5. Application by grouping of municipalities/local authorities

5.1 What should be taken into account when applying as a grouping?

Groupings of municipalities/local authorities are highly encouraged to apply for the EUCF. When applying as grouping, the following points have to be considered:

  • Both formal (e.g. formalised by an assembly act) and informal groupings are invited to apply.

  • One responsible partner, i.e. one lead applicant has to be defined.

  • In the application form, the relations and decision-making processes within the grouping for the development of the investment concept have to be outlined.

  • Either the lead applicant or the grouping needs to have a SEAP, SECAP or plan of similar ambition and provide the other supporting documents.

  • As the EUCF aims to support especially small and medium-sized municipalities/local authorities and, if feasible, encourages them to team up, groupings are appreciated in the evaluation process.

  • In case the application is successful, 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.

  • Lead applicant is responsible to sign the Grant Agreement and disburse the amount among the partners.

  • Grouping formed by local public entities aggregating municipalities/local authorities is not eligible for EUCF.

5.2 Who qualifies as part of a grouping?

Formal or informal groupings of municipalities/local authorities are eligible to apply. They have to define one lead applicant.

5.3 Can local public entities apply to the EUCF as a grouping?

No, applications by groupings of local public entities aggregating municipalities/local authorities are not possible. See question 6.1 for more information on what to consider when applying as a local public entity.

5.4 Does each partner have to provide a SEAP, SECAP or plan of similar ambition?

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.

5.5 How do groupings prove political commitment?

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.

5.6 How is the EUCF Grant Agreement signed by groupings?

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.

5.7 Is the EUCF grant divided among the members of the groupings?

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.

5.8 In case of grouping, can a municipality that has been a part of an application as grouping apply again but alone?

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.

5.5 In case of grouping, can a municipality that has been a part of an application as grouping apply again but alone?

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.