How to get EU funding faster and efficiently
The need is great. But how can worthwhile projects be financed? The new JASPERS office in Sofia helps local governments in the new EU countries apply for EU funds to support energy efficiency projects.
Being poor can be expensive. Too many profitable energy saving projects are not realised due to lack of finances - not least in the 12 new EU Member States. But there’s good news - 58 billion euro from the EU Structural Funds is now on its way to assist favourable projects, and energy efficiency investments are a key area.
More investments in energy efficiency
With the new JASPERS office (Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions) in Sofia, Bulgaria , more investments in energy efficiency in the new EU Member States can be initiated:
“Normally, many of the EU funds are given to huge energy projects such as power grids or wind turbine parks. But with the new EU Recovery Plan, it has become possible to apply for energy efficiency projects as well, which hopefully will mean better and more energy optimised buildings in the new EU Member States. There is indeed a huge need for that,” says European Affairs Consultant Hubert David from EURIMA, the European Insulation Manufacturers Association.
It is up to the local authorities to decide which projects to apply for. Typical projects are energy optimisation of huge hospitals, schools or large public housing plans. While individual occupants are not able to apply for a refurbishment of their own house, the concerted efforts of the local authorities may be able to help.
The role of JASPERS is not to carry out the project but to help local authorities make the application.
- The Joint Assistance to Support
Projects in European Regions was set up in 2005 by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the KfW Bankengruppe. There are JASPERS offices in Luxembourg, Sofia, Bucharest, Vienna and Warsaw. By the end of 2008, JASPERS was providing assistance to some 280 projects which, when approved by the European Commission, will absorb investments of some EUR 58 billion.
