS

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

Grants 82 405 000

Calls for proposals 38 510 000

De jure monopoly 4 490 000

De facto monopoly 15 405 000

Grants to partners 24 000 000

Contributions to agencies 34 526 000

Procurement 35 811 390

Joint management 7 735 000

Subdelegations 3 978 285

Indirect centralised management 1 100 000

Other interventions 775 000

Guarantee instruments (Microfinance

4 750 000
facility)

Equity and debt instruments

20 000 000
(Microfinance facility)

TOTAL AMOUNT 191 080 675

***

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 04 03 03 01 - INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND SOCIAL DIALOGUE

LEGAL BASIS

The appropriations under this item are intended to finance actions taken by the Commission
by virtue of the powers specifically conferred on it by Article 154 of the Treaty on the
Functioning of the European Union.

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 16 500 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

The objectives of this budget heading are the following:

• Support to European social dialogue at the cross-industry and sectoral levels

• Improving expertise in the field of industrial relations

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

The grants awarded under this budgetary item will be covered by a written agreement.

1.1. Calls for proposals

1.1.1. Industrial Relations and Social Dialogue

Objectives and foreseen results

The call for proposals will finance a large variety of measures, including conferences,
seminars, round tables, negotiations, studies, surveys, publications, monitoring exercises,
training measures, training tools, the setting up of networks and the development and
exchange of best practice.

The call will also cover logistical support for social dialogue negotiation meetings (hire of
meeting rooms and interpretation).

The foreseen results are the following:

• Development of European social dialogue at the sectoral and cross-sectoral levels

• Increased awareness of European social dialogue and improved capacity to participate in it

• Improved preparation, monitoring, follow-up and/or implementation of the joint texts

agreed at the sectoral and cross-sectoral levels

• Improved expertise in industrial relations

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 • Promotion of exchange of information and experience among the parties actively involved
in industrial relations

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

Indicative amount foreseen depending on the quality of proposals submitted:

EUR 13 260 000.

In general, this call for proposals will support actions to which the applicants must contribute
at least with 20% of the eligible cost of the action. Contributions in kind will not be accepted.
However, under the sub-programme "Support for European social dialogue", actions
involving negotiations in accordance with Article 154 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the
European Union, meetings to prepare for negotiations, or joint social partner actions relating
to the implementation of the results of European social dialogue negotiations may be financed
up to 95% of the total eligible costs. Social dialogue meetings organised by the social partners
themselves can also be financed up to a rate of 95%.

Indicative timetable

The call for proposals will be launched early 2011 and will foresee two deadlines for the
submission of applications (subject to the detailed conditions announced in the call):

– March 2011. Indicative amount foreseen depending on the quality of the proposals
submitted: EUR 5 600 000

– Late August / early September 2011. Indicative amount foreseen depending on the quality
of the proposals submitted: EUR 7 660 000.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

– Be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and (96(2)a of the Financial Regulation;

– Be properly constituted and registered legal persons. In application of Article 114 of the
Financial Regulation, social partner organisations without legal personality are also
eligible provided that their representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations
on their behalf and assume financial liability;

– Fall within one of the following categories: social partners; organisations linked to
industrial relations; public authorities; international organisations active in the fields of
social dialogue and /or industrial relations, other than ILO already covered by the
provisions of this financing decision (see Joint Management);

– Have their registered offices in one of the EU Member States1;

1
In derogation from this requirement, international organisations, such as UN agencies, active in the
fields of social dialogue and/or industrial relations with their registered headquarters outside the EU
Member States are also eligible.

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 To be eligible, actions must:

– Be linked to at least one objective of the budget heading;

– Have active partners from several different Member States in the case of proposals which
are not submitted by a European or international organisation;

– Comply with the maximum percentage of European Union co-financing;

– Be fully carried out in the Member States of the European Union or the candidate
countries2;

– Have the active support of a European social partner organisation, if they are submitted
under the sub-programme "Support for European social dialogue";

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

– Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

– The extent to which the action meets the objectives and priorities of the budget heading.

– The extent to which the action has a genuine transnational dimension.

– The quality of partnerships, including the degree of involvement and commitment at the
application stage of the social partners / stakeholders in the action.

– The extent to which the action contributes to the priorities, activities or results of European
social dialogue / the debate on industrial relations.

– The added value i.e. the lasting impact and/or multiplier effect of the action.

– The cost-effectiveness of the action.

– The arrangements to publicise the action and disseminate the results.

– The overall quality, clarity and completeness of the proposal and budget explanation.

2
In derogation from this requirement, international organisations, such as UN agencies, active in the
fields of social dialogue and/or industrial relations can carry out activities also at the place of their
registered office.

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 2. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurement is EUR 2 240 000.

Calls for tender

2.1.1. Analysis of the state-of-play of Social Dialogue in Iceland

The study will cover the state-of-play as far as both tripartite and bipartite social dialogues are
concerned. It will include the analysis of cross-industry and sectoral social dialogue,
information on the social partners at both levels, including data on their affiliation to
European organisations and their awareness of European Social Dialogue. It is envisaged to
launch the procedure in February 2011.

2.1.2. Europeanisation of Industrial Relations

Study to support knowledge in the field of the Europeanisation of Industrial Relations. It is

envisaged to launch the procedure in the third quarter of 2011.

2.1.3. Chief Editor for the 2012 Industrial Relations in Europe report

For the seventh edition of the biannual Industrial Relations in Europe report, the Commission
will procure the services of a Chief Editor, who will draft parts of the report and assist the
Commission services in all aspects of the editing and production process. It is envisaged to
launch the procedure in April 2011.

2.1.4. Statistical data handling and data quality control for industrial relations indicators

The aim is to assist the Commission and the Chief Editor of the "Industrial Relations in
Europe 2012" report in assuring the quality and consistency of all data, indicators, graphs and
tables to be included in the final publication. It is envisaged to launch the procedure in
September 2011.

2.1.5. Study on the feasibility of developing and collecting indicators on the quality of
industrial relations

Policymakers in Europe lack comparative data that allow for consistent measurement of the
quality of industrial relations and its development. The study will identify challenges and
suggest solutions, including the development of indicators and survey modules. It is
envisaged to launch the procedure in February 2011.

2.1.6. Evaluation study on the outcomes of the projects funded by the budget headings
aimed at supporting European social dialogue and improving expertise on industrial
relations

The study will examine how and to what extent the projects funded by the budget headings
concerned have contributed to the declared objectives of these budget headings, including an
assessment of the actions' relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness and impact. It is
envisaged to launch the procedure in February 2011.

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 2.2. Use of existing framework contracts

2.2.1. Social dialogue negotiation meetings and conferences

These activities will be organised through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL framework contract 'Meetings' concluded on 26 November 2008 for a period of 24
months, renewable once (7 lots – VC/2008/63, VC/2008/862, VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867,
VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and VC/2008/870).

2.2.2. Development of information and communication tools

These actions will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL framework contract for communication activities concluded on 30 November 2007
for a period of 24 months renewable once (3 lots – VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673,
VC/2007/674).

2.2.3. Publications in the context of Industrial Relations and Social Dialogue

These activities will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL framework contract 'Publications' concluded on 13 November 2007 for a period of
24 months, renewable once(VC/2007/52).

2.2.4. Evaluation and evaluation related services, including support for Impact Assessment
Activities

These activities will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL multiple framework contract 'Evaluation and Impact Assessment activities'
concluded on 21 April 2009, renewable 3 times for a period of 12 months (5 lots –
VC/2009/35 to VC/209/56

2.2.5. Conference on 20 years of the Social Protocol

The Commission intends to organise one conference during the Polish Presidency (2nd
semester 2011) on the "20 years of the Social Protocol". For the Commission's part, the
conference will be organised through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the DG
EMPL framework contract "Meetings" concluded on 26 November 2008 for a period of 24
months, and since renewed until November 2011 (7 lots - VC/2008/63, VC/2008/862,
VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and VC/2008/870).

2.2.6. Development of an on-line meeting registration tool to be used namely for the social
dialogue committee meetings

This activity will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DI/6760 framework contract concluded for a period of two years starting on 10 September
2010, renewable twice for a period of one year.

3. JOINT MANAGEMENT

According to Article 53d of the Financial Regulation and 43 of the Implementing Rules, the
appropriations used in joint management with international organisations shall finance

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 projects or programmes jointly elaborated between the Commission and the international
organisation.

3.1. Joint project with ILO

The Commission intends to carry out a joint project in the area of social dialogue and
industrial relations with the ILO, which takes advantage of the global expertise of the ILO in
these areas. The joint project will cover both capacity building actions in support of workers'
and employers' organisations – to which at least 50% of the budget will be devoted – and
analytical work. The latter will include strands relating to: the strategies pursued by public
authorities and social partners in response to the crisis; the impact of the crisis on wages and
inequalities; on social dialogue and trade; on decent work. The outcomes of this project will
be used in the Industrial Relations in Europe report 2012 and will contribute to the work of
the unit to support social dialogue.

Indicative amount: EUR 1 000 000.

Indicative timetable: project to be launched in 2011 for delivery in 2012.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 13 260 000

Calls for proposals 13 260 000

PROCUREMENT 2 240 000

JOINT MANAGEMENT 1 000 000

TOTAL 04 03 03 01 16 500 000

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 04 03 03 02 - INFORMATION AND TRAINING MEASURES FOR WORKERS' ORGANISATIONS

LEGAL BASIS

The appropriations under this item are intended to finance actions taken by the Commission
by virtue of the powers specifically conferred to it by Article 154 of the Treaty on the
Functioning of the European Union.

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 17 000 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

The line is intended to cover expenditure on information and training measures for workers'
organisations, including representatives of workers' organisations in the candidate countries,
deriving from the implementation of EU action in the framework of the implementation of the
Union social dimension. These measures should help workers' organisations to contribute to
addressing the overarching challenges facing European employment and social policy as laid
down in the Europe 2020 Strategy and the Renewed Social Agenda and within the context of
EU initiatives to address the consequences of the economic crisis.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

By application of Article 154 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the
Commission has the obligation to take any relevant measure to facilitate European social
dialogue by ensuring balanced support for the parties.

The Commission has already stressed on different occasions the crucial role of social partners
as key to better governance of the enlarged Union and as a driving force for economic and
social reform3, as they are increasingly called upon to contribute to the social and economic
objectives of the European Union, as reflected once again in the Europe 2020 Strategy.

The Commission, in its Communication "Partnership for change in an enlarged Europe -

Enhancing the contribution of European social dialogue" (COM(2004)557), concluded that
there has been in recent years a qualitative shift in the nature of the social dialogue towards
greater autonomy, reflected by the increasing adoption by the social partners of 'new
generation' texts, in which they undertake certain commitments or make recommendations to
their national members, and seek to actively follow-up the text at the national level. This
evolution towards an increase of agreed texts with legally binding effects is confirmed by the
2010 Commission Staff Working Document on the functioning and potential of European
sectoral social dialogue4. This evolution of the social dialogue is consistent with the
Commission's more general efforts to improve European governance, as well as with the call
on the social partners to submit a common work programme for growth and employment and
to be an active part in attaining the Lisbon objectives. In the same line, in the context of the
Europe 2020 Strategy the Commission commits to work to "strengthen the capacity of social
partners and make full use of the problem-solving potential of social dialogue at all levels
(EU, national/regional, sectoral, company)".

3
Communication "The European social dialogue, a force for innovation and change" (COM(2002)341).
4
SEC(2010)964.

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 The 2004 and 2007 enlargements of the EU coincided with these important qualitative
developments within the European social dialogue, making even more crucial a proactive
approach of the question of technical capacity and awareness-raising of the social partners.

The Commission's objective is, therefore, to take all necessary measures in order to contribute
to building and further strengthening of the necessary capacity of involved stakeholders
through training and research, as well as in awareness-raising through information, taking into
account the supplementary added-value that represents the European dimension of this
activity.

Part of this appropriation is intended to finance measures involving representatives of

workers’ organisations in the candidate countries with the specific purpose of promoting
social dialogue at the Union level. It is also intended to promote equal participation of women
and men in the decision-making bodies of workers’ organisations.

This appropriation also covers support for the work programmes of the two specific trade
union institutes, ETUI (European Trade Union Institute) and EZA (European Centre for
Workers’ Questions), which have been established to facilitate capacity building through
training and research at European level, as well as to improve the degree of involvement of
workers’ representatives in European governance.

1. GRANTS

The grants awarded under this budgetary item will be covered by a written agreement.

1.1. Calls for proposals

1.1.1. Information and training measures for workers' organisations

Objectives and foreseen results

The appropriations are intended to cover expenditure on information and training measures
for workers' organisations, including representatives of workers' organisations in the
candidate countries, deriving from the implementation of EU action in the framework of the
implementation of the Union social dimension. These measures should help workers'
organisations to contribute to the overarching challenges facing European employment and
social policy as laid down in the Europe 2020 Strategy and the Renewed Social Agenda and
within the context of EU initiatives to address the consequences of the economic crisis.

Foreseen results are improved skills for workers' representatives for European social dialogue,
better understanding of issues discussed through European social dialogue, sharing of
ideas/experience on European social dialogue as well as improving the capacity of workers'
organisations.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing:

The indicative amount is EUR 3 420 000. The Union's grant may not exceed 90% of the total
eligible cost of the action.

Indicative timetable

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 The call for proposals will be launched early 2011 and will foresee a single deadline for the
submission of applications in April 2011.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

– Be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and (96(2)a of the Financial regulation;

– Be social partner organisations representing workers at European, national or regional

level;

– Be properly constituted and registered legal persons. In application of article 114 of the
Financial Regulation, workers' organisations without legal personality are also eligible
provided that their representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their
behalf and assume financial liability;

– Have their registered office in one of the Member States of the European Union.

To be eligible, actions must:

– Be linked to the objectives of the budget heading;

– Comply with the European Union co-financing percentage of maximum 90%;

– Be fully carried out in the Member States of the European Union or the candidate
countries.

National capacity-building activities which could be funded under the European Social Fund
(Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006 on the European Social Fund, Article 5(3)§25) are not
eligible.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

– Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to

5
"Under the Convergence objective, an appropriate amount of ESF resources shall be allocated to
capacity-building, which shall include training, networking measures, strengthening the social dialogue
and activities jointly undertaken by the social partners, in particular as regards adaptability of workers
and enterprises referred to in Article 3(1)(a)." (Scope).

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 implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

Proposals which fulfil the eligibility and selection criteria indicated above will be assessed
according to the following award criteria:

– The extent to which the action meets the objectives and priorities of the budget heading.

– The extent to which the action has a genuine transnational dimension.

– The quality of partnerships, including the degree of involvement and commitment at the
application stage of the social partners/stakeholders in the action.

– The extent to which the action contributes to the priorities, activities or results of European
Social Dialogue.

– The added value, i.e. the lasting impact and/or multiplier effect of the action.

– The cost-effectiveness of the action.

– The arrangements to publicise the action and disseminate the results.

– The overall quality, clarity and completeness of the proposal and budget explanation.

1.2. Grants to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly

1.2.1. De facto monopoly

In application of the Commission Decision C(2009)9898 of 11 December 2009 adopting DG

EMPL’s annual work programme of grants and contracts, serving as a financing decision for
2010, the Commission concluded, in March 2010, four-year framework partnership
agreements with two specific trade union institutes with a view to establishing a long term
cooperation. These institutes have been established to facilitate capacity-building through
training and research at European level, as well as to improve the degree of involvement of
workers' representatives in European governance. As demonstrated in the Commission
Decision mentioned above, these institutes cover all representative unions of the European
labour movement and are therefore to be considered as bodies in a de facto monopoly
situation, within the sense of article 168.1.c) of the Implementing Rules of the Financial
Regulation, and are granted direct support in accordance with article 110.1 of the Financial
Regulation.

These institutes are the following:

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 1.2.1.1. The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI), which provides workers'
organisations with research and scientific support as well as information and training
in European matters of strategic importance for the trade unions. This institute is
linked to the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC);

1.2.1.2. The European Centre for Workers' Questions (EZA), which provides a European
dimension trade union education for European Christian workers' organisations.

On the basis of the framework partnership agreements mentioned above, the annual work
programme of the two specific trade union institutes will be supported. The specific operating
grant agreements will be signed in the first half of 2011 and will cover the period 01/04/2011-
31/03/2012.

For 2011, a grant of EUR 10 397 000, representing a maximum of 85,5% of the total eligible
costs of the work programme, will be awarded to ETUI, and a grant of EUR 3 183 000,
representing a maximum of 82% of the total eligible costs of the work programme, will be
awarded to EZA. In both cases, the co-financing rate has been decreased by 1% compared to
the specific operating grant agreements signed for the period 01/04/2010-31/03/2011.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 17 000 000

Calls for proposals 3 420 000

De facto monopolies 13 580 000

TOTAL 04 03 03 02 17 000 000

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 04 03 03 03 – INFORMATION, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
UNDERTAKINGS

LEGAL BASIS

Specific competences of the Commission directly attributed by the Treaty on the Functioning
of the European Union, and in particular Article 154 thereof.

In this context, the following in particular are concerned:

• Directive 2009/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 on the
establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale
undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing
and consulting employees (recast) (OJ L 122 of 16.05.2009, p. 28) as well as the directives
that will be repealed in 2011: Council Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994 on the
establishment of a European Works Council or a procedure in Community-scale
undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings for the purposes of informing
and consulting employees (OJ L 254 of 30.09.1994, p. 64) and Council Directive 97/74/EC
of 15 December 1997 extending to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland Directive 94/45/EC on the establishment of a European Works Council or a
procedure in Community-scale undertakings and Community-scale groups of undertakings
for the purposes of informing and consulting employees (OJ L 10 of 16.01.1998, p. 22);

• Council Directive 2001/86/EC of 8 October 2001 supplementing the Statute for a European
company with regard to the involvement of employees (OJ L 294 of 10.11.2001, p. 22);

• Directive 2002/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2002
establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European
Community (OJ L 80 of 23.03.2002, p. 29);

• Council Directive 2003/72/EC of 22 July 2003 supplementing the Statute for a European
Cooperative Society with regard to the involvement of employees (OJ L 207 of
18.08.2003, p. 25);

• Article 16 of Directive 2005/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26

October 2005 on cross-border mergers of limited liability companies (OJ L 310 of
25.11.2005, p. 1).

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 7 500 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

• Strengthen transnational cooperation between employees' and employers' representatives

as regards information, consultation and participation within undertakings operating in
several Member States. The purpose of such cooperation is to ensure that employees are
adequately informed and consulted within an undertaking when decisions which affect
them are taken in a Member State other than the one in which they work.

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 • Familiarise representatives of undertakings with employee participation procedures within
European companies, European cooperative societies and limited liability companies
resulting from cross-border mergers within the meaning of Article 16 of Directive
2005/56/EC, including improving awareness of the participation of employees'
representatives in their decision-making bodies.

• Enable the social partners to prepare for exercising their rights and duties as regards
information, consultation and participation within undertakings operating in several
Member States, particularly within the context of their European Works Councils.

• Familiarise all those involved in the undertaking with transnational business agreements
and strengthen cooperation between them within the European Union framework.

• Support the development of all those involved in the undertaking in responsibly managing
restructuring and encourage proactive change management practices.

Priorities for the year 2011

• Promote exchange of information and experience with a view to setting up employee

information, consultation and participation structures within European companies,
European cooperative societies and limited liability companies resulting from cross-border
mergers within the meaning of Article 16 of Directive 2005/56/EC;

• Promote the exchange of information and good practice in order to create conditions
favourable to setting up information and consultation structures within undertakings as
defined in Directive 2002/14/EC;

• Promote the setting up of new European Works Councils and improve information and
consultation processes in EU-scale undertakings and EU-scale groups of undertakings;

• Promote transnational cooperation in respect of information and consultation, in particular

targeting representatives from the new Member States and candidate countries;

• Produce reports on experience relating to the establishment of European Works Councils

and the functioning and effectiveness of information provision and consultation within
them;

• Produce reports on experience relating to the establishment of bodies representing and

negotiating on behalf of employees within European companies, European cooperative
societies and limited liability companies resulting from cross-border mergers;

• Promote the exchange of information and experience in order to create conditions

favourable to setting up transnational business agreements; as well as to promote measures
to familiarise all those represented within the company with transnational
business agreements and to strengthen their cooperation within the European Union
framework;

• Promote innovative actions relating to the management of information, consultation and

participation at company level, in order to encourage anticipation of change and prevent
and resolve disputes in the context of corporate restructuring, mergers, takeovers and
relocation of undertakings and groups of undertakings operating in several Member States;

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 • Promote actions to encourage better anticipation, preparation and management of change
and restructuring.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

The grants awarded under this budgetary item will be covered by a written agreement.

