|
 JASPERS provides technical expertise for any stage of the project cycle from the early stages of project conception through to the final application for EU funding.
JASPERS focuses on large projects with total costs exceeding EUR 25 million for environmental projects and EUR 50 million for transport or other sectors. However, there is flexibility about these thresholds in the case of small countries or where projects serve as pilot actions to establish best practice. JASPERS' assistance is provided free of charge to the beneficiaries and there is no obligation on the Member States to use JASPERS. JASPERS' assistance may cover technical, economic and financial aspects and any other preparatory work needed to deliver a fully developed and sound project. It is geared to providing advice, ensuring coordination, developing and reviewing project structures, removing bottlenecks, filling gaps and identifying problems not addressed. JASPERS' work being complementary to the project preparation work carried out by national and local authorities, much of the detailed technical work remains however the responsibility of the respective beneficiary countries. The main types of inputs of JASPERS concern: - Advice on conceptual development and project structuring;
- Advice on project preparation (e.g. cost-benefit analysis, financial analysis, environmental issues, procurement planning);
- Review of documentation: feasibility studies, technical design, grant application.
- Advice on compliance with EU law (environmental, competition and others)
- Conformity with EU policies.
Key areas for JASPERS' assistance include: - Trans-European networks (TENs);
- The transport sector outside of TENs, including road, rail, river, air and sea transport
- Clean urban and public transport;
- Environmental remediation;
- Waste management;
- Renewable energy;
- Water and sanitation services; Water risk management.
There is no obligation on the beneficiaries of JASPERS to borrow from the EIB, EBRD or KfW, but if they wish the national authorities may turn to the EIB, EBRD or KfW for financial support for the projects prepared with assistance from JASPERS. The decision to provide an EU grant for a project prepared with assistance from JASPERS remains always the responsibility of the European Commission. The assignments completed in 2008 resulted in 42 grant applications benefiting from JASPERS assistance being lodged with DG REGIO for funding about EUR 10 billion under the Structural Funds and Cohesion Funds.
|
