Support for partnership, reforms and inclusive growth (SPRING)

Aims to respond to the pressing socio-economic challenges that partner countries of the southern Mediterranean region are facing and to support them in their transition to democracy

Initially, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. Other countries in the southern Mediterranean could also be covered provided the right conditions are in place.

Timeframe: 2011 - 2012

Budget: €350 million for 2011 and 2012

 Objectives:

 
The programme aims to contribute to the consolidation of democratic reform and institution-building and the achievement of sustainable and inclusive growth and economic development in the Southern Mediterranean countries.
 
Support provided through the SPRING programme will be tailored to the needs of each country, based on an assessment of the country's progress in building democracy, and applying the ‘more for more’ principle – the more a country progresses in its democratic reforms and institutional building, the more support it can expect from the SPRING programme.
 
What does it do?
 
In the area of democratic transition, depending on the rhythm of reform in each country, the programme will provide support in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic governance, freedom of association, expression and assembly and free press and media, public administration, rule of law and fight against corruption.
 
To assist countries towards reaching sustainable growth and economic development, SPRING will support a better regulatory framework for business, increased numbers of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); as well as a reduction in internal social and economic disparities.

Actions in brief

 Depending on countries’ needs and assessments, actions could include:

 
  • Comprehensive Institution building programmes and support for integrated socio-economic reform
  • Strengthening labour market institutions and promoting labour market reforms
  • Microfinance support modeled on the European Progress Microfinance Facility
  • Addressing the situation of young people who are neither in employment, education or training
  • Twinning and capacity building activities in a range of economic development fields
  • Pilot programmes modeled on initiatives inspired by the EU cohesion and rural development policies
  • Support for partner country participation in the work of selected EU agencies and programmes
  • Support for sector co-operation, with a particular focus on knowledge and innovation, climate change and the environment, energy, transport, technology, sustainable fisheries, as well as cooperation across maritime sectors.

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/documents/aap/2011/af_aap-spe_2011_enpi-s.pdf

EU Cooperation with Syria is currently suspended due to the political situation in the country; however, since in principle Syria is eligible for cooperation under the ENPI, activities may be taken up again once the situation improves.

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/122168.pdf
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