1.1. Calls for proposals:

1.1.1. Information, Consultation and Participation of Representatives of Undertakings

Objectives and foreseen results

The call for proposals will support projects related to transnational cooperation, information
and observation points and management of change:

• Transnational cooperation will aim at promoting the exchange of information and

experience as regards information, consultation and participation within undertakings and
groups of undertakings, as well as the negotiation of transnational business agreements.

• Information and observation points established by the European social partners with the
aim of informing and assisting representatives of the social partners and undertakings in
setting up projects or information, consultation and participation structures at transnational
level and promoting relations with the European institutions

• Management of change with the aim of promoting socially responsible management of

restructuring, in particular by improving anticipation of and preparation for change.

The foreseen results include:

Training for negotiators and representatives working with information, consultation and
participation bodies, as well as training on the different aspects of transnational business
agreements;

• coordination between employees' and employers' representatives;

• dissemination of information and best practice;

• participation of representatives from the new Member States and candidate countries;

• assistance to representatives of social partners and undertakings in setting up projects or

information, consultation and participation structures at transnational level and promoting
relations with the European institutions;

• better anticipation, preparation and management of change and restructuring.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The indicative amount for 2011 is EUR 7 500 000. The grant may not exceed 80% of the
eligible costs of the operation.

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 Indicative timetable

The call for proposals will be published in the first quarter of 2011. The deadlines for the
submission of applications (and indicative amounts) are as follows:

- March/April 2011 for actions commencing no earlier than May/June 2011 (EUR 3 200 000);

- September 2011 for actions commencing no earlier than November 2011 and no later than
22 December 2011 (EUR 4 300 000).

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

Eligibility of the applicants

• Be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and (a)96(2) of the Financial Regulation

• Be a properly constituted and registered legal person, having their registered office in one
of the Member States of the European Union. Pursuant to Article 114 of the Financial
Regulation, social partner organisations without legal personality under the applicable
national law are also eligible provided that their representatives have the capacity to
undertake legal obligations on their behalf and assume financial liability. A project
applicant cannot be an individual;

• Be representatives of employees or employers from the Member States or, exceptionally,

technical bodies or commercial companies expressly mandated by one or more eligible
applicants. For commercial companies, the aim of the project must be non-commercial in
nature and the project must not create a profit for the beneficiary of the grant.

Eligibility of the actions

To be eligible, actions must:

• Be linked to at least one objective of the budget heading;

• Be fully carried out in the Member States of the European Union or in the candidate
countries;

• Comply with the maximum percentage of European Union co financing of 80%.

Eligibility of the participants in actions

Participants must be employees' or employers' representatives from the Member States and
candidate countries, or experts appointed by the social partners.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

EN 18 EN
 – Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

• The extent to which the action meets the objectives of the budget heading and the priority
objectives;

• The extent to which the expected results add value to the existing situation or to results
already obtained in the past through transnational projects supported under this budget
heading;

• The extent to which the project concerns innovative measures or new subjects in relation to
information, consultation and participation of representatives of undertakings;

• The extent to which the action promotes the joint participation of employers and
employees;

• The extent to which the action has a genuine transnational dimension;

• The extent to which employees' and/or employers' representatives from new Member
States or candidate countries are actively involved in the action;

• The cost-effectiveness of the action;

• The overall quality, clarity and comprehensiveness of the proposal, including budgetary
aspects and methods of disseminating results and arrangements related to publicising
European Union funding.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 7 500 000

Calls for proposals 7 500 000

TOTAL 04 03 03 03 7 500 000

EN 19 EN
 04 03 04 - EURES (EUROPEAN EMPLOYMENT SERVICES)

LEGAL BASIS

– Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of the Council of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement

for workers within the Community (OJ L 257 of 19.10.1968, p. 2), as last amended by
Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 158 of
30.4.2004, p. 77).

– Council Regulation (EEC) No 2434/92 of 27 July 1992 amending Part II of Regulation

(EEC) No 1612/68 on freedom of movement for workers within the Community (OJ L 245
du 26.8.1992, p. 1).

– Commission Decision No 2003/8/EC of 23 December 2002 implementing Council

Regulation (EEC) N° 1612/68 as regards the clearance of vacancies and applications for
employment.

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 20 500 000 + EUR 487 900 (EFTA/EEA Contribution) = Total amount EUR 20 987 900

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

This appropriation is intended, for completion of the internal market and implementation of the
European employment strategy, to cover the implementation and operation of the EURES
network.

This network is aimed at developing cooperation between the Commission and the Member
States, and in particular their employment services, with a view to:

• the provision of placement, advice and information services for workers as regards
employment in another Member State and for employers wishing to recruit in another
Member State,

• the exchange of job vacancies and applications at level and across borders,

• the exchange of information between Member States concerning labour-market trends and
living and working conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

The grants awarded under this budgetary item will be covered by a written agreement.

1.1. Grants to partners

1.1.1. Grants on the basis of framework partnership agreements

Objectives and foreseen results

EN 20 EN
 The EURES guidelines 2010-2013 adopted by the EURES Coordination office following the
opinion of the EURES High Level Strategy Group aim at contributing to the development of
European labour markets open and accessible to all, improving the quality and transparency
of the trans-national, interregional and cross-border labour market information, and
strengthening co-operation on these matters. The Guidelines establish the following priorities
for 2010–2013, as a basis for the identification of eligible activities:

(1) Improving access to EURES

(2) Ensuring services to employers

(3) Providing services to jobseekers, job changers and the unemployed

(4) Networking with other stakeholders

(5) Functioning of the network

(6) Implementing cross border activities

Justification

In order to comply with the above mentioned objectives, during 2011 the Commission will
conclude annual specific grant agreements, based upon the framework partnership agreements
signed during 2010, established with selected organisations aimed at establishing long-term
cooperation with the Commission and receive EU support on a stable and regular basis for the
period 2010-2013.

The partnership agreements signed in 2010 were established following the call for proposals
published under reference VP/2009/008 for a period of three years.

The Commission will invite proposals for actions in line with EU policy objectives and the
partners will directly submit an annual proposal to the Commission. Projects supported are
expected to implement activities to achieve the objectives of EURES guidelines for the period
2010-2013.

Indicative timetable

The second specific grant agreements, covering the period 01/06/2011 until 31/05/2012, will
be signed in the second quarter of 2011.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

A total amount of EUR 14 000 000 and a maximum EU co-financing rate of 95% of the total
eligible costs of the actions are envisaged for the specific grant agreements in 2011.

2. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurement is EUR 6 642 125

EN 21 EN
 2.1. Calls for tender

2.1.1. Framework contract on Maintenance, enhancement and continuous development of

the EURES IT platform

The objective is the maintenance, enhancement and continuous development of computerised

systems linking the EURES network and its stakeholders. This includes a one-stop web portal,
also accessible for disabled people, providing multilingual access to information on job
vacancies, CVs of potential candidates, living and working conditions, labour market trends,
education and training opportunities as well as other job mobility related contents. This portal
should also address the information needs of nationals of third countries, in particular from
candidate countries.

The indicative timeframe for launching the procedure is the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.2. Framework contract on Internet Infrastructure

The objective is to further develop the EU Job Mobility Portal by adding new functionalities
and strengthening multilingualism to meet the needs of growing numbers of users. The
enhanced extranet will provide tools to further improve internal communication within the
EURES network.

New releases of the ESCO taxonomy should also be integrated and used on the EURES portal
to enhance job matching, in particular as part of the Match & Map project.

The indicative timeframe for launching the procedure is the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.3. Framework contract "Helpdesk for the job mobility portal and other support
activities"

The objective of this framework contract is to establish a EURES helpdesk to provide quick
and accurate answers to information requests from job seekers, employers and others on job
mobility issues in general and on the European Job Mobility portal.

The indicative timeframe for launching the procedure is the first quarter of 2011.

2.2. Use of existing framework contracts

2.2.1. EURES Training

The objective of the EURES training is to train EURES advisers and other staff involved in
EURES activities from Public Employment Services, social partner organisations and other
EURES partner organizations in subjects related to the three basic EURES services of
information, guidance and placement and other services to be offered to both job-seekers and
employers. These activities will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts
based on the DG EMPL "EURES Training framework contract" VC/2008/1170 concluded on
8 December 2008 for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

2.2.2. Maintenance, enhancement and continuous development of the EURES IT platform

The objective is the maintenance, enhancement and continuous development of computerised

systems linking the EURES network and its stakeholders. This includes a one-stop web portal,

EN 22 EN
 also accessible for disabled people, providing multilingual access to information on job
vacancies, CVs of potential candidates, living and working conditions, labour market trends,
education and training opportunities as well as other job mobility related contents. This portal
should also address the information needs of nationals of third countries, in particular from
candidate countries. These activities will be implemented through the conclusion of specific
contracts based on the DG DIGIT framework contract DIGIT/PO/2005/013 (ESP-DESIS nº
DI/5717) concluded on 5 November 2007 for a period of 12 months, renewable 3 times and
(ESP-DESIS II nº DI/6760 to DI/6777) concluded on October 2010 for a period of 12 months,
renewable 3 times.

2.2.3. Internet Infrastructure

The objective is to further develop the EU Job Mobility Portal by adding new functionalities
and strengthening multilingualism to meet the needs of growing numbers of users. The
enhanced extranet will provide tools to further improve internal communication within the
EURES network.

New releases of the ESCO taxonomy should also be integrated and used on the EURES portal
to enhance job matching, in particular as part of the Match & Map project.

These activities will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG DIGIT framework contract DIGIT/PO/2005/013 (ESP-DESIS nº DI/5717) concluded on
5 November 2007 for a period of 12 months, renewable 3 times and (ESP-DESIS II nº
DI/6760 to DI/6777) concluded on October 2010 for a period of 12 months, renewable 3
times.

The OPOCE framework contract EUROVOC Thesaurus Management and Dissemination

System (reference AO 10122) is also foresee to be used, for the implementation of these
activities through the conclusion of specific contracts.

2.2.4. Information, Publications and Communication Activities

In order to provide appropriate information and communication to the public, to the social
partners and other relevant actors, as well as the communication aspects of the European
Mobility Day 2010" and the "European Job Days", specific contracts will be concluded on the
basis of the DG EMPL framework contract for EURES information and communication
activities (2 lots - VC/2007/477 and VC/2007/478) concluded on 7 July 2008 for a period of
12 months, renewable twice.

2.2.5. Helpdesk for the job mobility portal and other support activities

The role of the EURES helpdesk is to provide quick and accurate answers to information
requests from job seekers, employers and others on job mobility issues in general and on the
European Job Mobility portal. These activities will be implemented through the conclusion of
specific contracts based on the DG EMPL framework contract for the EURES Helpdesk
VC/2007/69 concluded on 5 October 2007 for a period of 12 months, renewable 3 times.

2.2.6. EURES NETWORK

The EURES network meets annually for internal seminars, working groups and working party
meetings, and other information sessions and network meetings in an effort to ensure the
information flow between its members and to enhance the networking and participation of its

EN 23 EN
 members. Additionally, this activity will also cover the organisation of the forward looking
events related to "European Mobility Day 2010" and the "European Job Days", which will
support the further development of EURES in the policy context after 2010. For this purpose,
specific contracts will be concluded on the basis of the DG EMPL framework contract
"Meetings" (contract concluded on 26 November 2008 - 7 lots – VC/2008/32, VC/2008/862,
VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and VC/2008/870, for a period of
24 months, renewable once).

2.3. Renewals

2.3.1. Translations: European Job Mobility Portal

Renewal of an existing service contract (reference 68018-04) established with the "Centre de
Traduction des Organes de l'Union Européenne". The aim is to provide translation of all the
information diffused through the EURES IT portal to all European languages of the EU. The
renewal will be signed in June 2010 for one year duration.

3. SUBDELEGATIONS

3.1. Subdelegations to DIGIT

3.1.1. Memorandum of Understanding signed between DG EMPL and DG DIGIT

Following the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding number DIGIT-00229-00 to

cover the hosting of the EURES portal and its evolution for the period 2010-2014, a
subdelegation must be given to DG DIGIT.

For 2011, an amount of EUR 345.775 will be available to DIGIT. This amount represents the
expenditure to be incurred by DG DIGIT to provide the services as defined and described
under the Article 2 "Subject" of the Memorandum of Understanding signed, related to the
expenditure as calculated by DG DIGIT based on the budgeted expenditure and the services
to be provided.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 14 000 000

Grants to partners 14 000 000

PROCUREMENT 6 642 125

SUBDELEGATION TO DG DIGIT 345 775

TOTAL 04 03 04 20 987 900

EN 24 EN
 04 03 05 - FREE MOVEMENT OF WORKERS, CO-ORDINATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES
AND MEASURES FOR MIGRANTS, INCLUDING MIGRANTS FROM THIRD COUNTRIES

LEGAL BASIS

• Articles 45 and 48 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

• Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of 15 October 1968 on freedom of movement of

workers within the Community (OJ L 257, 19.10.1968, p.2).

• Council Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 of 14 June 1971 on the application of social

security schemes to employed persons, to self-employed persons and to members of their
families moving within the Community (OJ L 149, 5.7.1971, p.2).

• Council Regulation (EEC) No 574/72 of 21 March 1972 laying down the procedure for
implementing Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes
to employed persons, to self-employed persons and to their families moving within the
Community (OJ L 74, 27.3.1972, p.1).

• Council Directive 98/49/EC of 29 June 1998 on safeguarding the supplementary pension

rights of employed and self-employed persons moving within the Community (OJ L 209,
25.7.1998, p. 46).

• Council Regulation (EC) No 859/2003 of 14 May 2003 extending the provisions of

Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 and Regulation (EEC) No 574/72 to nationals of third
countries who are not already covered by those provisions solely on the ground of their
nationality (OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p.1).

• Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April
2004 on the coordination of social security systems (OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p.1) and it's
Implementing Regulation (COM(2006) 16 final and COM (2006)7 final.

• Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16

September 2009 laying down the procedure for implementing Regulation (EC) No
883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems (Text with relevance for the EEA
and for Switzerland) (OJ L 284, 30.10.2009, p.1).

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 6 270 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

These appropriations are intended to cover:

– Analysis and evaluation of the major trends in legislation in the Member States with regard
to the free movement of persons and coordination of social security schemes. Financing of
networks of experts in that fields;

EN 25 EN
 – Analysis and research on new policy developments in the domain of free movement of
workers linked for example to the end of transitional periods and modernisation of social
security coordination provisions;

– Support to the work of the Administrative Commission and its sub-groups and follow-up
of the decisions taken. Support to the work of the Technical and Advisory Committees on
free movement of workers;

– Support to actions preparing the entry into application of the new regulations on social
security, including transnational exchanges of experience and information and training
initiatives developed at national level;

– Financing of actions aimed at providing a better service and raising awareness to the
public, including measures aimed at identifying migrant workers' social security problems,
with special attention to those that are highly mobile, and measures speeding up and
simplifying administrative procedures, analysis of the barriers to free movement and lack
of coordination of social security systems and their impact on disabled people, including
adaptation of administrative procedures to new information processing techniques, in order
to improve the system for acquiring rights and the calculation and payment of benefits
pursuant to Regulations (EEC) No 1408/71 and (EEC) No 574/72 (including the cost of
translating documents) and Regulation (EC) No 859/2003 as well as Regulation (EC) No
883/2004 and it's implementing Regulation and the extension Regulation to certain third
country nationals;

– The development of information and actions to make public opinion aware of their rights
on free movement and coordination of social security schemes;

– The support of the administrative exchange of social security information among Member
States, with a view to assisting them in their implementation of Regulation (EC) No
883/2004 and its Implementing Regulation. This includes the maintenance of the central
node of the EESSI (Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information) system.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

The grants awarded under this budgetary item will be covered by a written agreement.

1.1. Call for proposals

1.1.1. Transnational actions for cooperation and information on social security

coordination

Objectives and foreseen results

The new regulatory framework on social security coordination entered into application on 1
May 2010. New rules aim to enhance cooperation between social security institutions,
enabling speeding up the provisions of benefits to citizens, including those that are highly
mobile. The effective implementation and enforcement of rights deriving from the Regulation
(EC) No 883/2004 and the Regulation (EC) No 987/2009 is indeed a shared task where the

EN 26 EN
 social security institutions, the Member States administrations and the social partners can play
an important role in improving citizens' knowledge of their rights.

The wider public, but also the administrations dealing with the application of the Regulations
have to receive the necessary information for the correct national implementation of these
texts. The information and awareness raising work of mobility portals such as EURAXESS
also requires that they are informed of these developments.

In line with Article 79 of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004, the European Commission may fund
in full or in part activities aimed at improving exchanges of information between the social
security authorities and institutions of the Member States, and any other activity aimed at
providing information to the persons covered by this Regulation and their representatives
about the rights and obligations deriving from this Regulation, using the most appropriate
means.

The objective of the call is to support:

1) initiatives and actions with a transnational dimension which:

– aim at developing cooperation between social security institutions; and/or

– aim at improving information of the public about their rights and obligations deriving from
the EC Regulations on social security coordination when exercising the right of free
movement.

2) national initiatives and actions aiming at preparing and implementing EESSI.

Under the call, a variety of actions may be co-financed, including conferences, round tables,
training initiatives, seminars and workshops, setting up of networks, publications, studies,
development and reinforcement of administrative and technical capacity (for example,
exchange of experience on training, exchange of public servants between Institutions,
exchange of best practices and experiences on the coordination), or other appropriate tools of
information on social security coordination.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

A global amount of around EUR 3 000 000 is envisaged for this action. EU financial aid will
not exceed 80% of the total eligible costs of the action. The applicant has to guarantee the co-
financing in cash of the remaining 20%. Contributions in kind are not accepted.

Indicative timetable

The call will be launched in the first semester 2011.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

Eligibility of the applicants

– Be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and 96(2)(a) of the Financial Regulation;

EN 27 EN
 – The applicant must be a properly constituted and registered legal entity, having their
registered office based in one of the Member States of the European Union or in one of the
EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). In derogation from this requirement
and pursuant to Article 114 of the Financial Regulation, the organisations of social partners
without legal personality under the applicable national law are also eligible provided that
their legal representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf
and assume financial liability;

– Fall within one of the following categories:

For both objectives 1) and 2):

– be national social security institutions,

For objective 1) only:

– be social partners organisations, NGO's or other legally recognised type of non-profit

organisation in the field of free movement and social security, having a practical
experience with the application of the Regulations on social security coordination

– Eligibility of the actions

• Be clearly linked to at least one objective of the call for proposals.

• For actions under objective 1), the action must also be carried out in cooperation between
active partners from at least two different Member States or EEA countries (Iceland,
Liechtenstein and Norway). This must be demonstrated in the application by signed letters
indicating the active involvement.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

• Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

• Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field of social security and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

The grants will be awarded following a comparative assessment of the proposals on the basis
of the following criteria:

• the extend to which the action meets the objectives and priorities of the budget heading;

EN 28 EN
 • the extend to which there is a clear and well-supported diagnosis of the issues addressed in
the proposal, the methods used for addressing these issues and a clear indication of the
proposal's contribution to the objectives of the call;

• the clarity and feasibility of the proposed work plan, including timetable and methodology,
and in particular its capacity to achieve the planned objectives through well-identified and
well-planned activities with clear and attainable time-lines;

• for actions under objective 1) the quality of partnerships, the extent to which the project,
action or initiative has a genuine transnational dimension and/or requires joint participation
of different stakeholders and multiplier effect of the action;

• the financial quality of the proposal including a reasonable and realistic budget, its likely
value for money and a sound cost-efficiency ratio;

• the quality, clarity and detail of budgetary presentation.

2. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurements is EUR 2 570 000.

2.1. Calls for tender

2.1.1. Assistance to the Audit Board of the Administrative Commission on Social Security
for Migrant Workers

Service contract to assist the Audit Board with its task to ensure the good functioning of the
European Union system for refunds between national social security institutions of health care
costs in line with Article 74 of the Regulation 883/2004. The procedure will be launched in
the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.2. Series of specific reports on some aspects of the new Regulations on the social
security coordination.

Maximum 5 low-value reports will be commissioned. The reports will focus on clarification
of interpretation and/or the analysis of national systems or practices necessary for the
interpretation of the new Regulations. The procedures will be launched in the first and second
quarters of 2011.

2.1.3. Reports on some aspects of the new Regulations on the social security coordination.

Maximum 2 reports will be commissioned. The reports will focus on clarification of

interpretation and/or the analysis of national systems or practices necessary for the
interpretation of the new Regulations. The procedures will be launched in the first and second
quarters of 2011.

2.1.4. Service contract for the development of a reference implementation of eEHIC

eEHIC system is possible where different smart cards and card reading infrastructure are
interoperating. Therefore, the introduction of eEHIC should start with a piloting phase for a
relatively small number of Member States. The reference implementation to be developed

EN 29 EN
 should encompass software components which will be common to several Member States.
The procedure will be launched in the first quarter of 2011.

2.2. Use of existing framework contracts

2.2.1. Seminars/Events in relation with the work of the Administrative Commission

A number of specific activities (seminars and events) will be organised with a view to further
prepare the Institutions to the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 (on the
co-ordination of social security systems) and to the Implementing Regulation. These activities
will be organised through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the DG EMPL
framework contract 'Meetings' concluded on 26 November 2008 (7 lots – VC/2008/63,
VC/2008/862, VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and VC/2008/870)
for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

2.2.2. Campaign on the Modernised social security coordination

Continuation of the information campaign launched in 2010 with the view of raising
awareness of European citizens on the new modernised social security coordination. This
campaign is focused on informing the citizens about their rights and new information
obligations from the Regulations. These activities will be implemented on the basis of the DG
EMPL framework contract for services in support of communication activities, concluded on
30 November 2007 (3 lots – VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673 and VC/2007/674), for a period of 24
months, renewable once.

2.2.3. Impact Assessment

An impact assessment on legislative implication of new patterns of mobility will be carried

out. This activity will be implemented through the conclusion of a specific contract based on
the DG EMPL multiple framework contract 'Evaluation and Impact Assessment activities'
concluded on 21 April 2009 (5 lots – VC/2009/35 to VC/2009/56), for a period of 12 months,
renewable 3 times.

2.3. Renewals

2.3.1. Organisation and co-ordination of European Network on Free Movement of Workers

within the European Union

Renewal of the contract VC/2009/379 concluded on 23 November 2009 for a period of 12

months, renewable three times.

2.3.2. Organisation and coordination of a Network on the co-ordination of social security

schemes within the European Union

Renewal of the contract VC/2010/436 (Lot 1) and VC/2010/1047 (Lot 2) concluded on 29

November 2010 for a period of 12 months, renewable three times.

2.3.3. Service contract for the provision of technical support in the field of co-ordination of
social security

Renewal of the contract VC/2010/1182 concluded on 6 December 2010 for a period of 12

months, renewable three times.

EN 30 EN
 3. SUBDELEGATIONS

3.1. Subdelegation to DG DIGIT

3.1.1. EESSI Hosting and maintenance costs

An estimated amount of EUR 700 000 is envisaged to cover the hosting and maintenance
costs (including staffing) of the EESSI system that will be charged by DIGIT in 2011. The
transfer of funds will be executed through a subdelegation to DIGIT. The cooperation is based
upon a Memorandum of Understanding between DG EMPL and DIGIT signed on
25/02/2010, valid until 31 December 2013.

SUMMARY TABLE
ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 3 000 000

Calls for proposals 3 000 000

PROCUREMENT 2 570 000

SUBDELEGATIONS 700 000

TOTAL 04 03 05 6 270 000

EN 31 EN
 04 03 07 - ANALYSIS OF AND STUDIES ON THE SOCIAL SITUATION, DEMOGRAPHICS AND THE
FAMILY

LEGAL BASIS

On the basis of Article 159 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the
Commission is called on to produce reports on the social situation, including on the
demographic situation. Moreover, the implementation of Europe 2020 strategy as well as the
identification of future priorities for social policies at the EU level needs to be underpinned by
research and policy analyses as well as the sharing of experiences.

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 4 860 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

• Objectives: The aim is to promote the development of comparative analysis and the
exchange of views and experience at all relevant levels (regional, national, EU, world)
regarding the social and demographic situation and the socio-economic trends in the EU.

• Priorities: Development of policy relevant analysis in the area of social cohesion and the
implications of demographic trends which will feed into the reports on the demographic
future and on the social situation. This includes the management of an Observatory of the
Social Situation, and the cooperation with relevant activities in Member States and with
international organisations. Preparation of the European Year for Active Ageing 2012 and
related communication activities (e.g. website).
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

The grants awarded under this budgetary item will be covered by a written agreement.

1.1. Grants to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly

According to Article 168.1.c) of the Implementing Rules, grants may be awarded without a
call for proposals to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly. The individual award
decisions substantiating the monopoly situation will be adopted at a later stage.

1.1.1. De jure monopolies – Presidency events

Planned for the 2nd semester 2011, an event under the Polish Presidency will be co-financed
by the Commission. In the 1st semester 2012 the Commission will co-finance an event under
the Danish Presidency. Both conferences should deal with issues related to demographic
issues and should preferably be linked to the preparation of the European Year for Active
Ageing 2012. It will also be envisaged to link these events to the Social Protection Committee
work programme, in addition to that of the Group of Experts on Demographic Issues.

The indicative amount for the two events is EUR 600 000 (EUR 300 000 each) and the
maximum EU co-financing rate 80 % of the total eligible costs of the action.

EN 32 EN
 These events, highly political in nature and needing representation at the highest level both
from national authorities and European representatives, are to be organised exclusively by the
Member State holding the Presidency. Given the unique role of the Presidency in the
framework of EU activities, the Member State responsible for the organisation of the event is
considered as a monopoly.

2. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurement is EUR 3 580 000.

2.1. Calls for tender

2.1.1. Studies and conceptual support for the Expert Group on Demography Issues and on
aspects of the social situation

A maximum of five low value procedures will be launched to commission studies or reports
to provide support to the work of the Group of Government Experts on Demographic Issues,
explore new social issues or methodological approaches for monitoring aspects of the social
situation or provide assistance to policy makers and stakeholders who are trying to tackle
social policy challenges. The aim or these activities will be to gather the available knowledge
on specific issues related to the social situation, demography and families or to provide
practical guidance for policy makers at the national or regional level to help them tackle social
and demographic issues; this may include ex post and ex ante evaluations of ongoing or
envisaged EU initiatives in the demographic and social area as well as the development of
tools for the exchange of information and mutual learning.

The calls will be launched throughout 2011.

2.2. Use of existing framework contracts

2.2.1. Eurobarometer on the social climate in the EU – 3rd wave

A survey will be carried out to gauge the perception of a range of key dimensions of social
conditions and policies in the EU. The results will be used in the 2011 Social Situation
Report. The contract will be based upon framework service contract PO/2008-15/A3
concluded by DG COMM on 1 April 2009 for a period of 12 months and renewable 3 times.

2.2.2. Seminars/events and communication activities related to demographic and social

issues

A number of smaller activities (seminars, events and communication activities) will be

organised with a view to exploring themes and issues related to Europe's demographic future
and social policy issues and disseminating policy relevant material

These activities will be executed via the DG EMPL framework contract "Meetings",
concluded on 26 November 2008 for a period of 24 months, renewable once (7 lots
VC/2008/0063, VC/2008/0862, VC/2008/0864, VC/2008/0867, VC/2008/0868,
VC/2008/0869 and VC/2008/0870) and DG EMPL framework contract "Communication"
concluded on 30 November 2007 (3 lots – VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673, VC/2007/674) for a
period of 24 months, renewable once.

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 2.2.3. Communication activities for European Year for Active Ageing 2012

During 2011 the Commission will focus on developing the communication tools for the
European Year. This will include notably the development of the European Year website,
support for "ambassadors" at national and EU level as well as promotional material such as
publications, video news releases, a logo and banners.

These activities will be implemented through the DG EAC Framework Contract

(EAC/20/2008/01, concluded on 12 March 2009, valid until 11 March 2011 and renewable for
another two years.

2.3. Renewals

2.3.1. Content development for the internet portal of the European Alliance for Families

Renewal of the contract VC/2008/253 concluded on 24 November 2008 for a period of 12

months, renewable 3 times.

2.3.2. The European Observatory on Demography and the Social Situation

Renewal of the contracts concluded on 4 December 2008 (2 lots – VC/2008/322 Income

distribution and living conditions and VC/2008/932 Health status, health care and long-term
care) for a period of 12 months, renewable 3 times.

3. JOINT MANAGEMENT

According to Article 53d of the Financial Regulation and 43 of the Implementing Rules, the
appropriations used in joint management with international organisations shall finance
projects or programmes jointly elaborated between the Commission and the international
organisation.

The indicative amount of the financial participation of the Commission for these co-operation
projects is EUR 650 000 (EUR 450 000 for the OECD project; EUR 200 000 for the second
one). The contribution agreements are to be signed in the second semester 2011.

3.1. Co-operation with the OECD on measuring the quality of life and life
satisfaction and the impact of policies on social capital

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is the most
appropriate partner for the Commission to pursue comparative studies on the quality of life
and life satisfaction, as well as policies impacting on these, in the EU and other industrialised
regions. It is therefore of great interest for the Commission to continue the co-operation in this
area started with the OECD in 2008 and to develop further research and notably dissemination
activities targeted at policy makers. This third part of the well-being project shall feed into the
'Beyond GDP' debate on complementary indicators of socio-economic performance and
quality of life.

Another area known to be linked to the quality of life and well-being is social capital. A new
project will study various dimensions of social capital: participation in organized groups,
volunteering, civic engagement, informal networks, community life and social trust. The
project will review the state of the research and statistical practice on the measurement of

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 social capital. The project shall provide guidelines on methodology, construct a databank of
survey questions on social capital and develop a survey module on social capital.

3.2. Cooperation with the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research
in Vienna

The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research is a United Nations affiliated
intergovernmental organization concerned with all aspects of social welfare policy and
research. The Centre has been mandated to undertake various follow-up activities of the
United Nations' “Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing” since 2002, in particular
linked to the monitoring of the Regional Implementation Strategy for Europe. The aim of the
cooperation with the European Centre is to develop indicators on active ageing that would
build on the work done under the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing and
contribute to the European Year for Active Ageing in 2012.

4. SUBDELEGATIONS

4.1. Subdelegation to DG DIGIT

Website of the European Year for Active Ageing - Hosting and maintenance costs

An estimated amount of EUR 30 000 is envisaged to cover the hosting and maintenance costs
(including staffing) of the website of the European Year for Active Ageing that will be
charged by DIGIT in 2011. The transfer of funds will be executed through a subdelegation to
DIGIT. The cooperation will be documented by a hosting agreement on the basis of a
"protocole d'accord".

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 600 000

De jure monopolies 600 000

PROCUREMENT 3 580 000

JOINT MANAGEMENT 650 000

SUBDELEGATIONS 30 000

TOTAL 04 03 07 4 860 000

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 PROGRESS - COMMUNITY PROGRAMME FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL SOLIDARITY

LEGAL BASIS

Decision N° 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October

2006 establishing a Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity -
Progress6. as amended by Decision No 284/2010/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 25 March 2010 amending Decision 1772/2006/EC establishing a Community
Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – Progress7.

The Europe 2020 Strategy, proposed by the Commission on 3 March 20108, sets out a vision
for Europe's social market economy over the next decade, and rests on three interlocking
and mutually reinforcing priority areas:

• Smart growth, developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation;

• Sustainable growth, promoting a low-carbon, resource-efficient and competitive economy;

• Inclusive growth, fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial

cohesion.

Achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy will call for a combination of
instruments comprising EU legislation, open methods of coordination in various policy fields,
financial incentives such as the European Social Fund and strong gender equality policies.
The mission of PROGRESS is to strengthen EU back-up for Member States' commitments
and efforts to create more and better jobs and to build a more cohesive society. To that effect,
PROGRESS will be instrumental in:

• providing analysis and policy advice on PROGRESS policy areas;

• monitoring and reporting on the implementation of EU legislation and policies in

PROGRESS policy areas;

• promoting policy transfer, learning and support among Member States on EU objectives
and priorities; and

• relaying the views of the stakeholders and society at large.

More specifically, PROGRESS supports:

(1) the implementation of the European Employment Strategy (section 1);

(2) the open method of coordination on social protection and inclusion (section 2);

(3) the improvement of the working environment and conditions including health and
safety at work and reconciling work and family life (section 3);

6
OJ L 315, 15.11.2006, p. 1.
7
OJ L 87, 7.4.2010, p. 6.
8
http://ec.europa.eu/eu2020/index_en.htm

EN 36 EN
 (4) the effective implementation of the principle of non-discrimination and promotion of
its mainstreaming in all EU policies (section 4);

(5) the effective implementation of the principle of gender equality and promotion of its
mainstreaming in all EU policies (section 5).

Against this background, PROGRESS pursues the following general objectives, as set out in
Article 2.1 of the Decision:

(1) to improve the knowledge and understanding of the situation prevailing in the Member
States and in other participating countries through analysis, evaluation and close
monitoring of policies;

(2) to support the development of statistical tools and methods and common indicators,
where appropriate broken down by gender and age group, in the areas covered by the
programme;

(3) to support and monitor the implementation of EU law, where applicable, and policy
objectives in the Member States, and assess their effectiveness and impact;

(4) to promote networking, mutual learning, identification and dissemination of good

practice and innovative approaches at EU level;

(5) to enhance the awareness of the stakeholders and the general public about the EU
policies and objectives pursued under each of the policy sections;

(6) to boost the capacity of key European level networks to promote, support and further
develop EU policies and objectives, where applicable.

The programme is divided into five policy sections, each corresponding to a specific budget
line:

(1) Employment – 04 04 01 01

(2) Social protection and inclusion – 04 04 01 02

(3) Working conditions – 04 04 01 03

(4) Anti-discrimination and diversity – 04 04 01 04

(5) Gender equality – 04 04 01 05.

Since 1 January 2011, budget lines 04 04 01 04 and 04 04 01 05 are managed by DG JUST

and are therefore outside the scope of the present Financing Decision. Although actions are
being implemented in two DGs, PROGRESS as such will continue to be run as an integrated
programme, exploiting synergies across the policy sections.

Finally, budget line 04 04 01 06 (support for the implementation of the programme) will
support the monitoring of PROGRESS performance and the evaluation of its overall impact.
It will also finance PROGRESS general cross-cutting communication activities.

According to Article 16 of the Decision establishing PROGRESS, the programme is open to

the participation of the EFTA/EEA countries in accordance with the conditions established in

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 the EEA Agreement. The candidate countries associated to the EU and the western Balkan
countries included in the stabilisation and association process may also participate. At present,
Serbia, Croatia, Turkey and Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia have already signed
and ratified the corresponding Memoranda of Understanding.

In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 13 of the Decision establishing

PROGRESS, the Committee tasked with assisting the Commission with the implementation
of the programme was consulted on the global funding priorities on 30 September 2010. The
detailed work plan was approved by the Committee on 25 October 2010.

For practical reasons, the activities are detailed by section.

The grants awarded under PROGRESS will be covered by a written agreement.

***

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 04 04 01 01 - PROGRESS - EMPLOYMENT

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 19 787 500 + EUR 470 942 (EFTA/EEA contribution) = total amount EUR 20 258 442

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

This appropriation is intended to support the implementation of the European Employment

Strategy (EES), to help consolidate the Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and
inclusive growth, including its external dimension by:

– improving understanding of the employment situation and prospects, in particular through

analysis and studies and the development of statistics and common indicators within the
framework of the EES,

– monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the European Employment Guidelines

and Recommendations and their impact, for example through the Joint Employment
Report, and analysing the interaction between the EES and general economic and social
policy and other policy areas,

– organising discussions on policies, good practice and innovative approaches,

mainstreaming of the needs of vulnerable groups, and promoting mutual learning in the
context of the EES,

– raising awareness, disseminating information and promoting the debate about employment
challenges, policies and the implementation of national reform programmes, including
among regional and local actors, social partners, civil society and other stakeholders.

Europe 2020, the new European Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, sets the
overall policy framework. For the employment section of the PROGRESS programme the
implementation of the European Employment Strategy through the employment guidelines
and with the support of the flagship initiatives will be of key importance. These activities will
aim to support the Member States to achieve their national targets as to be agreed upon in the
Europe 2020 framework.

Europe 2020 specifies seven flagship initiatives and two of them are directly in employment
area:

• an Agenda for new skills and jobs; and

• Youth on the Move (the aspects related to youth employment).

The aim of "An agenda for New skills and Jobs" is to create conditions for modernising
labour markets with a view to raising employment levels and ensuring the sustainability of
our social models. As specified in the Europe 2020 Communication this flagship will
specifically address a number of policy areas where measures at EU and national level could
lift employment-related EU bottlenecks to inclusive growth. These include Flexicurity, better
matching of skills with labour market needs, mobility, transitions and migration as well as
actions supporting social dialogue and those relating to labour law.

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 While social dialogue and labour law issues can be supported under other sections of the
PROGRESS programme the employment section should focus on Flexicurity, New Skills for
New Jobs and mobility, transitions between jobs and from unemployment/inactivity into jobs
and migration. In line with the employment guidelines activities within these broad policy
priorities will also address female labour force participation and employment related gender
equality issues as well as barriers to employment for older workers, the disabled and other
vulnerable groups.

The "Youth on the move" flagship responds to the need to urgently tackle the particularly
difficult situation of young people. Clearly labour market outcomes of young people aged 15-
30 are not satisfactory in the EU witnessed by high youth unemployment in the group of 15-
24 years old, long transition periods between education and work, prolonged unstable labour
market attachment and a considerable number of young people neither working or learning.
The employment part of this initiative will aim at fostering the access of the young
generations into the labour market. Youth employment will thus constitute another priority
area for Progress support under the employment section.

All the above actions will aim to provide assistance for the implementation of the integrated
guidelines and for achieving the Europe 2020 objectives. These objectives are closely
interrelated: if the employment and social components are to be found most in the inclusive
growth pillar and employment guidelines they are also in the "smart" and "sustainable" pillars.
The most obvious example is youth employment under the "smart" pillar. Another example is
job creation and employment in the green economy as addressed in the "sustainable" pillar.
This interrelated approach is reflected in the integrated guidelines, with both the employment
guidelines and BEPG guideline 5 on "improving resources efficiency and reducing
greenhouse gases emissions" addressing this issue. In the 2011 Work Programme the
employment dimension of climate change will focus in particular on anticipation of skills
needs in the green economy and skills up-grading and thus will be included in the activities
supporting the New Skills for New Jobs initiative.

Obviously, responding to the crisis and ensuring economic recovery will continue to be a key
priority within 2011. PROGRESS Employment section will continue to support this policy
priority.

Taking into account the external dimension of Europe 2020, the Work Plan also includes
activities with enhance the knowledge of global employment and social policy challenges that
may impact on EU policy in these fields.

Within the support provided for the above policy priorities the PROGRESS Employment
section will contribute to strengthening knowledge, analytical and statistical capacity and to
reinforcing methodologies to identify and prepare for the new policy framework in particular
strengthen the impact assessment capacity.

