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Call key data
Call for proposals for action grants to promote judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters
Funding Program
Justice Programme
Call number
JUST-2024-JCOO
deadlines
Opening
12.12.2023
Deadline
18.04.2024 17:00
Funding rate
90%
Call budget
€ 5,800,000.00
Estimated EU contribution per project
min. € 75,000.00
Link to the call
Link to the submission
Call content
short description
The aim of this call is to facilitate and support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, and promote the rule of law, independence and impartiality of the judiciary, including by supporting the efforts to improve the effectiveness of national justice systems, and the effective enforcement of decisions.
Call objectives
There are four priorities for 2024.
Proposals not in line with priorities 1 and 2 may still be awarded funding, if applicants can justify this by:
- the necessity to improve the implementation and application of the civil or criminal justice EU acquis on the basis of an evidence-based needs assessment, showing that more activities are required for the proper application of EU law in the field to be covered;
- the need to improve judicial cooperation, e.g. in case of gaps in the acquis or to face newly emerging challenges, on the basis of an evidence-based needs assessment.
However, applicants should take into account that a deviation from the priorities 1 and 2 may result in a less relevant proposal, which may therefore not be considered for funding.
Applicants are strongly advised to research Commission initiatives in the filed of judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters to minimise the risk of replication of existing structures, and in particular IT-platforms.
Priority 1: Judicial cooperation in civil matters
The aim is to promote judicial cooperation in civil matters and to contribute to the effective and coherent application and enforcement of EU instruments to create a genuine European area of justice in civil and commercial matters and in the field of family law.
Priority shall be given to projects aiming in particular at:
- better enforcement of judicial decisions through better procedures, case-handling and cooperation in cross-border disputes;
- improving in a child-sensitive way the situation of children involved in civil cases, e.g. through better procedures, case-handling and cooperation in the family law area such as parental responsibility, international child abduction and maintenance or issues relating to civil status of children;
- facilitating cross-border procedures, e.g. on service of documents and taking of evidence, on successions or cross-border circulation of public documents, through better information and awareness-raising.
Priority 2: Judicial cooperation in criminal matters
The aim of this call for proposals is to promote judicial cooperation in criminal matters and to contribute to the effective and coherent application of EU mutual recognition instruments in criminal matters.
- Priority shall be given to the implementation and practical application of the following mutual recognition instruments:
- Directive 2014/41/EU regarding the European Investigation Order in criminal matters;
- Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States;
- Council Framework Decision 2008/909/JHA on the application of the principle of mutual recognition of judgments in criminal matters imposing custodial sentences or measures involving deprivation of liberty for the purpose of their enforcement in the European Union;
- Council Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to judgments and probation decisions with a view to the supervision of probation measures and alternative sanctions;
- Council Framework Decision 2009/829/JHA on the application, between Member States of the European Union, of the principle of mutual recognition to decisions on supervision measures as an alternative to provisional detention;
- Council Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties;
- Regulation (EU) 2018/1805 on the mutual recognition of freezing orders and confiscation orders.
- A specific priority regarding any particular instrument(s) listed above may be given in the call for proposals.
- Priority shall be given to:
- an efficient contribution to the European Security Union Strategy as regards the judicial responses to terrorism, notably on reinforcing the prevention of radicalisation, especially in prisons and after release from prison, and taking into account the gender of (ex) detainees.
- implementation of the Commission Recommendation on detention and linked issues related to detention conditions, including protection of vulnerable detainees and prevention gender-based violence, pre-trial detention and alternatives to detention, as well as raising awareness of case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and recommendations of the Council of Europe in this field;
- the functioning of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) Treaties or other Treaties containing provisions on MLA with third States (e.g. EU-US MLA Agreement, Budapest Cybercrime Convention and its Second Additional Protocol), including with respect to the exchange of electronic data.
Priority 3: Support to the Member States for the setting up and strengthening of national networks active in the area of judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters
The main objective is to contribute to the effective and coherent application of the EU acquis relating to judicial cooperation in civil, commercial and criminal matters.
In the area of civil and commercial matters, support will be provided to the members of the European Judicial Network in civil and commercial matters (EJN-civil) and to the national authorities, courts and professional associations they represent. Projects will focus on setting up and strengthening national EJN-civil networks to ensure better handling of cross-border civil cases and more generally a better implementation of EU legislation. The national networks will encourage the full participation of all national Network members (e.g. central authorities, bailiffs, notaries, lawyers). This will help to increase the contribution of EU countries to the Network's activities (in particular the Network meetings) and enhance the work and visibility of the Network as a whole.
In the area of criminal matters, support will be provided to national authorities, courts, prosecution services and professional associations representing them, for the setting up and/or strengthening of national networks in order to ensure better implementation of EU judicial cooperation instruments in criminal matters.
