No, only the lead applicant must have a politically approved SEAP, SECAP or plan of similar ambition. Joint action plans prepared collectively by a grouping of municipalities/local authorities are also accepted.
The proof of political commitment to the development of the investment concept through a letter of support by the Mayor or other relevant political representative must be submitted only by the lead applicant of the grouping.
Groupings are not obliged to form a joint legal body but they have to define a lead applicant. This lead applicant will sign the Grant agreement with the EUCF and receive the lump sum which can be then used according to the consortium’s internal agreement / governance they put in place.
The grant amount of EUR 60,000 is awarded to the grouping as a whole. Thus, the lump sum is awarded per application, not per municipality/local authority.
If the grouping application has been successful, the municipality cannot apply again alone. If the application has been unsuccessful, the municipality can apply again – either in the grouping or alone.