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 DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

1.1. Calls for proposals

1.1.1. Exchange of good practices

Objectives and foreseen results

The call for proposals will cover two policy domains. The main objectives are to encourage
mutual learning at all levels and enhance transferability of the most effective policies to 1)
implement the flagship initiative "Youth on the Move" and 2) implement the flagship
initiative and agenda for New Skills for New Jobs.

1. Implementing the flagship initiative "Youth on the Move"

The flagship initiative "Youth on the move" (YOM) includes a set of priority actions to
reduce youth unemployment and to improve the job prospects of young people. The objective
of the call is to collect examples of concrete policy measures so that MS could learn from
each other which policies work and which don't. This can concern inter alia support measures
such as:

– job placements;

– training programmes;

– recruitment subsidies;

– wage arrangements;

– income security measures;

– benefit systems combined with work activities;

– more workplace learning experiences are created;

– there are more possibilities for self-employment;

– opportunities for working abroad.

2. Implementing the flagship initiative and agenda for New Skills for New Jobs

This flagship initiative is about achieving the commitment to reach 75% of employment rate
by 2020. To reach this objective, the flagship proposes actions to further develop well-
targeted, cost-effective labour market policies through the implementation of flexicurity
policies, promote a highly-skilled workforce in line with current and future labour market
needs, foster job creation as well as quality of work.

The objective of the call is to support the implementation of the flagship's objectives and to
collect examples of concrete support measures. This can concern inter alia best practices that
result in:

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 – Develop early-warning and forecasting systems to improve the matching of skills supply
and demand;

– Supporting the exchange between public employment services, education and training
providers on lifelong guidance to help people make choices regarding careers as well as
education & training;

– Close involvement of social partners both at EU and national level, in actions that can help
equipping people for employment with the right skills and helping employers to find the
skills they need;

– Support the strategic dialogue with private and third-sector employment services on
strategies addressing skills development.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The total indicative amount is EUR 2 000 000 and the maximum EU co-financing rate is 80%
of the total eligible costs of the action.

Indicative timetable

The call for proposals will be launched during the first quarter of 2011.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

– Applicants must be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and 96(2)(a) of the Financial
Regulation;

– Applicants must be legal persons properly constituted and registered in one of the EU
Member States or other PROGRESS participating countries;

– Eligible applicants are public authorities or semi-state agencies at central, regional or local
level;

– Non-profit organisations and higher education institutions and research institutes active
mainly in the area of employment policy, quality of work or social inclusion are also
eligible. These organisations are encouraged to establish partnerships with other
stakeholders including with public authorities or semi-state agencies;

– In application of Article 114 of the Financial Regulation, social partner organisations

without legal personality are also eligible provided that their representatives have the
capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf and assume financial liability.

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 b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

– Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

The grants will be awarded following a comparative assessment of the proposals in order to
determine those which:

– best meet the objectives and priorities of the call;

– have an adequate cost/efficiency ratio;

– have a genuine transnational dimension;

– have a quality of partnership, i.e. the degree of involvement and commitment of the social
partners/stakeholders in the action;

– have an added value and innovativeness;

– have a lasting impact and/or multiplier effect of the action;

– have arrangements to publicise the operation and envisaged dissemination methods;

– have an overall quality, clarity and completeness of the proposal and of the budget.

1.1.2. Public Employment Services & /Private Employment services working together
PARES (PARtnerships between EMPLOYMENT SERVICES)

Objectives and foreseen results

• The main objective of this call for proposals is to encourage a strategic dialogue and
collaboration for a better delivery of the Europe 2020 strategy when it comes to
encouraging cooperation between employment services at EU level. These actions should
encourage public, private and third sector employment services, education and training
providers, NGOs, welfare institutions, etc. to work together. The objective is to identify
common subjects that showcase the new labour market actors' collaborative approach
and/or suggest benchmarks for increased cooperation and a methodology of quality
assurance measures for this new kind of joint effort.

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 • This call for proposals will support strategic alliances between interested labour market
actors as part of PARES, whilst also supporting labour market transitions of most
vulnerable groups. It will also seek to arrange for a real exchange and sharing of
experiences amongst partners, including on local and regional employment issues and with
attention to gender issues. The objective is to provide start-up funding to potential future
self-sustainable cooperation projects in line with the Europe 2020 strategy and including
priority focus such as career guidance, job profiling, job search and recruitment, labour
transitions, local partnerships for employment, support to employers' needs, etc.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The total indicative amount is EUR 1 500 000 and the maximum EU co-financing rate is 80%
of the total eligible costs of the action.

Indicative timetable

The call for proposals will be launched during the first quarter of 2011.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

– Applicants must be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and 96(2)(a) of the Financial
Regulation;

– Applicants must be legal persons properly constituted and registered in one of the EU
Member States or other PROGRESS participating countries;

– Eligible applicants must be public, private or third sector organisations whose main
mission is the provision of employment services to jobseekers or job changers;

– The action should encourage public, private and third sector employment services,
education and training providers, NGOs, welfare institutions, etc. to work together. To be
eligible the action must include active partners from PROGRESS participating countries
and from at least two different types: public, private or third sector.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

– Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

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 The grants will be awarded following a comparative assessment of the proposals according to
the following award criteria:

– Relevance with the objectives of the call for proposals;

– European added value and the potential impact and multiplier effect of the action;

– Effectiveness of the methodology of the proposed action;

– Cost/efficiency ratio.

1.2. Grants to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly

According to Article 168.1.c) of the Implementing Rules, grants may be awarded without a
call for proposals to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly. The individual award
decisions substantiating the monopoly situation will be adopted at a later stage.

1.2.1. De jure monopolies – Presidency events

These events, highly political in nature and needing representation at the highest level both
from national Authorities and European representatives, are to be organised exclusively by the
Member State holding the Presidency. Given the unique role of the Presidency in the
framework of EU activities, the Member State responsible for the organisation of the event is
considered as a monopoly.

1.2.1.1. 28th and 29th Heads of Public Employment Services (PES) meetings

The identification and sharing of best practice between the public employment services in the
Member States will help to upgrade the services PES offer to job seekers and employers and
to tackle skills bottlenecks on the European labour market. The 28th and 29th meetings of the
Heads of PES are both Presidency events and will help to co-ordinate the operation of Public
Employment Services throughout the EU/EEA in support of the European Employment
Strategy.

The indicative amount for both events is EUR 140 000 (EUR 70 000 each) and the maximum
EU co-financing rate 80% of the total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.2. Presidency Conferences

Four major Presidency conferences will be organised in 2011 to discuss employment-related

topics, three during the Hungarian Presidency and one other during the Polish Presidency.

The Commission intends to co-fund these conferences, which will address policy issues
covered under the EES and the Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive
growth.

The indicative amount is EUR 1 000 000 for the four events (EUR 250 000 each) and the
maximum EU co-financing rate 80% of the total eligible costs of the action.

2. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurement is EUR 8 922 442

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 2.1. Calls for tender

2.1.1. Service contract for setting up of WEESP - an information system on Employment

Services Practises

The aim of this activity is the setting up of "WEESP" (Web-tool of Evaluated Employment
Services Practises), an information system composed of evaluated and tested (public, private
and third sector) employment services practises (i.e. on what works and does not work)

The indicative timeframe for launching the procedure is the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.2. Small-scale studies in support of the "Employment in Europe report", of "Monthly

and Quarterly Labour Monitoring and Supporting" and in support of the "European
Employment Strategy"

The aim is to cover short-term needs in relation to analytical work for the Employment in
Europe report and in support of the EES policy assessment in the context of the Europe 2020
Strategy by ad-hoc literature review, analysis and fact-finding.

A maximum of six low value procedures will be launched throughout 2011.

2.1.3. Framework contract for ESCO (common multilingual taxonomy of occupations and
skills)

ESCO, a common multilingual taxonomy of occupations and skills, based on the ISCO
classification, has been identified as one of the flagship initiatives under the Europe 2020
strategy. It will be made freely available as a standard tool for all interested stakeholders. The
work to develop ESCO involves IT tools to manage and distribute ESCO as well as the
operation of a secretariat to coordinate the work of the management board, maintenance
committee and reference groups. The objective of this activity is the establishment of a
framework contract.

The indicative timeframe for launching the procedure is the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.4. Multiple Framework contract for studies/analysis

An open call for tenders will be launched for the signature of a Framework contract for
maximum four years (annual contract renewable 3 times) in order to facilitate the
procurement of economic studies and research in the area of Employment. The aim of this
multiple framework contract will be to provide economic analysis, evaluation and policy
advice in the context of the new Lisbon 2010 strategy, both at national and EU level,
regarding employment issues. The indicative timeframe for launching the procedure is the
first quarter of 2011.

In the case that this multiple framework contract will not be awarded during 2011, the
activities foreseen under point 2.2.6 of this document will be launched following open calls
for tender or restricted and/or negotiated procedures.

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 2.2. Use of existing framework contracts

2.2.1. Impact assessments and Evaluation strategy

The activities described above will be implemented through the conclusion of specific
contracts based on the DG EMPL framework contract "Evaluation and Impact Assessment
Activities", concluded on 21 April 2009 (5 lots – VC/2009/35 to VC/2009/56), for a period of
12 months, renewable three times.

2.2.1.1. Evaluation activities: Evaluation of the first phase of Flexicurity (2007-2010)

Following the Commission's Communication on the subject, the Common Principles of

Flexicurity were adopted by the Member States in December 2007, including a commitment
that each Member State develops its own flexicurity arrangement.

The objective of the evaluation is twofold:

1) to assess, three years after their publication/adoption, the impact of the Communication and
the Common Principles on national policy making, i.e. whether and to what extent Member
States put into practice these principles and developed their own 'flexicurity' pathways;

2) to analyse the impact of the implemented integrated flexicurity policies in terms of

strengthening employment security, facilitating transitions and reducing labour market
segmentation.

2.2.1.2. Evaluation activities: Evaluation of the Mutual Learning Programme

The main objective of the Mutual Learning Programme (MLP) is to encourage mutual
learning at all levels and to enhance the transferability of the most effective policies within
key areas of the European Employment Strategy. A further aim has been to encourage
stakeholders to promote the wider and more effective dissemination of information about the
European Employment Strategy and its implementation.

The aim of the evaluation is to asses how the Mutual Learning programme (MLP) could be
refocused in order to ensure that it contributes better to the achievements of the key objectives
in the Europe 2020. The key issue to assess is how to ensure that the main results and main
findings are being disseminated to and used by the highest level of policy makers and to the
local stakeholders responsible for implementing labour market policies.

2.2.1.3. Evaluation activities: Fact-finding on specific policy experiences

The aim of this activity is to research and collect information to assess employment impact of
national measures promoting green jobs and economic recovery.

2.2.2. ESCO (common multilingual taxonomy of occupations and skills)

ESCO, a common multilingual taxonomy of occupations and skills, based on the ISCO
classification, has been identified as one of the flagship initiatives under the Europe 2020
strategy. It will be made freely available as a standard tool for all interested stakeholders. The
work to develop ESCO involves IT tools to manage and distribute ESCO as well as the
operation of a secretariat to coordinate the work of the management board, maintenance
committee and reference groups. These activities will be implemented through the conclusion

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 of specific contracts based on the OPOCE framework contract EUROVOC Thesaurus
Management and Dissemination System (reference AO 10122) and (ESP-DESIS II nº
DI/6760 to DI/6777) concluded on October 2010 for a period of 12 months, renewable 3
times and subsequently on the basis of a new Framework contract to be signed by DG EMPL
in the course of 2011

2.2.3. Employment seminars, meetings and conferences, communication and networking

activities

Organisation of meetings, forums, seminars, conferences and information sessions. The aim is
to facilitate communication and sharing between the various stakeholders in employment
issues linked to the EU 2020 Strategy and to provide information and good practices
examples of issues that are directly linked to achieving the objective of the programme.

For the implementation of these activities, specific contracts will be concluded based on the
following framework contracts:

– DG EMPL framework contract "Meetings" concluded on 26 November 2008 (7 lots –

VC/2008/63, VC/2008/862, VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and
VC/2008/870) for a period of 24 months, renewable once;

– DG EMPL framework contract for communication activities concluded on 30 November

2007 (3 lots – VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673 and VC/2007/674) for a period of 24 months,
renewable once.

2.2.4. Conferences to raise awareness, disseminate information and share best practice
under the bilateral and regional policy dialogue of the Social Agenda's external
dimension

In order to promote the external dimension of the Social Agenda, including raising awareness,
disseminating information, sharing best practice and promoting the debate on employment
and social policy challenges and policies, conferences/seminars/events will be organised as
part of the bilateral and regional policy dialogue and cooperation agreements. This action will
cover exclusively the costs related to the organisation of the meetings and the participation
costs for EU governmental and/or non-governmental experts. Participation in these events
will enable EU participants to benefit from the exchange of experiences with external
participants on subjects covered by PROGRESS. These activities will be organised through
the conclusion of specific contracts based on the DG EMPL framework contract "Meetings"
concluded on 26 November 2008 (7 lots – VC/2008/63, VC/2008/862, VC/2008/864,
VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and VC/2008/870) for a period of 24 months,
renewable once.

2.2.5. Information, publications, networking and communication strategy

In order to facilitate the communication and exchange of information and good practices
between the Programme participants and with persons not directly participating, a request will
be made for dissemination, publications, networking and communication activities to be
implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the DG EMPL framework
contract for communication activities, concluded on 30 November 2007 (3 lots - VC/2007/34,
VC/2007/673 and VC/2007/674) for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

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 2.2.6. Studies to be launched under Multiple Framework contract on studies/analysis:

Following the publication of the call for tender under reference VT/2010/076 (not yet
published) for the establishment of a Framework contract for maximum four years (annual
contract renewable 3 times) in order to facilitate the procurement of economic studies,
research and policy advise in the in the area of Employment and Europe 2020 Strategy,
several order for services will be launched through 2011.

2.2.6.1. Beyond Flexicurity: new ways of tackling labour market segmentation

Taking into consideration the proposals under the foreseen Communication on the
implementation of the flagship initiative 'An agenda for New Skills and Jobs', a study will be
launched in order to prepare for post 2012 Commission' proposals in the context of Europe
2020 Strategy to take into account the challenge of increasing employment creation but not at
the expense of widening contractual diversity/segmentation.

2.2.6.2. Study on Youth in the labour market – lessons from the crisis

The recent crisis has brought the issue of the precarious LM situation of the youth on the top
of the employment policies agendas worldwide, as youth unemployment rates skyrocketed to
twice the rate of adult unemployment. Nevertheless, the EU has constantly suffered higher
rates of youth unemployment than US or Japan. The proposed study will attempt to assess the
impact of the crisis on the position of the youth in the EU, in terms of access to the labour
market, but also the job quality experienced by the young. A comparative perspective of the
study will aim to highlight possible lessons to learn from the recent economic downturn,
mainly in the form good practices for policy-makers.

2.2.6.3. Small-scale studies on international and enlargement related issues of employment

and social policy

The purpose of these studies will be to elaborate background papers for bilateral and regional
conferences organised by the unit or contribute to the drafting of 'joint papers' with our
international partners.

In 2011, for example, studies could provide substantial input on issues related to employment
themes under PROGRESS for the preparations of respectively, the 2012 Euro-MED and
ASEM Employment Ministers conferences, and/or to support bilateral international events,
and possibly enhance EMPL knowledge basis on specific employment issues related to
enlargement countries.

2.3. Renewals

2.3.1. Mutual Learning support service contract

Renewal of the contract VC/2008/530 concluded on 18 December 2008 for a period of 12

months, renewable 3 times.

2.3.2. "European Employment Observatory" service contract

Renewal of the contract VC/2009/494 concluded on 12 May 2009 for a period of 12 months,
renewable 3 times.

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 2.3.3. EU network of academics and practitioners on workers' professional and
geographical mobilities' to analyse new patterns of mobility and corresponding
national policy developments in the context of the EES and post 2010

Renewal of the contract VC/2009/378 concluded on 18 November 2009 for a period of 12

months, renewable 3 times.

2.3.4. Programme for Mutual Learning support for Public Employment Services - "PES to
PES dialogue"

Renewal of the contract VC/2010/2 concluded on 27 September 2010 for a period of 12

months, renewable 3 times.

3. JOINT MANAGEMENT

According to Article 53d of the Financial Regulation and 43 of the Implementing Rules, the
appropriations used in joint management with international organisations shall finance
projects or programmes jointly elaborated between the Commission and the international
organisation.

3.1. OECD programme for International Assessment of Adult Competences

The aim is to support the Commission's monitoring of the Employment Guidelines on skills,
through participation in the research phase. During 2011 the aim of this activity is to support
field testing prior to operational stage of harmonised international assessment of adult
competencies. The 2011 contribution is aimed to support the programme in its main phase of
field testing and related activities.

The indicative amount for this project is EUR 500 000.

3.2. Migration/integration employment observatory managed by the International

Organisation for Migration (IOM)

The aim of this activity is to improve at the EU wide and at the Member States levels the
insight in migration and integration issues also in view of facilitating the exchange of
information on the migration and integration dimension of employment policies. The
contractor will also support the organisation of thematic and peer review meetings both from
a logistical and contents point of view, and maintain a website.

Follow-up of the contribution agreement signed in 2009 under reference the VS/2009/77 and
of the contribution agreement that will be signed in 2010.

The indicative amount for this project is EUR 800 000.

3.3. Follow up joint management with OECD on "Better utilising Skills"

This activity will build upon the results of the project on “New skills for new jobs: the
evolution of skill demands in OECD countries” signed on 2009 under reference VS/2009/129.
First, it is clear that the skills mismatch is an issue for a significant number of workers and
effectively represents a waste of investments in human capital. However, an even greater

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 underutilisation of skills occurs if some groups are discouraged from participating in work
altogether. Underinvestment in skills is also an issue and may be becoming more important.

The second strand of this activity will focus in more detail on the consequences of changing
skill demands on the employment prospects of displaced workers. This group in particular
faces a high risk of skill underutilisation either because their skills are no longer required or as
a result of skill obsolescence caused by prolonged unemployment. Therefore, a review out of
the policies that work best for displaced workers in the context of significant
change/restructuring will be carried out.

The indicative amount for this project is EUR 300 000.

3.4. ILO joint management on "Policy interventions to support more and better
jobs, while nurturing economic growth and meeting medium-term fiscal goals in
times of recovery"

Economic growth remains too weak to generate substantial employment. Moreover, budget
deficits are high in many countries. It is therefore crucial to identify the kind of policy
interventions -- in particular as regards labour market reforms, employment and social
programmes and skill policies -- that can support more and better jobs, while nurturing
economic growth and meeting medium-term fiscal goals. The purpose of the joint cooperation
project with the ILO (and notably its Institute for International Labour Studies) will be to help
assess these policy challenges and possible tradeoffs, building upon the current EC-IILS/ILO
work on crisis and globalization.

In particular, modelling work will help improve the understanding of i) the impact of fiscal
policies on output, employment and incomes over the short- and medium-run; ii) the extent to
which different types of labour market reforms can reduce the incidence on precarious
employment, while supporting total employment output (an analysis which will be aided by
an extensive database on employment regulations which has been created recently by the
ILO); iii) how well-designed welfare benefits and skill development policies can promote re-
employment prospects of jobseekers within the context of tight public finances; and iv) the
inter-linkages between the preceding measures and international competitiveness of EU firms.
By examining the interactions between labour market and social policies and macroeconomic
settings in the crisis context, the model developed under the joint cooperation project would
complement the existing Labour Market Model (LMM) developed by DG Employment which
takes a life-cycle approach to understanding disaggregated effects of policy interventions and
social security reforms.

The indicative amount for this project is EUR 300 000.

3.5. OECD/EU activity on" Matching supply to demand through labour migration"

One of the main rationales for resorting to recruitment from abroad is to satisfy labour/skill
requirements that are not currently being met in the domestic labour market. The prospects for
the future in many countries are precisely for a continuation of significant labour/skill
shortages: youth cohorts are getting smaller, and more and more baby-boomers will be
retiring while businesses/employers do not generally “retire” at the same rate. The labour
market can be expected to adjust internally to such imbalances, by a reallocation of resources
from less to more productive jobs, sectors or regions, responding, at least in part, to relative
wage signals. However, labour migration will remain an important potential avenue for

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 matching supply to demand in the labour market allowing for faster economic growth in an
increasingly competitive global economy.

