PRESS RELEASE: 5th MEETING OF THE JOINT MONITORING COMMITTEE FOR THE CROSS BORDER COOPERATION PROGRAMME SLOVENIA-HUNGARY IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE OPERATIVE PROGRAMME SLOVENIA-HUNGARY 2007-2013 Moravske Toplice, 3 March 2011 – The 5th meeting of the Joint Monitoring Committee of the Operational programme for the cross border cooperation programme Slovenia-Hungary 2007-2013, managed by the Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy (GOSP), was held in Moravske Toplice. The Joint Monitoring Committee, composed of members from both countries – Slovenia and Hungary, as well a representative from the European Commission, approved conditionally 22 projects which will be co-financed from the European Regional Development Fund. On the 21st May 2010 Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy (GOSP), acting as Managing Authority of the above mentioned programme, announced the 2nd Call for Proposals. Both sides of the boarder within this call were given 14.699.991,54 EUR for co-financing activities (highest rate of co-financing is 85%). Funds were indicatively subdivided on seven measures within two priorities: – Increase the attractiveness of the cooperation area: 8.126.975,07 EUR (tender amount), 7.501.277,09 EUR (approved amount)  Development of Joint Tourist Destination  Preservation and Development of Culture  Improvement of Cross border Traffic Connections – Sustainable development: 6.573.016,47 EUR (tendered amount), 5.532.586,56 EUR (approved amount)  Regional Development Cooperation  Preventative Health Care  Environment Protection and Management  Efficient Energy Use Beneficiaries of the Call are non-profit legal persons established by public or private law for the purpose of public and general interest from the cross boarder area: – In the Republic of Slovenia: Pomurska and Podravska (adjacent region) Region; – In the republic of Hungary: Zala and Vas Counties. 66 applicatons arrived within the Call, which proves the high interest for participation in cross border cooperation projects, as well as good relationships among partners in the common cross border area. The majority of applications deal with Preservation and Development of Culture, Development of Joint Tourist Destination and Regional Development Cooperation. The representative of European Commission estimated the meeting as constructive and a good case of joint cooperation. The official signing of subsidy contracts of approved projects within the 2nd Call for Proposals is expected to be in May 2011.