An investment in Europe’s present and future

The added value of Transnational Co-operation at Project level under EQUAL

Ruth Santos ECOTEC Research and Consulting

Introduction

• Purpose of the analysisPurpose of the analysis• Based on 26 Based on 26 success storiessuccess stories from from

Development Partnerships in Round One Development Partnerships in Round One drafted by the Member States representatives drafted by the Member States representatives in the Transnational Working Groupin the Transnational Working Group

• An example of thematic work- a community of An example of thematic work- a community of practicepractice

Working Transnationally under EQUAL

EQUAL integrates national level innovationEQUAL integrates national level innovation

through partnership work with transnationalthrough partnership work with transnational

collaboration and exchange of good practice.collaboration and exchange of good practice.

EQUAL emphasises co-operation betweenEQUAL emphasises co-operation between

Member States to share positive and effectiveMember States to share positive and effective

results across Europe.results across Europe.

Making a difference through Transnational Co-operation

Learning from and about the differencesLearning from and about the differences::

Transnational work has identified solutions that areTransnational work has identified solutions that are

applicable in different contexts and countries.applicable in different contexts and countries.

Developing a true European mindsetDeveloping a true European mindset::

Transnational co-operation has fostered formal and Transnational co-operation has fostered formal and

informal networksinformal networks

Making a difference through Making a difference through Transnational Co-operationTransnational Co-operation

Using European diversity to strengthenUsing European diversity to strengthenthe impact of the “national” Developmentthe impact of the “national” DevelopmentPartnerships (DPs)Partnerships (DPs): :

Transnational co-operation increased the potentialTransnational co-operation increased the potential

impact of the national DPs at local, regional andimpact of the national DPs at local, regional and

national level. It has also built capacity within thenational level. It has also built capacity within the

organisations by improving the quality, resourcesorganisations by improving the quality, resources

and awarenessand awareness

Making a difference through Transnational Co-operation

Fostering individual and collective empowerment:Fostering individual and collective empowerment:

Transnational work increased self-confidence and self-Transnational work increased self-confidence and self-

assurance of individuals involved, and made participantsassurance of individuals involved, and made participants

aware of “belonging to a large European family”.aware of “belonging to a large European family”.

Raising awareness:Raising awareness:

Transnational work raised awareness of different nationalTransnational work raised awareness of different national

Contexts and relevant EU developments.Contexts and relevant EU developments.

Making a difference through Transnational Co-operation

Making change possible:Making change possible:

Transnational work has promoted theTransnational work has promoted thedissemination and transfer of results into policydissemination and transfer of results into policyand practice (mainstreaming):and practice (mainstreaming):

• locallocal

• regionalregional

• national national

• transnational levelstransnational levels

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE on the

Re-Integration of Ex-Offenders

• GB and Germany leading the thematic workGB and Germany leading the thematic work• Identified as an important issue:Identified as an important issue:

• Round 1: 26 DPs from 12 Member States working Round 1: 26 DPs from 12 Member States working together in 6 TCAstogether in 6 TCAs

• Round 2: 52 DPs from 19 Member States co-Round 2: 52 DPs from 19 Member States co-operating within 14 TCAsoperating within 14 TCAs

• MAs and SU were invited to take part. 7 finally joined.MAs and SU were invited to take part. 7 finally joined.• Work programme agreed and 2 major events planned.Work programme agreed and 2 major events planned.• Aim: to establish a European platform for sustaining the Aim: to establish a European platform for sustaining the

outcomes after EQUAL has come to an end.outcomes after EQUAL has come to an end.

The added value of Transnational Co-operation from a project perspective

““Transnational work under EQUAL shows what Transnational work under EQUAL shows what really can be achieved when projects across really can be achieved when projects across Europe work together successfully and useEurope work together successfully and useEuropean diversity to strengthen domestic activities. European diversity to strengthen domestic activities.

Across Europe, transnational work continues to offerAcross Europe, transnational work continues to offerthe opportunity to exchange expertise and developthe opportunity to exchange expertise and developnew approaches, thereby adding value to nationalnew approaches, thereby adding value to nationalinitiatives”initiatives”