However, an efficient matching of immigrant skills to available jobs in the labour market will
not necessarily occur automatically. Labour needs in origin and destination countries are not
necessarily the same and it is not certain that the necessary skills will be available in sufficient
supply even in labour-rich origin countries. Language differences may make direct
recruitment of immigrant workers by employers difficult and problematical. Recruitment of
foreign workers may not be a simple matter for employers in small and medium-sized
enterprises.

Activities to fulfil the objectives under this action will include:

– A first phase of analysis carried out over the period March 2011- June 2012;

– The organisation of an International Conference for June 2012, in which an Interim Report,
based on the first phase of analysis, will be presented, as well as contributions based on
commissioned papers;

– Based on the reactions to the Interim Report and other inputs presented at the conference, a
second phase of analysis to be carried out from June 2012 to June 2013;

– The presentation of a Synthesis Report in June 2013;

– The preparation of a joint DG EMPL-OECD publication, including an analysis of the

relevant policy issues, good practices and policy recommendations, taking stock of all the
activities indicated (points 1-4), which will be released in early December 2013 through a
Press Conference.

The indicative amount for this project is EUR 900 000.

3.6. OECD-LEED

The aim is to support the Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED)
programme of the OECD to support activities closely related to Employment policy priority
areas in particular to generate innovative guidance on policies to support employment creation
and economic development through locally based initiatives.

The indicative amount for this project is EUR 660 000.

3.7. Forum promoting skills development at the local level in cooperation with
OECD

The purpose of this activity is to co-finance with the OECD the Forum on "Partnerships and
Local Governance" which concentrates on the exchange of good practices pertaining to local
economic and employment development. The contract would concentrate on skills
development and the linkages between changing labour market needs and new skills.

The indicative amount for this project is EUR 600 000.

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 4. SUBDELEGATIONS

4.1. Subdelegations to EUROSTAT

4.1.1. Labour Market Policy (LMP) database (renewal service contract)

The renewal of this project is aimed at further consolidating the LMP statistics methodology
and the data collection. Regular annual data collection, improved timeliness and data quality
make the LMP database suited for monitoring of certain key areas of employment policies
(prevention, activation and aspects of flexicurity, crisis). Continued analysis is needed to
understand better the national systems and labour market programmes in order to consolidate
and increase further the comparability of the statistics. Extension of the database is needed to
cover the Candidate Countries close to accession, and to adapt to recent policy requirements,
e.g. for calculating activation rates of long-term unemployed persons. The work programme
includes the annual LMP data production and dissemination, the finalisation of the upgrading
of the LMP application from Visual basic 6 into ".Net" and the general maintenance of the
LMP application as well as actions to support methodological developments, reporting of
LMP statistics and assistance to Member States in data provision and quality improvement,
e.g. through workshop, seminars and training.

Renewal of the contract to be concluded following the call for tender published in the second
quarter of 2010 under the reference L-Luxembourg: Maintenance and development of the EU
labour market policy statistical database (Official Journal No 2010/S 99-148582 on
22/05/2010). The contract is envisaged for a period of 12 months, renewable twice. This
concerns the first renewal of the contract.

The indicative amount envisaged for this action is EUR 241 510.

4.1.2. Job Vacancy Survey (Call for Proposals)

Objectives and foreseen results

This project aims to ensure full participation of PROGRESS participating countries in

developing improved data on labour demand. The project includes further work to fulfil the
requirements of the newly established regulatory framework - 2011 will be the second year of
delivery of data in accordance with the full application of the regulation on quarterly vacancy
statistics (Regulation (EC) N° 453/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council and its
implementing regulations). Spending will aim to improve the coverage, quality and timeliness
of quarterly statistics - thus improving their relevance for labour market monitoring. This
project covers the financing for the second – 2011 - of the three years during which Member
States may receive a financial contribution from the EU towards the cost of work involved for
the data collection of quarterly job vacancy statistics, as stated in Article 8 of Regulation (EC)
N° 453/2008.

The final foreseen results are:

– The regular transmission of quarterly job vacancy statistics (number of job vacancies and
occupied posts)

• for enterprises with 10 and more employees in sections B to N of NACE Rev.2,

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 • as well as, whenever possible based in particular on the results of feasibility
studies, in sections A, O, P, Q, R and S and for companies with fewer than 10
employees,

in order to reach a full coverage of economic activities (NACE Rev. 2 sections A-S)
and two size class groups: fewer than 10 employees and 10 or more employees

– The improvement of the quality of the job vacancy statistics, including better accuracy of
the number of vacancies and breakdown by occupation following the ISCO-08
classification (at least 1 digit level) and/or regions (NUTS 2 level).

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The indicative amount is EUR 500 000 and maximum EU co-financing rate of 70% of the
total eligible costs of the action.

Indicative timetable

The call for proposals is expected to be launched no later than in April 2011.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

– Applicants must be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and 96(2)(a) of the Financial
Regulation.

– Eligible applicants are National Statistical Institutes (NSI) or competent Ministries from
the EU Member States or other PROGRESS participating countries.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

– Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

The proposals will be evaluated and points will be awarded based on the following criteria:

– Pertinence with the objectives and time schedule of the action

– Quality of the organisation and coordination of the activities proposed.

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 4.1.3. Labour Force Survey - 2012 LFS - Ad-hoc module on "Transition from work into
retirement" (Call for Proposals)

Objectives and foreseen results

The project refers to the Commission Regulation adopting the specifications of the 2012 ad
hoc module on transition from work to retirement provided for by Council Regulation (EC)
No 577/98 to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the first quarter of
2011. The objective is to ensure a methodologically sound and valid implementation of the ad
hoc module. This module aims at improving the knowledge on transition from work to
retirement in all Member States answering four main questions: how people leave the labour
market, why they left the labour market, why did not stay longer and how long the active
population, aged 50 to 69, expects to be in the labour market. It will be used to monitor
progress towards the common objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and of the open method
of coordination in the field of pensions.

The expected result of the action is the implementation of the 2012 LFS ad hoc module in a
way that guarantees the quality and comparability of the statistical data collected in the
survey. The outcomes of the action are:

1. A data file containing the national statistical data of the survey. The data file should
follow the requirements of the Commission Regulation adopting the specifications of
the 2012 ad hoc module on transition from work to retirement provided for by
Council Regulation (EC) No 577/98 to be published in the Official Journal of the
European Union in the first quarter of 2011. A proposed draft as endorsed by the
European Statistical System Committee at its meeting on 18 November 2010 is
available on CIRCA at:
http://circa.europa.eu/Members/irc/dsis/employ/library?l=/ad_hoc_modules/2012&v
m=detailed&sb=Title

2. A technical report in English describing the action and helping the Commission in
analysing the results. This should include the following elements:

2.1. A general description of the implementation of the module with information on:

– description of the questionnaire construction;

– the mapping from the national pension system to the types of pensions proposed as coding
categories for variable PENSTYPE in the Regulation (columns 198-205);

– placement of the module in the questionnaire;

– description of any pilot tests performed, their results, including main difficulties and
solutions chosen;

– the selection of the sample;

– calculation of the weights;

– data collection;

– response/non-response;

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 – reference period;

– main results.

2.2. The following should be annexed to the technical report

– the final questionnaire for the module, in all available languages;

– the instructions to the interviewers, in all available languages;

– the description of the data file structure (including information on specific weights if
relevant).

2.3. The quality report for the ad hoc module, which includes among others the
codification scheme used (how the coding was done from the national questions into
the EU variables), a description of the difficulties in the implementation of the
module and recommendations for future implementation of similar modules and
certain coefficients of variation needed for the assessment of the data quality. It will
be published by Eurostat at the beginning of 2013. It should be filled in and sent back
together with the technical report.

2.4. Any recommendations the beneficiary would want to make to the European
Commission (Eurostat) with a view to the action under the grant agreement.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The estimated amount for this project is EUR 500 000. EU financial aid granted will not
exceed 70 % of the total eligible costs.

Remark: this project will have a total estimated amount of EUR 2 000 000 and will be co-
financed by budget line 04 04 01 02 (Social Protection and Social Inclusion section of
Progress Programme) for an amount of EUR 1 500 000.

Indicative timetable

The call for proposals will be launched no later than in April 2011.

Eligible work may start before the signature of the grant agreement, namely at the time of the
application. In that case, a justification should be sent to Eurostat together with the application
form.

The results of the ad-hoc module (date file) and the technical report will have to be sent to
Eurostat before the end of March 2013. A precise timetable for all the activities covered by
the action should be defined and presented in the application.

An intermediate report presenting the national questionnaire and the filters for each question
to be used in the survey (national version + draft English translation) will have to be sent to
Eurostat two months before the survey is started.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

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 – Applicants must be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and 96(2)(a) of the Financial
Regulation;

– Eligible applicants are National Statistical Institutes (NSI) or competent Ministries from
the following PROGRESS participating countries: EU Member States, EFTA/EEA
countries and Croatia.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

– Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. Statistical competence and practical experience in the field and in particular
in the type of action proposed will be considered most relevant.

c) Award

The grants will be awarded following a comparative assessment of the proposals on the basis
of the following criteria
– Pertinence with the objectives, cost-effectiveness and time schedule of the action;

– Quality of the organisation and co-ordination of the activities proposed.

4.2. Subdelegations to DIGIT

4.2.1. Memorandum of Understanding signed between DG EMPL and DG DIGIT

Following the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding number DIGIT-00243-00 to

cover the hosting of the ESCO portal and its evolution for the period 2010-2014, a
subdelegation must be given to DG DIGIT.

For 2011, an amount of EUR 86 000 will be available to DIGIT. This amount represents the
expenditure to be incurred by DG DIGIT to provide the services as defined and described
under the Article 2 "Subject" of the Memorandum of Understanding signed, related to the
expenditure as calculated by DG DIGIT based on the budgeted expenditure and the services
to be provided.

5. INDIRECT CENTRALISED MANAGEMENT

5.1. Delegation to CEDEFOP (European Centre for the Development of Vocational

Training) - Labour Skills Demand and Supply - anticipation tools – Studies

This delegation of skills anticipation tasks is in accordance with the "New Skills for New
Jobs" initiative launched by the European Commission following the Council Resolution of

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 November 2007 and the adopted EPSCO Council conclusions on the 10 years of European
Employment Strategy (EES), which refer to this initiative as one of the five areas for the
future of the EES and stress that "Member States and the Commission should give priority to
the implementation of the New Skills for the New Jobs initiative". The Commission's Annual
Progress Report (COM(2007)803) to the Spring European Council 2008 therefore refers
explicitly to a skills forecasting activity ("the Commission will make proposals to address the
skills gap by improving the forecasting and monitoring of future skills requirements in
Europe)".

The expertise on anticipation of skills developed through CEDEFOP is of direct relevance for
the New Skills for New Jobs agenda. The funding in 2011 aims to (i) provide an update of the
skills forecast (to produce reliable evidence and time series that will provide a complete
picture of developments in skills and occupation in the EU) and (ii) launch a pilot business
survey following previously carried out feasibility study with a view to complementing the
skills forecasting activity by providing data from employers.

The indicative amount envisaged for this action during 2011 is EUR 1 100 000.

An agreement laying down the detailed arrangements for the management and control of
funds and protection of the financial interests of the Communities will be concluded with
CEDEFOP according to Articles 54 2. b) of the Financial Regulation and 41 of the
Implementing Rules.

6. OTHER INTERVENTIONS

6.1. Administrative arrangement with DG Joint Research Centre (DG JRC)

Following successful completion in March 2010 of a joint (two-year) project that has
elaborated a set of indicators on Flexicurity, it is envisaged to continue collaboration with the
JRC on monitoring Flexicurity achievements of Member States by relying on their statistical
expertise and in order to implement the monitoring methodology endorsed by the
Employment Committee in 2009:

– Maintenance of the JRC database of indicators developed during the previous arrangement
signed during 2010;

– Improve the methodology used and adapt it to new research findings;

– Launch a comparative analysis using the "synthetic indicator approach" developed and
taking into account the EMCO approach

The indicative amount envisaged for this action during 2011 is EUR 250 000.

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 SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 4 640 000

Calls for proposals 3 500 000

De jure monopolies 1 140 000

PROCUREMENT 8 880 932

JOINT MANAGEMENT 4 060 000

SUBDELEGATIONS 1 327 510

INDIRECT CENTRALISED MANAGEMENT 1 100 000

OTHER INTERVENTIONS 250 000

TOTAL 04 04 01 01 20 258 442

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 04 04 01 02 – PROGRESS – SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 27 755 000 + EUR 660 569 (EFTA/EEA Contribution) = Total amount EUR 28 415 569

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

For 2011, the strategic framework for the annual work plan for the PROGRESS programme
will be based on the Commission Communication on EUROPE 2020. The new Strategy,
which should enable the EU to move from crisis-effect management to longer-term structural
growth, puts forward three mutually reinforcing priorities: smart growth, sustainable growth,
and last but not least, inclusive growth with a view to fostering a high-employment economy
delivering social and territorial cohesion.

The "European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion" is one of the seven initiatives
envisaged by the Commission to support delivery on the “Inclusive Growth” priority and the
social inclusion/poverty target. Its objective is to ensure social and territorial cohesion so that
the benefits of growth and jobs are widely shared and people experiencing poverty and social
exclusion are enabled to live in dignity and take an active part in society. Therefore this
initiative constitutes, together with the poverty reduction target, the element of the new
strategy explicitly reinforcing its social dimension.

Within this context, the close coordination with the Social Protection Committee (SPC) that
has been already established will continue and activities undertaken under PROGRESS will
reflect the European Union's social objectives and in particular the policy priorities set by the
SPC as follows:

- Appropriate policy advice, research and analysis relating to the three strands of the social
Open Method of Coordination (OMC), with a special focus on active inclusion; child poverty
and well-being of children; healthy, active and dignified ageing; adequacy/sustainability
balance in pensions; raising the cost-effectiveness of health and social services;

- Training and mutual learning targeted to legal and policy practitioners and other
stakeholders, in particular as regards the application of EU rules on social services and on
social inclusion policies;

- Social innovation, with special focus on social experimentation, through helping to realise
its potential impact to address in new socially beneficial ways societal needs not adequately
addressed by market mechanisms and public sectors, in line with the Innovation Union
Flagship Initiative;

- Organising exchanges on policies and promoting the debate on social inclusion and social
protection issues through a mutual learning and awareness raising activities;

- Capacity building through support to NGOs and other networking activities as well to
national, regional and local authorities and/or other main stakeholders;

- Information and communication activities, including peer review seminars and Presidency
events.

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 DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

1.1. Calls for proposals

1.1.1. Calls for proposal for transnational projects on social experimentation

Scope and objectives

This call for proposals seeks to promote social experimentation as a source of innovation in
the social policies falling within the open method of coordination applied to social protection
and social inclusion (the social OMC) in the European Union. The Communication on
reinforcing the open method of coordination for social protection and social inclusion,
adopted by the Commission as part of the renewed Social Agenda on 2 July 2008, stated that
the PROGRESS programme should contribute to the development of social experimentation
by testing innovatory ideas before they are integrated "en masse" into social programmes.
More recently the Europe 2020 Communication emphasised the importance of Social
Innovation within the scope of the European Platform against poverty and social exclusion, in
order in particular to enhance stronger synergies between the Platform and other policy areas
for developing new forms of coordination and cooperation through specific cross-sectoral
initiatives.

Selected projects should contribute to developing and testing socially innovative approaches
to EU policy priorities in the context of the Platform. The Commission would also welcome
innovative projects related to the transition from institutional care to community-based
alternatives (deinstitutionalisation) in respect of the elderly, children, persons with disabilities
– including persons with mental health problems). The relevant transnational projects will
have to include partnerships between stakeholders that are involved in the process of social
experimentation (public bodies, local authorities, NGOs, service providers, etc).They will
address issues such as networking activities of those involved, evaluation of social
experimentation, examination of the transferability aspects, or inventory of achievements
within the European Union .

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The total budget should be around EUR 3 500 000. EU financial aid granted will not exceed
80% of the total eligible costs of the action. The applicant has to guarantee the co-financing in
cash of the remaining 20%. Contributions in kind are not accepted.

Indicative timetable

The indicative timetable envisages the launching of this call in the first semester 2011.

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 Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

Exclusion criteria

The applicants should certify that they are not in one of the situations listed in Articles 93(1),
94 and 96(2)a of the Financial Regulation.

Eligibility of the applicant

This call is accessible to stakeholders from all PROGRESS participating countries, including
the EFTA/EEA countries, the candidate countries and the pre-candidate countries. Applicants
may include public bodies, regional and local authorities, NGOs, service providers, etc. They
should be properly constituted and registered organisations (legal person) established in one
of the PROGRESS participating countries with an established administrative and financial
management structure.

Eligibility of the proposal

The proposal submitted for funding should meet the following eligibility criteria:

1) be complete and comply with the rules for submission published in the call for proposals;

2) involve partner organisations from at least one other PROGRESS participating country;

3) have activities that fit in with those under the PROGRESS Programme;

4) only seek funding for activities in PROGRESS participating countries.

b) Selection criteria

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

Financial capacity:

The applicant must have access to solid and adequate funding to maintain its activities for the
period of the action and to help finance it as necessary.

The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies.

Operational capacity:

The applicant must have the operational resources (technical, management) and the
professional skills and qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as
well as the ability to implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of
competence and experience in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

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 c) Award criteria

The grants will be awarded following a comparative assessment of the proposals on the basis
of the following criteria:

Policy Criteria:

1) Relevance and degree to which the proposal meets the objectives of the call for proposals
and the priorities identified; relevance of the proposed activities to the needs of the target
groups; realistic, clear, feasible, and measurable outputs;

2) Methodology used to address these issues, including the quality of the evaluation
framework.

3) Consistency of the project with the social inclusion objectives promoted by the EU,
including the proposal's contribution to reinforcing the objectives promoted by the EU social
open method of coordination;

4) Innovative character of the proposed action;

5) Mutual learning: the extent to which the proposal contributes to enhancing mutual learning
and policy adaptations and to improving governance;

6) Impact: the extent to which the proposed activities respond to the needs of the target groups
and will provide sustainable benefits to the target groups;

7) Trans-national dimension: added value at European level in view of the proposal's ability to
ensure exchange of information, transfer of experience and dissemination of results.

Organisational Criteria:

1) Methodological quality of the proposal: clear definition of the objectives; whether the
activities proposed are appropriate, practical, and consistent with the objectives and the
foreseen results (i.e. management by objectives); suitability of the proposed methodology;
innovative approach of activities; feasibility of the proposed activities in view of the resources
/capacities available and the timelines set; coherence between the different activities
proposed;

2) The quality of partnerships: i.e. the degree of involvement and commitment of the partners
in the various stages of the action;

3) The quality and relevance of the monitoring and evaluation strategy envisaged for the
project.

Financial Criteria:

1) The cost effectiveness of the action: the adequacy of resources allocated to the project
(human and financial) in relation to the planned activities.

2) The overall quality, clarity and completeness of the budget explanation.

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 1.1.2. Call for proposal on innovative policies to support healthy, active and dignified
ageing and raise the effectiveness and efficiency of spending on social, health and
long-term care services and benefit.

Objectives and foreseen results

This call for proposals seeks to promote innovative, effective and efficient policies in support
of healthy, active and dignified ageing trajectories where such policies fall within the open
method of coordination applied to social protection and social inclusion (the social OMC) in
the European Union.

For about a decade the EU has been promoting active and healthy ageing as key element in
employment, social and health policies aimed notably at people in the second half of their
lives. With growing average life expectancy (including at 65) and as people pass through
various stages of social, mental and physical ageing the idea is to enable them as far as
possible to get the most from the extra years.