Strengthened national networks can promote better implementation of EU civil and criminal justice instruments through cooperation, dialogue, sharing of experience, exchange of information and training activities (where appropriate also in liaison with other national systems). Through these activities the national projects would ensure interaction at national level, knowledge sharing and gathering of information. As a result, this would deepen EU-wide building bridges and mutual trust between different justice systems.
Priority 4: Support to the Member States for the linking and exchange of their biometric data with the ECRIS-TCN central system.
The main objective of this priority is to support national projects implementing the changes to:
- national IT systems allowing for the appropriate linking and exchange of fingerprints and facial images with the ECRIS-TCN central system.
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Expected effects and impacts
For priorities 1 and 2:
- Increased capacity of national practitioners, courts and authorities to address issues related to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters and to the application of the EU instruments on civil and civil procedural law, as well as on criminal and criminal procedural law;
- Strengthened cooperation and exchange of information between competent national authorities (including courts) in relation to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, including taking into account the relevant case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU);
- Alignment of the Member States’ administrative practices related to the relevant legislation;
- The legal framework and regulations linked to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters are in line with EU acquis and relevant case-law of the CJEU;
- Improved cross-border cooperation between judicial authorities responsible for judicial cooperation in civil, commercial and criminal matters, and improved cooperation and coordination between these authorities and other responsible agencies and institutions across the EU; Prosecutors, judges and other stakeholders have better specialised knowledge and experience on the legislation and administrative practices related to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters;
- Acceleration of proceedings in relation to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters; less breaches of time-limits;
- Increased awareness of policy makers related to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters;
- In particular for priority 2, improved situation of persons subject to measures in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters, enhancement of their social rehabilitation and re-integrations in a gender-sensitive way, reduced risks of violation of their fundamental rights.
For priority 3:
- Better implementation of EU judicial cooperation instruments in civil and criminal matters;
- Increased capacity of national practitioners, courts and authorities to address issues related to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters and to the application of the EU instruments on civil and civil procedural law, as well as on criminal and criminal procedural law;
- Prosecutors, judges and other stakeholders have better specialised knowledge and experience on the legislation and administrative practices related to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters;
- Strengthened cooperation and exchange of information between competent national authorities (including courts) in relation to judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, including taking into account the relevant case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU);
- More efficient and better functioning national networks in order to ensure better implementation and case-handling at the national level;
- Increased input of national networks to the Network’s activities to strenghten the Network as a whole.
For priority 4:
- Improved exchange of fingerprints and facial images between national IT systems and the ECRIS-TCN central system;
- Enhanced capacity of national IT systems dealing with fingerprints and facial images;
- Improved processes at national level allowing for the appropriate linking and exchange of fingerprints and facial images with the ECRIS-TCN central system.
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Expected results
Whereas several measures and initiatives are listed, it is not requested to include all of them in a single project. Projects with a strong focus are very much valued.
All activities should, both at design and implementation stage, incorporate a gender equality perspective. Thus, applicants are expected to conduct and include in their proposal a gender analysis, which maps the potential different impact of the projectand its activities on women and men as well as girls and boys in all their diversity.Thereby, unintended negative effects of the intervention on either gender should be forestalled (do no-harm approach). To this end, applicants are encouraged to consultthe key questions listed on the EIGE website when conducting their gender analysis. A gender-sensitive approach should be taken to the identification of best practices, data collection, including sex-disaggregated statistics, and information dissemination. All communication activities should forestall discrimination, victimisation and stereotyping of women and men. Mutual learning, analytical and training activities should incorporate a gender equality perspective, and promote gender balanced participation in trainings.
This topic will cover the following activities:
- facilitating cooperation between competent authorities and agencies, legal practitioners and/or service providers (including multi-disciplinary networks at international, national, regional or local levels);
- mutual learning, identifying and exchange of best practices, development of working methods which may be transferable to other participating countries;
- analytical activities, including data collection, statistics, surveys, research, etc.;
- exchange and provision of information and development of information tools;
- capacity building for professionals;
- dissemination and awareness raising activities;
- training activities can also be funded under this call, as long as they are of ancillary nature and not the main purpose of the project.
For priority 4, project activities would in principle include analytical, conceptual, design and elaboration work, IT software development, quality assurance and related auxiliary measures necessary for the establishment of new IT systems, as well as the expansion and adaptation of existing national solutions towards addressing the objectives of priority 4. Activities relating to project management, communication, promotion and dissemination are also eligible for funding.
Activities under this topic, especially where they relate to IT software development (priority 1), will take into account existing solutions such as results from the e-CODEX project, CEF building blocks and ISA Core vocabularies.
Proposals with a practical focus are deemed more impactful than mere research proposals.
Similarly, proposals that consider in their design and implementation a gender perspective, are deemed more impactful (See also section 9 of the call document).