This implies a sequence of linked-up policies that address consecutive stages of ageing with
the purpose of improving and maintaining for as long as possible peoples health, workability,
active participation, independence and - when they eventually tend to become frail - the
dignified retention of a maximum of autonomy in matters of daily life. The resultant outcome
should make it possible for people to work longer, retire later, be active and healthy after
retirement and maintain their faculties for independent living and participation for as long as
possible. It should also support people in dignified living when faculties are diminishing. To
the extent that they are successful such policies will also make major contributions to the
improved effectiveness and efficiency of spending on social, health and long-term care
services and benefits.

Recent political background

On 15-16 September 2009 a major Conference was organised by the Swedish Presidency on
healthy and dignified ageing with the aim of raising these issues in the EU agenda and to
promote cooperation on this between all stakeholders. In follow-up to the conference the
Council conclusions of 30 November 2009 invited the Commission to support future actions
to promote healthy and dignified ageing at EU, national and local levels and more generally to
review ongoing activities in this field. The Commission adopted on 06 September 2010 a
proposal for designating 2012 as European Year for Active Ageing. On 6 October 2010 the
European Commission announced the Innovation Union Flagship initiative, proposing among
others a European Innovation Partnership on active and healthy ageing, to be launched in
2011.

The selected projects should contribute to the following objectives:

– Improving the actual involvement of older workers and elderly people (and/or early
retirees) in professional life (or for retirees into social and community life), and more
generally improving and maintaining their professional and social skills.

– Delaying or mitigating the deterioration of the physical and mental health of individuals.
The objective is to enable senior people to run a normal and disability-free life for as long
as possible and to cope with declining abilities as these may occur. This can be achieved
inter alia through the promotion of healthy life styles, improvements of social life, early
detection of specific health problems, the allocation of various aids etc.

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 – Improving actual access to and the quality, sustainability and delivery of Long-Term Care.
Access must be understood in a very wide sense. Access includes actual availability of
workforce and health and long-term care services and facilities, but also waiting list
management, distribution of health care, and financial availability. Quality includes quality
outcomes, quality standards, and research on quality. Sustainability includes financial
sustainability but also availability of workforce and distribution of health care services.

In order to make an interface with Health Inequalities issues, for which a specific call for
proposal has been launched in 2010, this call will also welcome projects that while covering
the above issues give specific emphasis to inequalities in health (e.g. enabling people at risk
of adverse health as a function of the social gradient in health to engage in active and healthy
ageing activities to maintain workability or delay the onset of frailties etc.).

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The total budget should be around EUR 2 000 000. EU financial aid granted will not exceed
80% of the total eligible costs of the action. The applicant has to guarantee the co-financing in
cash of the remaining 20%. Contributions in kind are not accepted.

Indicative timetable

The indicative timetable envisages the launching of this call in the first semester of 2011.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

Exclusion criteria

The applicant organisation should certify that it is not in one of the situations listed in Articles
93(1), 94 and 96(2)a of the Financial Regulation.

Eligibility of the applicant

This call is addressed to PROGRESS participating countries. The applicant should be

established in one of these countries.

The proposal may be submitted by:

the responsible national or regional public authority. Eligible applicants are public authorities
or state or semi state agencies at national and regional level, in particular relevant ministries
or other governmental bodies at national/regional level with decision making competencies in
the area of employment, health and social protection policies. This does not include public
bodies like universities or research institutes, which, however, may be entrusted to submit a
proposal by a governmental authority, or can be associated as partners;

a body entrusted by them. Entrusted organisations must fulfil the following criteria:

have their own legal status and be registered in one of the PROGRESS participating countries at
the time of the submission of the application under the call;

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 be expressly entrusted by a responsible national or regional public authority (see point 1) in
writing to assume responsibility for implementation of the action. An official letter from the
relevant authorities confirming this must be included with the application(s);

be non-profit bodies or organisations of general interest;

not have general objectives which, directly or indirectly, conflict with the policies of the
European Union or which are linked to an unsuitable image.

Eligibility of the proposal

The proposal submitted for funding should:

• be complete and comply with the rules for submission published in this call for proposals;

• involve partner organisations from at least one other PROGRESS participating country;

• propose activities that fit in with those under the PROGRESS Programme;

• only seek funding for activities in PROGRESS participating countries;

• not seek funding for the operating costs of organisations, nor for their general ongoing
activities, nor for profit-making purposes.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

Financial capacity to carry out the action

The applicant must have access to solid and adequate funding to maintain its activities for the
period of the action and to help finance it as necessary.

The assessment of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies.

Operational capacity to complete the proposed action

The applicant must have the operational resources (technical, management) and the
professional skills and qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as
well as the ability to implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of
competence and experience in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

The grants will be awarded following a comparative assessment of the proposals on the basis
of the following criteria:

Policy Criteria

– the extent to which there is a clear description of the issues /problems that are to be
addressed by the proposal (background analysis). Projects, even academic-oriented ones
are expected to have a potential field impact in line with EU objectives. An expected

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 impact in more than one country is also required, ie. transferability issues must be analyzed
by the project managers;

– the extent to which the objectives of the proposal are well described/clear and operational
and are in line with the issues/ problems that have been identified as in need of addressing;

– the extent to which the proposal (i.e. the methods / processes proposed to address the
issues/ problems identified) is clearly explained is in line with the issues/ problems that
have been identified as in need of addressing and effectively meets the objectives of this
call for proposals;

– the extent to which the proposal defines clear processes and related milestones in line with
expected results as set out in this call for proposals.

Organisational Criteria

– the extent to which the proposal involves a broad range of relevant actors in the various
processes described, promoting inter-sectoral actions and improved governance (national,
regional or local as relevant). A good balance between the different categories of partners
(academic institutions, other public bodies, civil society organizations, etc.) is also
required. The total number of partners involved must remain manageable, considering the
steering capacity of the applicant;

– a good balance between bottom-up and top-down approaches should be achieved;

– the clarity and feasibility of the proposed work plan, including timetable and methodology,
and in particular its capacity to achieve the planned objectives through well-identified and
well-planned activities with clear and attainable time-lines, and a clear allocation of tasks
and responsibilities among those involved. Feasibility of the work plan will also be
analyzed with regard to the number of partners involved compared to the actual steering
capacity of the applicant;

– the quality and relevance of the monitoring and evaluation strategy of the project and the
mechanisms foreseen to ensure the lasting effect of the project.

Financial Criteria

– the financial quality and clarity of the proposal including a reasonable and realistic budget
and its value for money.

1.2. Grants to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly

According to Article 168.1.c) of the Implementing Rules, grants may be awarded without a
call for proposals to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly. The individual award
decisions substantiating the monopoly situation will be adopted at a later stage.

1.2.1. De jure monopolies – Presidency events

1.2.1.1. Tenth European Round Table on social exclusion and poverty

The tenth European round table on social exclusion and poverty is planned for the second
semester of 2011 in order to coincide with the international day of poverty (17th October). It

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 will be organised by the Polish Presidency and in consultation with all the relevant actors
(social partners, representatives of the European Parliament, of the Council, of the Economic
and Social Committee and of the Committee of the Regions, of regional and local authorities
and representatives of NGOs).

The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 350 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80% of the
total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.2. Eleventh meeting of people experiencing poverty

The Danish Presidency will organise the eleventh meeting of people experiencing poverty and
social exclusion. The event will take place in Brussels in May-June 2012.

The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 300 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80% of the
total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.3. Polish Presidency conference – "MISSOC meeting":

A meeting with MISSOC correspondents will be co-funded as part of the Polish Presidency of
the European Union. The meeting will take place in October 2011. The meeting will work
with updates of various MISSOC documents and develop proposals for the continued
improvement of the MISSOC-tables and prepare the regular updating exercises of the new
country specific fiches dealing with social security rights. The target audience consists of the
MISSOC correspondents from the Member States and due to the recent transition of the
MISSOC Secretariat in charge eventually also with former or new MISSOC experts.

The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 150 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80 % of the
total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.4. Polish Presidency conference – " Developments in European Social Protection"

The Polish Presidency plans to hold a conference on developments in European social

protection. The event will take place in the second half of 2011.

The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 300 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80 % of the
total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.5. Polish Presidency conference – " Addressing Pensions Challenges in Europe"

Growing importance of funded pensions (especially defined contribution schemes) observed

in recent years in the EU implies a shift of different kinds of risk linked to the provision of
pensions from pension provider to individual, but also contribution to an explicit government
debt. The Polish Presidency plans to organise a conference bearing messages on the need to
ensure adequacy of future pensions, and on fiscal costs of transitory period of introduction of
mandatory funded pensions and their impact on the level of public debt. In particular the
conference could discuss what are the appropriate proportions between PAYG (Pay-as-you-
go) and funded, as well as Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) provisions,
and the need to review funded schemes design to boost their ability to cope with risk in the
investment and pay-out phases. The conference could take place in September or October
2011.

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 The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 300 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80 % of the
total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.6. Danish Presidency conference – "MISSOC meeting":

A meeting with MISSOC correspondents will be co-funded as part of the Danish Presidency
of the European Union. The meeting will take place in May 2012. The meeting will work with
updates of various MISSOC documents and develop proposals for the continued improvement
of the MISSOC-tables and prepare the regular updating exercises of the new country specific
fiches dealing with social security rights. The target audience consists of the MISSOC
correspondents from the Member States and due to the recent transition of the MISSOC
Secretariat in charge eventually also with former or new MISSOC experts.

The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 150 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80 % of the
total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.7. Danish Presidency conference – "Health and Long-term Care":

The Danish Presidency plans to hold a conference on Health and Long-Term Care. The event
will take place in the first half of 2012.

The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 300 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80 % of the
total eligible costs of the action.

1.2.1.8. Danish Presidency conference – "SSGI":

The Danish Presidency plans to hold a conference on current issues in Social Services of
General Interest (SSGI). The event will take place in the first half of 2012.

The estimated amount of the grant is EUR 300 000. The EU grant will not exceed 80 % of the
total eligible costs of the action.

These events, highly political in nature and needing representation at the highest level both
from national Authorities and European representatives, are to be organised exclusively by the
Member State holding the Presidency. Given the unique role of the Presidency in the
framework of EU activities, the Member State responsible for the organisation of the event is
considered as a monopoly.

1.2.2. De facto monopolies

EUROMOD

Objectives and expected results

EUROMOD is the only micro-simulation tool currently available for modelling the impact of
a given set of policy measures on a specific outcome (poverty rate, financial situation of
households, etc). The Commission has identified EUROMOD as a key tool to enhance its
capacity for quantitative policy evaluation in the context of the OMC on social
protection/inclusion and it is necessary, in order for EUROMOD to serve its specific purpose
of policy evaluation, to upgrade it to cover all EU MS and to ensure its regular updating.

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 The EUROMOD project was already co-financed from the budget of the European Union.
The Commission concluded in 2008 a three-year framework partnership agreement with the
University of Essex (VS/2008/0318 signed on 20 November 2008). This partnership
agreement was followed by three specific agreements signed end 2008, end 2009 and one will
be signed end 2010, covering the work programmes 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co financing

The total budget for the specific agreement to be signed in 2011 should be
around EUR 1.500 000, the EU financial aid granted will not exceed 80 % of the total of the
eligible costs.

Indicative timetable

The Commission will sign a new framework partnership agreement with the University of
Essex for a duration of maximum 3 years in the third quarter of 2011. On the basis of Article
168 1 (f) IR no call for proposals will be launched. Following the signature of the framework
partnership agreement a specific grant agreement will be concluded, covering the first year
2012.

1.3. Grants on the basis of framework partnership agreements

EU-level Networks active in promoting social protection and inclusion

Objective:

Reinforce the capacity of the selected organisations to take part in the development of social
protection and inclusion policies and objectives.

Timetable:

On the basis of the call for proposals VP/2010/012 partnership agreements were signed in the
fourth quarter of 2010 for a period of 3 years. The first specific agreement will be signed in
the fourth quarter of 2010, covering the period 1.1.2011 – 31.12 .2011.

The second specific agreement will be signed in the fourth quarter of 2011, covering the
period 1.1.2012 – 31.12.2012.

Indicative amount:

The indicative amount for the specific agreements to be signed in 2011 will be
EUR 10 000 000.

Maximum possible rate of co-financing:

82 % of the total eligible costs for 2011 as established in Commission Decision C (2007)1451
of 2 April 2007.

Justification:

PROGRESS Decision limits the maximum amount of EU co-funding to 80% of the total
expenditure incurred by the recipient, unless exceptional circumstances duly justified.

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 PROGRESS mission is to strengthen the EU contribution in support of EU objectives to
create more and better jobs and to build a more cohesive society. To that effect, PROGRESS
is in particular instrumental in relaying the views of the stakeholders and society at large.
Overall this support aims at investing in the capacity of key EU networks to participate and
influence policy-making and policy implementation at EU and national level in support of EU
objectives and priorities. Key EU networks have an important contribution to make towards
affecting and/or accompanying change in employment and social policies and legislation.
They are in a central position to influence policy in the EU and in the Member States through
their national members. European networks have a key role to play in representing, promoting
and defending the rights and interests of their constituencies at EU level. Consequently, due to
their pivotal position and expected contribution in support of EU objectives and priorities, the
Commission considers that EU support towards the operating costs of key EU networks can
go above the limit fixed by PROGRESS Decision.

PROGRESS management committee agreed in the General Guidelines for the implementation
of the PROGRESS programme (point 3.6.3-working document PROGRESS/003/2006) to
consider on an exceptional basis the possibility to go above the 80% maximum limit, taking
into account that such EU funding will annually gradually decrease. This exception was
accepted by the Commission in the financing decision C(2007)1451 of 2 April 2007 and
subsequently made known to potential beneficiaries in call for proposals VP/2007/013 and
VP/2010/012.

The exceptional circumstances for exceeding the 80% ceiling will be duly justified in the
specific award decisions.

2. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurement is EUR 6 015 569

2.1. Calls for tender

2.1.1. Peer review on social protection and social inclusion

The subject of the contract is to provide support to the Commission services for the joint
management of the Peer Reviews seminars on social protection and social inclusion. Peer
Review support services are to be delivered through a coordinating team, assisted by experts
in social protection or social inclusion working under its responsibility in the context of the
seminars. The contractor will prepare and organize Peer Reviews.

The call for tender will be published during the first semester 2011.

2.1.2. Network of experts on social inclusion

The network of Experts on Social Inclusion assists the European Commission in monitoring
and evaluating the situation with regard to poverty and social exclusion in the Member States
and Candidate Member States and the policies that are relevant in this respect. The relevant
services are to be delivered through a coordinating team, assisted by social inclusion experts,
working under its responsibility and in close contact with the geographical desks of the ESF.
The coordinating team will steer and coordinate the activities of the network of the
independent social inclusion experts, liaise with the Commission, and process their
contributions into regular reports for publication or just for the Commission, as appropriate.

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 The call for tender will be published during the first semester of 2011.

2.1.3. Study on destitute migrants

The focus of the study will be on those migrant groups, including mobile EU citizens, which
have no, or very limited, access to welfare protection and which are destitute and homeless. A
particular focus will be on Roma migrants in those countries where they constitute a major
group. The growing phenomenon of destitute migrants represents an increasing challenge for
social policies. The study will contribute to understand and explain the characteristics of this
target group and the causes of destitution. Policies responses will be compared across
Member States, both at local and national levels, in order to identify good practices. The role
of EU policies and legislation, in its areas of competency, will be presented to highlight both
its strengths and weaknesses in tackling the problem.

The call for tender will be published during the first semester of 2011.

2.1.4. Maintenance and Development of the Mutual Information System on Social

Protection MISSOC

The Commission has maintained since 1990 a Mutual Information System on Social
protection in the Member States of the European Union (MISSOC). The publication of factual
information about legal stipulations in the field of social protection in a comparable format
has contributed to facilitate mobility of individuals in the EU and helped Member States'
exchange of experience in the context of their efforts to modernise social protection systems.
MISSOC also contains information on the three EEA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and
Norway, and also includes Switzerland.

MISSOC is based on close co-operation between DG EMPL, the Network of official

Representatives (correspondents) of the participating States, and a Secretariat appointed by
DG EMPL. DG EMPL currently has an ongoing contract with a contractor for the secretariat
function, renewable until October 2011. Thus a new contract series for the MISSOC
Secretariat should be put into place from October 2011 onwards. In addition this new contract
should also cover the accession countries.

The call for tender will be published during the first semester of 2011.

2.1.5. Study on regulatory and legislative framework ensuring quality in the long-term care
field

The purpose of this study is to provide input for the Commission and SPC work in the area of
long-term care (LTC) quality. The study will provide a comprehensive mapping of the
regulatory and legislative frameworks put in place by the Member States, at national, regional
or local level, in the area of LTC services to define, assure, monitor and evaluate the quality
of the service provided. The study will build on an on-going study commissioned in 2009 and
to be delivered at the beginning of 2011.

The call will be published in the first quarter of 2011.

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 2.1.6. Framework contract for training on EU rules applying to SSGI

A training programme for local public authorities on EU rules applying to SSGI will be
developed, which will encompass the preparation of a training package and the organisation
of trainings in a number of Member States;

The call for tender will be published in the first semester of 2011

2.1.7. Background material for seminars

Preparatory papers for the seminars organised within the context of the SPC will be prepared
via a maximum of 6 low value tenders to be launched throughout 2011.

2.2. Use of existing framework contracts

2.2.1. Seminars and conferences within the context of the SPC

Seminars and conferences will be organised on various social protection and social inclusion
themes. These seminars will be organised on the basis of the DG EMPL framework contract
"Meetings" concluded on 26 November 2008 (7 lots – VC/2008/63, , VC/2008/862,
VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, , VC/2008/869 and VC/2008/870) for a period of
24 months, renewable once.

2.2.2. Eurobarometer (Social impact of the crisis, active and dignified ageing)

The financial and economic crisis the EU is experiencing calls for a regular and timely
monitoring of citizens' social situation, enriching from an attitudinal point of view, statistical
data (administrative, economic) collected through other means. In this context, it is envisaged
to conduct short Eurobarometer telephone surveys, as input to the analysis and reporting on
how citizens are faring in the current socio-economic context.

In addition, a survey of attitudes to and emerging practices of active, healthy and dignified
ageing across Europe will be needed as part of the basis for the development and promotion
of a European policy agenda on Active, Healthy and Dignified Ageing. It will also be useful
in the context of the European Year on Active Ageing in 2012.

The related specific contracts will be based upon the DG COMM framework service contract
for Eurobarometer surveys PO/2008-15/A3 concluded on 1 April 2009 for a period of 12
months and renewable 3 times.

2.2.3. Communication and networking activities

These activities will aim to raise awareness and promote debates on social inclusion/social
protection related issues at European and national (or sub-national) level and will particularly
cover information on and follow-up of the results obtained through the different activities
developed under PROGRESS as well as networking activities between the different
stakeholders involved at European and national (or sub-national) level.

These activities will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL framework contract for communication activities concluded on 30 November 2007
(3 lots – VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673 and VC/2007/674) for a period of 24 months, renewable
once.

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 2.2.4. Translation of MISSOC database

This activity will be implemented on the basis of the service contract concluded with the
Translation Centre for the Bodies of the EU (VC/2008/0585) in July 2008 for a period of 12
months, thereafter tacitly renewable for successive periods of twelve months.

2.2.5. Training on social inclusion/social protection

These activities will be implemented on the basis of the framework contract to be concluded
following the call for tender VT/2010/025, published in the OJ n° 2010/S 148-227848 on
03.08.2010.

2.2.6. Training on EU rules applying to SSGI

A training programme for local public authorities on EU rules applying to SSGI will be
developed, which will encompass the preparation of a training package and the organisation
of trainings in a number of Member States. These activities will be implemented on the basis
of the framework contract to be concluded in early 2011 (see item 2.1.5) following the call for
tender VT/2010/107 published in the fourth quarter of 2010.

3. JOINT MANAGEMENT

According to Article 53d of the Financial Regulation and 43 of the Implementing Rules, the
appropriations used in joint management with international organisations shall finance
projects or programmes jointly elaborated between the Commission and the international
organisation.

3.1. Cooperation with the OECD

EC/OECD project on benefit recipiency and coverage

Main aim of this project is to produce a multi-country benefit recipients database with focus
on working-age individuals in receipt of different types of social benefits. Based on the
preparatory study submitted in the course of 2010, work on the actual construction of the
dataset will be conducted in 2011. Given the complexity of the work, the dataset will be
delivered in subsequently more elaborated versions, from a first preliminary version expected
to be delivered in the course of 2011 to the final complete version expected for 2013. The
project also includes the production of two analytical studies (making use of the constructed
dataset) on the responsiveness of social protection systems to labour-market shocks and on the
receipt duration and receipt dynamics for individual recipients of minimum-income benefits.
The two analytical studies (including four stand-alone country studies) will be made available
in the course of 2011-2013.

EC/OECD project on pensions

Building on long-stand cooperation with OECD on pension monitoring and modelling, the
OECD will deepen the work on pension analysis. The current round 5 of contract with OECD
comes to an end in the middle of 2011 and Round 6 should start afterwards. Round 6 will
cover: analysis focusing on updates of theoretical replacement rates based on OECD's pension
models; additional methodological analysis of different measures of adequacy and
sustainability of pension systems; studies on trends and impacts of pension reforms; and

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 further feasibility analysis on private pension data/indicators and national private pension
policy trends.

The estimated amount for these actions is EUR 1 200 000, EUR 700 000 for the first one and
EUR 500 000 for the project on pensions.

3.2. Cooperation with the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is carrying out extensive work on the issue of the "shared"
responsibilities for social inclusion. This work can usefully contribute to the work done at EU
and Member State level in the context of the Open Method of coordination on social
protection and social inclusion, and in particular on the overarching objective of good
governance, transparency and involvement of stakeholders.

The estimated amount for this action is EUR 300 000.

3.3. Cooperation with UNICEF

The project will address the situation of children in immigrant families from low and middle
income countries in respect of educational attainment and access to employment in order to
unpack the mechanisms which place them in poor social and economic positions not only
during their childhood and youth, but also into adulthood. Until these impediments that
prevent them from achieving their full potential are better understood, it will be difficult to
devise appropriate policy responses. In immigrant families from low and middle income
countries, it will include cross national comparative research to understand the situations and
general trends of these children and youth in the areas of educational attainment, including
early school leaving among migrant populations, provide analysis of the factors that influence
whether migrant children access academic or vocational tracks within the education system,
and will also assess the school to work transition, including access to and participation in
vocational training, apprenticeships, or other work experiences and access to employment. It
will include a review of national policy and statistical information for the age group 15-24
years old, concluding with inputs for the formulation of policies and interventions.

The estimated amount for this action is EUR 250 000.

4. SUBDELEGATIONS

4.1. Subdelegations to EUROSTAT

4.1.1. PROJECT: Labour Force Survey – 2012 LFS ad hoc module on Transition from
work into retirement (call for proposal)

Objectives and foreseen results

The project refers to the Commission Regulation adopting the specifications of the 2012 ad
hoc module on transition from work into retirement provided for by Council Regulation (EC)
No 577/98 to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the first quarter of
2011. The objective is to ensure a methodologically sound and valid implementation of the ad
hoc module. This module aims at improving the knowledge on transition from work into
retirement in all Member States, answering four main questions: how people leave the labour
market, why they left the labour market, why did not stay longer and how long the active

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 population, aged 50 to 69, expects to be in the labour market. It will be used to monitor
progress towards the common objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy and of the open method
of coordination in the field of pensions.

The expected result of the action is the implementation of the 2012 LFS ad hoc module in a
way that guarantees the quality and comparability of the statistical data collected in the
survey.

The outcomes of the action are:

1. A data file containing the national statistical data of the survey. The data file should
follow the requirements of the Commission Regulation adopting the specifications of
the 2012 ad hoc module on transition from work to retirement provided for by
Council Regulation (EC) No 577/98 to be published in the Official Journal of the
European Union in the first quarter of 2011. A proposed draft fully supported by the
European Statistical System Committee at its meeting on 18 November 2010 is
available on CIRCA at:

2. http://circa.europa.eu/Members/irc/dsis/employ/library?l=/ad_hoc_modules/2012&v
m=detailed&sb=Title A technical report in English describing the action and helping
the Commission in analysing the results. This should include the following elements:

2.1. general description of the implementation of the module with information on:

– description of the questionnaire construction

– the mapping from the national pension system to the types of pensions proposed as coding
categories for variable PENSTYPE in the Regulation (columns 198-205)

– placement of the module in the questionnaire

– description of any pilot tests performed, their results, including main difficulties and
solutions chosen

– the selection of the sample

– calculation of the weights

– data collection

– response/non-response

– reference period

– main results

2.2. The following should be annexed to the technical report

– the final questionnaire for the module, in all available languages

– the instructions to the interviewers, in all available languages

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 – the description of the data file structure (including information on specific weights if
relevant)

2.3. The Quality Report for the ad hoc module, which includes among others the
codification scheme used (how the coding was done from the national questions into
the EU variables), a description of the difficulties in the implementation of the
module and recommendations for future implementation of similar modules and
certain coefficients of variation needed for the assessment of the data quality. It will
be distributed by Eurostat at the beginning of 2013. It should be filled in and sent
back together with the report.

2.4. Any recommendations the beneficiary would want to make to the European
Commission (Eurostat) with a view to the action under the grant agreement.

Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The estimated amount for this project is EUR 1 500 000. EU financial aid granted will not
exceed 70 % of the total eligible costs.

Remark: this project will have a total estimated amount of EUR 2 000 000 and will be co-
financed by budget line 04.040101 (Employment section of Progress Programme) with an
additional amount of EUR 500 000.

Indicative timetable

The call for proposals will be launched no later than in April 2011.

Eligible work may start before the signature of the grant agreement. In that case, a
justification should be sent to Eurostat together with the application form.

The results of the ad-hoc module (data file) and the technical report will have to be sent to
Eurostat before the end of March 2013. A precise timetable for all the activities covered by
the action should be defined and presented in the application.

An intermediate report presenting the national questionnaire and the filters for each question
to be used in the survey (national version + draft English translation) will have to be sent to
Eurostat two months before the survey is started.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility criteria

– Applicants must be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and 96(2)(a) of the Financial
Regulation.

– Eligible applicants are National Statistical Institutes (NSI) or competent Ministries from
the following PROGRESS participating countries: EU Member States, EFTA/EEA
countries and Croatia.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

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 – Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. The verification of the financial capacity shall not apply to public bodies).

– Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. Statistical competence and practical experience in the field and in particular
in the type of action proposed will be considered most relevant.

c) Award

The proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

– Pertinence with the objectives, cost-effectiveness and time schedule of the action

– Quality of the organisation and co-ordination of the activities proposed.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 19 150 000

Calls for proposals 5 500 000

De jure monopolies 2 150 000

De facto monopolies 1 500 000

Grants to partners 10 000 000

PROCUREMENT 6 015 569

JOINT MANAGEMENT 1 750 000

SUBDELEGATIONS 1 500 000

TOTAL 04 04 01 02 28 415 569

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 04 04 01 03 - PROGRESS – WORKING CONDITIONS

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 8 425 000 + EUR 200 515 (EFTA/EEA Contribution) = Total amount EUR 8 625 515

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

Adaptation to change and well-being at work

Improving the capacity to adapt of workers, companies and territories is a fundamental

challenge for Europe in the current fast-changing environment. It is at the heart of the
renewed Lisbon Strategy and a central element of core European policies (employment,
social, industrial, structural policies, etc.). It is also a major concern for European citizens,
notably those most threatened by globalisation and restructuring. The focus of the European
strategy in this field is on developing predictability instruments, favouring a culture of
anticipation amongst all the stakeholders (social partners, companies, public authorities at all
levels, etc.), creating the best possible conditions for Europe to compete, invest in human
resources, research and innovation, foster partnership and consensus within companies (social
dialogue) and between these and all the other stakeholders (notably at territorial level), equip
people to face change and restructuring and ensure minimum protection when change occurs.
PROGRESS will finance conferences, workshops and other operations designed to support
the research and networking with the view to exchange of information and best practices,
raising awareness and improving knowledge on financial participation systems.

Labour Law

Pursuant to Article 17 TEU and, more particularly, to the provisions of individual Directives,
requiring the Commission to report regularly on their transposition into national law by the
Member States, the main objective of this section is to support the Commission's role in
controlling the implementation of EU labour legislation in Member States, by monitoring
transposition into national legislation, evaluating existing legislation, assessing the impact of
legislative proposals, promoting cooperation among Member States and social partners, and
contributing to improved dissemination among citizens, workers and enterprises, of their
rights and obligations as derived from the application of EU labour law.

In 2011, PROGRESS will continue to finance a European network of experts in the field of
labour law, a Committee of experts on posting of workers, several working groups at expert
level, conferences and seminars and several studies aimed at evaluating the impact of existing
legislation as well as of prospective legislative amendments. It will also finance the
development of specific applications for improving administrative cooperation between
national authorities.

Health and safety at work

A special attention will be given to the launching of studies to support impact assessments in
areas for which additional European Union legislative initiatives may be envisaged, to actions
to foster with the implementation of the Community Strategy 2007-2012, to the promotion of
greater involvement of labour inspectors in encouraging the effective and equivalent
enforcement of EU law throughout the European Union through the activities of SLIC (Senior
Labour Inspectors Committee) such as raising awareness campaigns and exchange of national

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 inspectors and to the improvement of statistical tools to collect data on occupational accidents
and diseases.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. GRANTS

1.1. Calls for proposals

1.1.1. Restructuring, well-being at work and financial participation

Objectives and foreseen results

The objectives of the call are the following:

– Development and dissemination of better expertise and capabilities among the actors
concerned in the areas of anticipation, preparation and the accompanying socially
acceptable response in the framework of the Commission communication on Restructuring
and employment – anticipating and accompanying restructuring in order to develop
employment: the role of the European Union (COM (2005) 120 final) when restructuring
occurs;

– Employees' financial participation within the meaning of the Commission Communication

relating to a Framework on the promotion of employees' financial participation
(COM(2005) 364 final), and particularly the exchange of information and good practice;

– The exchange of information and development of networks of professionals concerning

health and well-being at work and the economic, social and human consequences arising
from changes in the world of work.

The expected results of this call are the following:

– Improvement of the capabilities of the actors on good and/or innovative practices of

anticipating change and restructuring and of early identification of skills needs at
European, sectoral, regional and company level; on the evolution of economic sectors; on
the evolution of the roles, responsibilities and practices of the economic and social actors,
through exchanges, reports, studies and other analysis and dissemination tools;

– Improvement of the knowledge of financial participation systems as well as of their

advantages and the obstacles to wider diffusion and training of the social partners to
operate financial participation schemes;

– Practical results consist in recommendations and guides of good practices aimed at

reducing the harmful consequences of restructuring on human health; creation of networks
of researchers and practitioners in this field; innovative interdisciplinary research to
identify the factors connecting health and changes in employment as well as to identify and
disseminate practices and tools which encourage better adaptability to change.

A large variety of measures can be financed under this call: conferences, seminars, round
tables, negotiations, studies, surveys, publications, monitoring exercises, training measures,
training tools, the setting up of networks and the development and exchange of best practice.

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 Indicative amount and maximum possible rate of co-financing

The amount foreseen for this call is EUR 2 330 000. The co-financing percentage will be
limited to a maximum of 80 % of the total eligible costs of the action.

Indicative timetable

The call for proposals will be launched in the first quarter of 2011 and will foresee two
deadlines for submission of applications:

1) April 2011. Indicative amount foreseen depending on the quality of proposals submitted:
EUR 1 165 000.

2) September 2011. Indicative amount foreseen: EUR 1 165 000.

Evaluation criteria

a) Exclusion and eligibility

Applicants must:

– Be in conformity with Articles 93(1), 94 and (96(2)a of the Financial Regulation

– Be a properly constituted and registered legal entity in one of the PROGRESS participating
countries. In application of article 114 of the Financial Regulation, social partner
organisations without legal personality are also eligible provided that their representatives
have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf and assume financial
liability;

– Fall within one of the following categories: social partners, public authorities, international
organisations, non-profit making organisations, research centres and institutes, universities
and civil society organisations.

Activities must:

– Be linked to at least one objective of the call for proposals;

– Be carried out in cooperation between partners from several different PROGRESS

participating countries in the case of proposals which are not submitted by a European or
international organisations;

– Be fully carried out in the PROGRESS participating countries.

b) Selection

Only organisations with the necessary financial and operational capacity may be awarded a
grant.

– Financial capacity to carry out the action: the applicant must have access to solid and
adequate funding to maintain its activities for the period of the action and to help finance it
as necessary. (The verification of financial capacity will not apply to public bodies).

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 – Operational capacity to complete the proposed action: the applicant must have the
operational resources (technical, management) and the professional skills and
qualifications needed to successfully complete the proposed action, as well as the ability to
implement it. The applicant must have a strong track record of competence and experience
in the field and in particular in the type of action proposed.

c) Award

The grants will be awarded following a comparative assessment of the proposals on the basis
of the following criteria:

– The extent to which the operation meets the objectives and priorities of this call for
proposals;

– The extent to which the operation has a genuine transnational dimension;

– The quality of partnerships, i.e. the degree of involvement and commitment at the
application stage of the social partners/stakeholders in the operation;

– The added value and innovativeness of the operation;

– The lasting impact and/or multiplier effect of the operation;

– The cost-effectiveness of the operation;

– The arrangements to publicise the operation and dissemination methods envisaged;

– The overall quality, clarity and completeness of the proposal and budget explanation.

1.2. Grants to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly

According to Article 168.1.c) of the Implementing Rules, grants may be awarded without a
call for proposals to bodies with a de jure or de facto monopoly. The individual award
decisions substantiating the monopoly situation will be adopted at a later stage.

1.2.1. De jure monopolies – Presidency events

Conferences and awareness-raising events on working conditions included in EU

Presidencies' programmes for 2011.

The Hungarian and Polish Presidencies will organise conferences and seminars in the field
health and safety at work, and will request the financial support of the Commission. The
indicative global amount is EUR 600 000.

Two of these conferences are the "thematic day" of the SLIC meeting which is organised by
each Presidency and for which it is envisaged to grant a maximum co-financing amount of
EUR 50 000 per meeting. The Hungarian Presidency will also organise a conference on "New
developments in the field of occupational health and safety: the way forward", while the
Polish Presidency envisages organising a conference on "Strengthening OSH knowledge and
innovation as a driver of EU smart growth"; for each of these two conferences a maximum co-
financing of EUR 250 000 is foreseen. The maximum EU co-financing rate is 80% of the total
eligible costs of the actions.

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 These events, highly political in nature and needing representation at the highest level both
from national Authorities and European representatives, are to be organised exclusively by the
Member State holding the Presidency. Given the unique role of the Presidency in the
framework of EU activities, the Member State responsible for the organisation of the event is
considered as a monopoly.

1.2.2. De facto monopolies

1.2.2.1. Grant to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection

(ICNIRP)

ICNIRP is a body of independent scientific experts. It is the recognised non-governmental

organisation in non-ionising radiation for the World Health Organisation, the International
Labour Organisation and the European Commission. Its principal aim is to disseminate
information and advice on the potential health hazards of exposure to non-ionising radiation.
ICNIRP is independent from industry in both membership and funding and the experts do not
represent their countries of origin or their institutes, and therefore it is the only possible
interlocutor for the Commission in this area. The principle of awarding a grant to this body
was decided by the Commission in 19929.

Their expertise is brought to bear on addressing the important issues of possible adverse
effects on human health of exposure to non-ionising radiation.

Indicative amount: an amount of EUR 25 000 is envisaged for the co-funding of the ICNIRP's
work programme for 2011. The grant agreement should be signed by the end of March 2011.

1.2.2.2. SLIC activities

The national labour inspectorates have the prime responsibility for analysing and solving the
practical problems of implementing secondary EU legislation and checking that it is applied
in the field of occupational health and safety. They must therefore liaise closely with the
Commission. The Senior Labour Inspectors' Committee (SLIC) was set up by Commission
Decision 95/319/EC of 12 July 1995 (OJ N° L188 of 9 August 1995). Thanks to its extensive
experience SLIC is well placed to ensure, in close collaboration with the Commission, that
secondary EU legislation on occupational health and safety is effectively and uniformly
applied and to investigate the practicalities of enforcement. At its plenary meetings SLIC
discusses and agrees on the necessary tools, experience-sharing activities and European
inspection and information campaigns.

One project is foreseen for 2011:

Development of an inspection toolkit for targeted interventions on occupational health and

safety – psycho-social risks

Indicative amount: EUR 300 000 for this activity. The EU co-financing will be limited to a
maximum of 70% of the total eligible costs of the actions.

9
Decision to grant an annual subsidy of ECU 25 000 to the International Commission on Non-Ionising
Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) of 2 December 1992 (PE/1992/1717

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 2. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurement is EUR 4 395 515.

2.1. Calls for tender

2.1.1. Study to review the effectiveness and the efficiency of the OSH Strategy 2007–2012
and to identify priorities for 2013-2020

This study intends to analyse the effectiveness and the results of the ongoing OSH Strategy.
The study will be structured around two main issues: evaluation of current OSH strategy and
preparation of an impact assessment for a future new strategy covering the period 2013-2020.

The launching of the call for tender is envisaged during the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.2. Study on the cost/benefits of existing requirements as regards the documentation for
risk assessment, in particular for SMEs (art. 9 of Directive 89/391/EEC)

The "High Level Group of Independent Stakeholders on Administrative Burdens" (HLG)

adopted an opinion in May 2009 putting forward its recommendations with a view to reducing
unnecessary administrative burdens in the priority area working environment / employment
relations as regards inter alia Directive 89/391/EEC.

One recommendation of the HLG refers to a possible exemption of very small firms
undertaking certain low risk activities from having to produce a written assessment of the
risks to health and safety.

As mentioned in the Communication of 22 October 2009, such a measure is currently under

consideration. The suggestion needs careful consideration as the policy area concerned has a
direct impact on the safety and health of workers in the EU and for this reason, any possible
initiative would have to be preceded by an extensive assessment of its impact. This
assessment would need to address the costs and benefits of both the current situation and of
any suggested exemptions.

In this context, as a first step, the Commission consulted both the Advisory Committee on
Safety and Health at Work and the Committee of Senior Labour Inspectors on the HLG
recommendations.

With a view to have a comprehensive analysis of the issue, the Commission envisages to
launch an external study on the analysis of the benefits and costs of the existing obligation
and of a possible modification. This analysis that the Commission envisages to carry out will
include an analysis of the potential costs as well as costs savings from the HLG
recommendation and of the costs and benefits arising from the existing obligation in the
Directive.

The launching of the call for tender is envisaged in the first quarter of 2011.

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 2.1.3. Development of a model for the evaluation of management systems aimed at
facilitating the implementation of the future 2013-2020 EU Strategy on health and
safety at work

The Commission is responsible to prepare the EU Strategy on Health and Safety at Work for a
period of time which could vary between 5 - 6 years. However, the drafting of a Strategy is
not enough. The most important and difficult task is actually the implementation of a strategy.
This is particularly difficult when we talk of a high level strategy such as the EU Strategy
where many actors are involved including Member States, Trade Unions or Employer
Organisations, Commission services or Agencies, Committees (e.g. ACSH, SLIC),
professional bodies, etc. The Commission clearly is not the sole actor in this task; however it
has the responsibility to lead the efforts for the implementation of the EU Strategy.

The development of measurements and indicators has to be seen as part of the whole process
of framing, monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of a strategy. The focus will be on
methods to develop measurement tools in order to identify strategic interventions and models
to evaluate their effectiveness.

This project also intents to identify existing models and tools used worldwide for the
implementation of strategies and adapt these to the particular situation of the European OSH
EU Strategy. The work on this will start from the identification of all actors and stakeholders
involved in the implementation of the strategy, will cover implementation models and tools
and will extend up to proposing follow-up tools as well as suitable indicators.