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Eligibility Criteria
Regions / countries for funding
Moldova (Moldova), Albania (Shqipëria), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина), Kosovo (Kosova/Kosovë / Косово), North Macedonia (Северна Македонија), Serbia (Srbija/Сpбија), Ukraine (Україна)
eligible entities
Education and training institution, International organization, Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) / Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Other, Private institution, incl. private company (private for profit), Public Body (national, regional and local; incl. EGTCs), Research Institution incl. University, Small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)
Mandatory partnership
No
Project Partnership
For priorities 1 and 2, proposals must be submitted by a consortium complying with the following conditions:
- The applications must involve minimum 2 entities (beneficiaries, not affiliated entities) from 2 different eligible countries.
- The consortium must include at least one public body, private non-profit organisation or international organisation as beneficiary (not as affiliated
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies)
- be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs), excluding Denmark)
- non-EU countries: countries associated to the Justice Programme or countries which are in ongoing negotiations for an association agreement and where the agreement enters into force before grant signature (list of participating countries)
In addition, under the priorities 1 and 2:
- Organisations which are profit-oriented must submit applications in partnership with public entities or private non-profit-oriented organisations;
- Projects must be transnational and involve organisations from at least two participating countries.
In addition, under the priority 3:
- In the area of civil and commercial matters, the application must be submitted by the officially appointed members of EJN in civil and commercial matters, or by the national authorities, courts and professional associations representing the officially appointed members of EJN in civil and commercial matters;
- In the area of criminal matters, the application must be submitted by national authorities, courts, prosecution services and professional associations representing them;
- Only one application per participating country will be accepted. Projects do not need to have a transnational aspect.
In addition, under the priority 4, the applicants must:
- be the national authorities responsible for the systems linking national criminal records databases, as well as fingerprint databases, to the ECRIS-TCN central system.
- Only one application per participating country will be accepted. Projects do not need to have a transnational aspect.
other eligibility criteria
Natural persons are NOT eligible (with the exception of self-employed persons, i.e., sole traders, where the company does not have legal personality separate from that of the natural person).
International organisations are eligible under the priorities 1 and 2. The rules on eligible countries do not apply to them.
Entities which do not have legal personality under their national law may exceptionally participate, provided that their representatives have the capacity to undertake legal obligations on their behalf, and offer guarantees for the protection of the EU financial interests equivalent to that offered by legal persons.
EU bodies (with the exception of the European Commission Joint Research Centre) can NOT be part of the consortium.
Entities composed of members (like for instance networks) may participate as ‘sole beneficiaries’ or ‘beneficiaries without legal personality’. Please note that if the action will be implemented by the members, they should also participate (either as beneficiaries or as affiliated entities, otherwise their costs will NOT be eligible).
Beneficiaries from countries with ongoing negotiations (see list above) may participate in the call and can sign grants if the negotiations are concluded before grant signature (with retroactive effect, if provided in the agreement).
For priority 1 (civil matters), and priority 4 (ECRIS): the EU grant applied for cannot be lower than € 75 000. There is no upper limit.
For priority 2 (criminal matters) and priority 3 (EJN civil and criminal): Project budgets have to range between EUR 75 000 and EUR 350 000 per project.
The grant awarded may be lower than the amount requested.
Additional information
Topics
Relevance for EU Macro-Region
EUSAIR - EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region, EUSALP - EU Strategy for the Alpine Space, EUSBSR - EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, EUSDR - EU Strategy for the Danube Region
UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs)
project duration
between 12 and 24 months
Additional Information
All proposals must be submitted electronically via the Funders & Tenders Portal electronic submission system (accessible via the topic page in the Search Funding & Tenders section). Paper submissions are NOT possible.
Proposals must be complete and contain all parts and mandatory annexes and supporting documents, e.g. plan for the exploitation and dissemination of the results including communication activities, etc.
The application form will have three parts:
- Application Form Part A — contains administrative information about the participants (future coordinator, beneficiaries and affiliated entities) and the summarised budget for the project (to be filled in directly online)
- Application Form Part B — contains the technical description of the project (to be downloaded from the Portal Submission System, completed and then assembled and re-uploaded)
- Part C (to be filled in directly online) containing additional project data, including mandatory indicators
Mandatory annexes and supporting documents (some templates available to be downloaded from the Portal Submission System, completed, assembled and re-uploaded):
- detailed budget table (template available in the Portal Submission System – to be re-uploaded filled out in the format xlsx);
- CVs (standard) of core project team (or, where the key personnel is not yet known, a job profile description)
- activity report of last year of the coordinator (unless it is a public body)
- list of previous projects (key projects for the last 4 years) (template available in Part B)
- for participants with activities involving children: their child protection policy covering the four areas described in the Keeping Children Safe Child Safeguarding Standards
The limit for a full application (Part B) is 45 pages.
The grant will be a lump sum grant.
Call documents
Call document JUST-2024-JCOOCall document JUST-2024-JCOO(685kB)
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