The launching of the call for tender envisaged in the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.4. Study to establish the scope of modifications of the technical annex of Directive
92/58/EEC (health and safety signs)

Safety signs are usually developed and harmonized under the auspices of the international
organisations such as ISO, IEC, etc or their EU counterparts (CEN, CENELEC). Since the
adoption of the directive a lot of new industrial activities have been developed and a
significant number of new safety signs have appeared to protect workers (and public) from the
dangers arising from these activities.

The purpose of this study is to make an inventory of the situation as regards the safety signs
for the different medical and industrial sectors and to do the analysis of the need of changes to
the annexes of the Directive. It should also examine the potential consequences on other
existing EC directives on health and safety at work. The needs to change due to the adoption
of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and
mixtures should also be analysed.

The launching of the call for tender is envisaged in the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.5. Study to analyse the conformity of the transposition of Directive 89/391/EEC, its
individual directives, Directive 92/29/EEC and Directive 2009/148/EC into national
law of the Republic of Iceland

On 17 June 2010 the European Council adopted a decision on the opening of the accession
negotiations with the Republic of Iceland which are aimed at the full adoption,
implementation and enforcement of the EU acquis by the time of the accession by Iceland to

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 the EU. The Commission therefore has to assist in the process for the preparation of the
country for the accession to the EU.

To that effect, the Commission should have information at its disposal on the current level of
transposition of EU acquis on health and safety at work into Icelandic national law in order to
be able to make conclusions as to the main problems, if any, and the way of their rectification
in this area.

In this respect it should be noted that Iceland is a state party to the Agreement creating the
European Economic Area (EEA Agreement). The EU health and safety at work "acquis" is
incorporated in Annex XVIII of the EEA Agreement. The European Free Trade Association
(EFTA) Surveillance Authority ensures that EFTA States, including Iceland, respect their
obligations under the EEA Agreement.

It follows from the contacts established between the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the
Commission services within the framework of the EU enlargement policy, that there is still a
need to perform a profound analysis of Icelandic national legislation on health and safety at
work in order to draw conclusions regarding the transposition of the EU acquis into Icelandic
national law.

The launching of the call for tender is envisaged in the first quarter of 2011.

2.1.6. Study on dispute settlement mechanisms for transnational labour-related disputes

In the context of the increasing transnational dimension of labour-related disputes, the study
will assess the added value as well as feasibility of using dispute resolution and/or settlement
mechanisms or other alternatives for labour related disputes with a transnational dimension,
on the basis of an examination of existing mechanisms in the area of labour law. The study
should address both individual disputes, for example in the context of cross-border mobility,
and collective disputes, for example relating to transnational company agreements. The study
should focus on out of court dispute resolution mechanisms. The interaction between
transnational and national dispute resolution, as well as between out-of-court and court
settlement should be analysed. The existence of settlement mechanisms at EU level, such as
the mediation directive 2008/52/EC, as well as their usefulness in the context of labour related
disputes should be taken into account.

The launching of the call for tender is envisaged in the second quarter of 2011.

2.1.7. Study to establish the potential impact of Nanomaterials/Nanotechnology in the

Workplace, in particular to ensure adequate protection of workers health and safety

Developments in the nanotechnology field have taken place recently at accelerated speed.
This is true for both the development of such materials in laboratories as well as their
inclusion in more and more consumer products. Several stakeholders such as the EP,
Members States employers, industry, workers reps, etc. have emphasised the growing
importance of the issue, the serious knowledge gaps in terms of consumers, workers and
environmental safety, and the need for the Commission to tackle them from the perspectives
of the various services concerned.

Accordingly the Commission is currently involved in (i) working on an internal common

agreed definition; (ii) draft a 2010-2015 Nanos action Plan (iii) supporting test methods
development under the auspices of the OECD. Eventually the Commission will also have to

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 review the practical implementation of current OSH requirements at EU level, on the basis of
the available data.

Given the above, the study will ascertain and identify, inter alia, what are:

a) The Types, uses and likely exposures and which workers are more likely to be exposed as
well as future exposure trends based on current knowledge.

b) The information requirements for risk assessment and what are the more significant gaps
relative to workplace risk assessment needs.

c) The Types and effectiveness of risk management measures relevant in this context.

d) Whether the mode of action of nanomaterials is similar or different from traditional work
based chemicals, e.g. is there an increased risk from the dermal and inhalation exposure
routes.

e) What is the state of the art regulating measurement and monitoring e.g. have national or
other Occupational Exposure Limits setting bodies any standards in place?

f) Identify positive impacts arising from the use nanomaterials at the workplace. There are
probably many simple examples e.g. self-cleaning windows eliminates the risks associated
with cleaning windows at heights etc.

The launching of the call for tender is envisaged in the second quarter of 2011.

2.1.8. Transfers of undertakings in insolvency situations

A study is envisaged on the implementation and application in the 27 Member States of

Article 5 (1, 2 and 4) of Directive 2001/23/EC on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the safeguarding of employees' rights in the event of transfers of
undertakings, businesses or parts of undertakings or businesses. In general, the study should
answer the question on how and to what extent the rights of employees are protected in case
of transfers during insolvency proceedings in 27 Member States.

The launching of the call for tender is envisaged in the first quarter of 2011. This action was
already foreseen in the work programme for 2010 (Commission Decision C(2010) 475 of
29 January 2010) but needs to be rescheduled due to an unsuccessful tendering procedure in
2010.

2.1.9. European Network of Independent Legal Experts

The objective of the network is to assist the Commission in its role of ensuring a correct
application of EU law across all Member States, and to reinforce its capacity to anticipate any
problems that may eventually arise as a consequence of application, by analysing the legal
issues raised by EU directives, to inform on legal developments taking place in Member
States in areas covered or related to EU labour law, to provide a forum for an open discussion
and exchange of information, and to improve awareness and encourage public debate on
topical issues of interest for EU labour legislation.

The launching of the call for tender is foreseen in the second quarter of 2011.

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 2.2. Use of existing framework contracts

2.2.1. Preparatory study for impact assessment on Directives 2001/86/CE and 2003/72/EC
(involvement of employees in European companies and cooperative societies)

The objective of the study is to produce input for the Commission impact assessment work in
preparing any review of Directives 2001/86/EC (employee involvement in the European
company) and 2003/72/EC (employee involvement in the European Cooperative Society) that
may be proposed in view of their simplification or in relation with the revision of the related
Regulations 2157/2001 on the Statute for a European company (SE) and 1435/2003 on the
Statute for a European Cooperative Society (SCE). Reports on the review of these Directives
have been adopted in 2008 and 2010 respectively. The interaction between these directives
and the related regulations as well as the other directives dealing with information,
consultation and participation of employees in companies will be taken into account. Special
attention will be given to the potential social impact of the Directive 2001/86/EC.

This activity will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL multiple framework contract 'Evaluation and Impact Assessment activities'
concluded on 21 April 2009 (5 lots – VC/2009/35 to VC/2009/56), for a period of 12 months,
renewable 3 times.

2.2.2. Study on Insolvency Directive (Article 8)

Impact assessment study to support the review of Directive 2008/94 in what regards the
protection of employees' rights to occupational pension schemes in the case of insolvency of
their employer. This activity will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts
based on the DG EMPL multiple framework contract 'Evaluation and Impact Assessment
activities' concluded on 21 April 2009 (5 lots – VC/2009/35 to VC/2009/56), for a period of
12 months, renewable 3 times.

2.2.3. Study to evaluate the transposition, impact and effectiveness of Directives

1999/70/EC on fixed-term work and 97/81/EC on part-time work

Short description of the study:

The study should cover the two following aspects:

The legal aspect would review the national implementation, with specific reference to
education and the public sector for the fixed-term Directive and the scope of coverage of the
part-time Directive. It would also look at the effectiveness of the national authorities'
transposition, implementation and enforcement of the directives.

The economic and social aspect would explore the impact of the Directive on the labour
markets in each Member State, in terms of flexibility and impact on employment. It should
assess the extent to which the Directives have fulfilled their objectives of ensuring equal
treatment and avoiding discrimination against fixed-term and part-time workers. It should also
look at the rationale of having EU common rules for fixed-term and part-time employment in
the current economic and social climate and assess their repercussions on the concerned
employees in terms of job-satisfaction, working conditions and precariousness.

This activity will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL multiple framework contract 'Evaluation and Impact Assessment activities'

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 concluded on 21 April 2009 (5 lots – VC/2009/35 to VC/2009/56), for a period of 12 months,
renewable 3 times.

2.2.4. Networking, information and communication on the results of the PROGRESS

"Working conditions" strand

The action will aim at identifying key messages on "Working conditions" strand activities and
create slogans designed to communicate better to citizens what the EU is doing in order to
improve work quality. This action will contribute to the production of promotional material
and design of a conference visibility toolkit (incl. posters, templates for PPTs, banners, etc.)
aimed at decision-makers.

The objective is to have a common visibility for all units in the "Working conditions" section
with specific slogans for each specific strand. These activities to promote the sharing of
information, to organise events on this topic and to assess the intrinsic quality of the websites
will be organised through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the DG EMPL
framework contract for communication activities concluded on 30 November 2007 (3 lots –
VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673 and VC/2007/674) for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

2.2.5. Meetings of working groups in the field of labour law to be organized extra-muros

These activities will be organised through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL framework contract 'Meetings' concluded on 26 November 2008 (7 lots –
VC/2008/63, VC/2008/862, VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and
VC/2008/870), for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

2.2.6. Conference on Posting of Workers

The Conference will deal with emerging problems for the implementation of labour law in
relation to the increasing importance and diversity of cross-border movements of workers.
This conference will be organised through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL framework contract 'Meetings' concluded on 26 November 2008 (7 lots –
VC/2008/63, VC/2008/862, VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and
VC/2008/870), for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

3. JOINT MANAGEMENT

According to Article 53d of the Financial Regulation and 43 of the Implementing Rules, the
appropriations used in joint management with international organisations shall finance
projects or programmes jointly elaborated between the Commission and the international
organisation.

International organisations in the field of health and safety at work

There are other international bodies active in the area the health protection, hygiene and safety
at work, in particular the United Nations. Hence, some tasks relating to this objective are
executed jointly with other specialised international organisations. The financing of
organisations set up by the United Nations is based on the bilateral agreements between the
Commission and these organisations, by signing the "Financial and Administrative
Framework Agreement" (FAFA) between the European Communities and the United Nations
of 29/04/2003.

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 Indicative amounts
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation :
EUR 60 000
Centre International d'Information de Sécurité et Santé au Travail (CIS) de l'Organisation
Internationale du Travail : EUR 50 000
World Health Organisation (WHO) : EUR 165 000

4. SUBDELEGATIONS

4.1. Digit

Support for the development of an information exchange system in order to facilitate the
enhanced administrative cooperation in the context of Directive 96/71/EC (Posting of
Workers)

The action should provide the necessary technical support and assistance with respect to the
development of an information exchange system to facilitate the enhanced administrative
cooperation in the context of Directive 96/71/EC (posting of workers in the framework of the
provision of services). It will concern IT development/adjustment, definition of business
object and reporting tools. This action is a follow-up to the Commission Recommendation on
enhanced administrative cooperation of 3 April 2008 (endorsed by Council conclusions on 9
June 2008) and the Commission Decision of 19 December 2008 setting up the Expert
Committee on Posting of Workers. This action will be implemented by DIGIT on the basis of
existing framework contracts.

An indicative amount of EUR 75 000 is envisaged for this action.

5. OTHER INTERVENTIONS

5.1. Exchange of national inspectors

This action intents to promote greater involvement of labour inspectors in encouraging the
effective and equivalent enforcement of European Union law throughout the European Union.

It stems from the priorities set-out by the Community strategy 2007-2012 on health and safety
at work (COM(2007) 62 final), in particular, its point 4.2 "Reinforcing cooperation in efforts
to monitor the application of legislation", as well as, from the Commission decision setting a
Senior Labour Inspectors Committee (95/319/CE), in particular its Article 3§4: "promoting
the exchange of inspectors between national administrations and the development of training
programs for inspectors".

Indicative amount: An amount of EUR 90 000 is reserved for this activity. The EU financial
contribution will be limited to reimbursing travel and subsistence expenses under the current
rules on the reimbursement of experts’ expenses.

5.2. Committee of experts on posting of workers

A Commission Decision of 19 December 2008 has set up a committee of experts on posting

of workers as a follow-up to the Commission Recommendation of 4 April 2008 on enhanced
administrative cooperation. The committee should promote the identification and exchange of

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 good practices in the field of posting of workers and provide support to the development of an
electronic exchange system between national administrations.

Indicative amount:
An amount of EUR 135 000 is envisaged for this activity. The EU financial contribution will
be limited to reimbursing travel and, where appropriate, subsistence expenses under the
current rules for the reimbursement of external experts' expenses.

5.3. Administrative arrangement with JRC

On the basis of an administrative arrangement, DG EMPL intends to use the expertise of JRC
whose role will be to provide scientific and technical support to DG EMPL for the work to be
done for the Scientific Committee of Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL). The work will
consist namely on the collection of information and the preparation of a number of
preliminary evaluation documents for identified priority chemical substances.

An indicative amount of EUR 300 000 is foreseen for this action in 2011.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GRANTS 3 255 000

Calls for proposals 2 330 000

De jure monopolies 600 000

De facto monopolies 325 000

PROCUREMENT 4 495 515

JOINT MANAGEMENT 275 000

SUBDELEGATIONS 75 000

OTHER INTERVENTIONS 525 000

TOTAL 04 04 01 03 8 625 515

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 04 04 01 06 – PROGRESS – SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 1 355 000 + EUR 32 249 (EFTA/EEA Contribution) = EUR 1 387 249 (Total amount)

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

1. PROCUREMENT

The global budgetary envelope reserved for procurement is EUR 1 387 249.

1.1. Calls for tender

1.1.1. Monitoring of the performance of the EU programme for employment and social
solidarity – PROGRESS 2007 – 2013

According to article 19.1 of Decision No 1672/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of

the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing the Progress Programme, annual activity reports
focussing on the results of the Programme shall be drawn up by the Commission. The subject
of the service contract will be to provide assistance to the Commission in this respect.

The call for tender should be launched in the first quarter of 2011.

1.1.2. Mapping of data and information management

With a view to ensuring that the limited resources available for gathering and processing data
and information in the framework of Progress are used in an efficient and effective way, an
assessment of the current data and information management should be carried out with the
help of an external contractor.

The call for tender should be launched in the first quarter of 2011.

1.2. Use of existing framework contracts

1.2.1. Dissemination of Progress results

The dissemination of results achieved through actions supported by Progress needs to be

enhanced. In particular, information on the projects supported by the programme should be
easily accessible and presented in a user-friendly way on the Internet. To this end, the web-
editing support will be needed.

This activity will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on the
DG EMPL framework contract for communication activities concluded on 30 November
2007(3 Lots – VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673 and VC/2007/674) for a period of 24 months,
renewable once.

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 1.2.2. Information and communication campaign

An information and communication campaign that would reach out to key stakeholders will
be organised to communicate on policies supported by Progress.

This activity will be implemented through the conclusion of specific contracts based on:

– The DG EMPL Framework contract 'Meetings' concluded on 26 November 2008 (7 Lots –

VC/2008/63, VC/2008/862, VC/2008/864, VC/2008/867, VC/2008/868, VC/2008/869 and
VC/2008/870) for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

– The DG EMPL framework contract for communication activities (Lot 2 VC/2007/673),

concluded on 30 November 2007(3 Lots – VC/2007/34, VC/2007/673 and VC/2007/674)
for a period of 24 months, renewable once.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

PROCUREMENT 1 387 249

TOTAL 04 04 01 06 1 387 249

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 04 04 03 01 - EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF LIVING AND WORKING
CONDITIONS - CONTRIBUTION TO TITLES 1 AND 2

04 04 03 02 - EUROPEAN FOUNDATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF LIVING AND WORKING

CONDITIONS - CONTRIBUTION TO TITLE 3

LEGAL BASIS

Regulation (EEC) No 1365/75 of the Council of 26 May 1975 on the creation of a European
Foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions (OJ L 139, 30.5.1975, p.1),
as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1111/2005 of 24 June 2005 (OJ L 184, 15.7.2005,
p. 1).

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

04 04 03 01 — EUR 13 040 000

04 04 03 02 — EUR 7 170 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

The budget line is intended to finance the activities of a Decentralised Agency, the European
Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, whose role is to
contribute to the planning and design of better living and working conditions in Europe.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

For 2011, a contribution of EUR 13 040 000 is foreseen to cover the Foundation's staff and
administrative expenditure (titles 1 and 2), while a contribution of EUR 7 170 000 is foreseen
to cover the Foundation’s operating expenditure for the work programme (Title 3).

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 04 04 04 02 EUROPEAN AGENCY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK – CONTRIBUTION TO
TITLES 1 AND 2

04 04 04 03 EUROPEAN AGENCY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK – CONTRIBUTION TO

TITLE 3

LEGAL BASIS

Council Regulation (EC) No 2062/94 of 18 July 1994 establishing a European Agency for
Safety and Health at Work (OJ L216 20.8.1994, p.1) last modified by Regulation (EC) No
1112/2005 (OJ L 184, 15.7.2005, p.5).

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

04 04 04 02: Total amount EUR 6 900 000

04 04 04 03: Total amount EUR 7 416 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

Title 1 and 2 appropriations are intended to cover the personal expenses and the payment of
buildings, equipment and miscellaneous operating expenditure and office facilities.

Title 3 appropriations are intended to finance the operational expenditures of the Agency's
activities.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED

For 2011, a contribution of EUR 6 900 000 is foreseen to cover the Agency's staff and
administrative expenditure (titles 1 and 2).

Activities for which the operational costs will be financed from title 3 are defined in EU-
OSHA’s draft 2011 annual management plan which defines activities in four mission-related
areas:

– European Risk Observatory

– Working Environment Information

– Communication, Campaigning and Promotion

– Networking and Coordination

Total amount for Title 3 in 2011 is EUR 7 416 000.

Activity levels in the four mission-related areas have been adjusted following the
consequences of the European Parliament and Council’s earlier decision to finance the
Galileo project.

The 2011 activities are implemented within the Agency’s 2009-2013 Strategy which aims at
ensuring a decisive contribution from EU-OSHA to the implementation of the Community
Strategy on OSH 2007-2012.

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 04 04 15 – EUROPEAN MICROFINANCE FACILITY

LEGAL BASIS

Decision No 283/2010/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 March 2010
(‘the Decision’) establishing a European Progress Microfinance Facility for Employment and
Social Inclusion (‘the Facility’).

AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS

EUR 24 750 000

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE LINE AND PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR

The objective of European Progress Microfinance Facility (article 2 of the Decision) is to

increase access to, and availability of, microfinance for:

(a) persons who have lost or are at risk of losing their job, or who have difficulties entering or
re-entering the labour market, as well as persons who are facing the threat of social exclusion
or vulnerable persons who are in a disadvantaged position with regard to access to the
conventional credit market and who want to start or further develop their own micro-
enterprise, including self-employment;

(b) micro-enterprises, especially in the social economy, as well as micro-enterprises which

employ persons referred to in point (a).

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE FINANCED IN 2011

The budgetary allocations for 2011 will finance under joint management:

– Guarantee instruments to be implemented by the European Investment Fund on behalf of

the Commission under the fiduciary management agreement between the Commission and
the European Investment Fund. The corresponding budgetary allocation will be
ofEUR 4 750 000.

– Equity instruments and debt instruments (including quasi-equity) to be implemented by the

specialised investment fund, created with the involvement of the Commission, the
European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. The corresponding
budgetary allocation will be of EUR 20 000 000.

SUMMARY TABLE

ACTIONS INDICATIVE AMOUNT IN EUR

GUARANTEE INSTRUMENTS 4 750 000

EQUITY INSTRUMENTS AND DEBT INSTRUMENTS 20 000 000

(INCLUDING QUASI-EQUITY)

TOTAL 04 04 15 24 750 000

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