State Customs authorities of the Republic of Belarus

Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Latvia-Lithuania-Belarus (further – the Programme) operated under the framework of the European Neighborhood Instrument, together with the Ministry of regional development and local government of Latvia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania, the Ministry of foreign Affairs of Belarus and other representatives of regional and national authorities of the participating countries, following the principles of good-neighborliness and partnership.

The legal framework of the Programme constituted the following documents:

Regulation (EU) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a European Neighborhood Instrument;

The implementation rules are set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 951/2007 of August 9, 2007,which sets out the rules for the implementation of cross-border cooperation programmes financed by the European Neighborhood Instrument (OJ L.210 of 10.08.2007).

The aim of the Programmewas to bring together the level of social and economic development of different parts of the cross-border region by reducing regional differences, ensuring the economic and social well-being and cultural identity of its inhabitants.

The area of the Programme covered the following territories:

Latvia: Latgale region;

Lithuania: Utena county, Vilnius county, Alytus county (core Programme territory);

Belarus: Grodno oblast, Vitebsk oblast.

Additionally the following territories recognized as adjoining territories:

Lithuania: Kaunas county and Panevezys county.

Belarus: Minsk oblast, Mogilev oblast, Minsk city.

The total budget of the Programme: 41,7 mln. EUR

The obligatory co-financing of at least 10% of the Grant cost for the approved project implementation in the framework of the projects financed by the Programme.

Programme objectives were implemented through the noncommercial projects corresponding to the following objectives and activities:

1.Promotion of the social and economic development of the cross-borde region:

1.1 Promotion of social and economic development, support of business and enterprise.

1.2 Strengthening the role of strategic development and planning at the local and regional level.

1.3 Increasing the accessibility of the region through the development of transport and communication networks, as well as related services.

1.4 Preservation and support of cultural and historical heritage, development of cross-border tourism.

1.5 Development of social and cultural networks and support for the development of local communities.

2. Common problems solving and developing cross-border infrastructure:

2.1 Environmental Protection and conservation of natural resources.

2.2 Support for the development of education, health and social services.

2.3 Development of infrastructure and equipment of border crossing points.

2.4 Improvement of border management and customs procedures.

Programme management bodies:

Joint Management Body– Ministry of Internal Affairs of Lithuania.

Joint Technical Secretariatin Vilnius (Lithuania) with branches in Daugavpils (Latvia) and Vitebsk (Belarus).

Joint Monitoring Committee, which selected projects on a competitive basis and which included representatives of all the countries participating in the Programm.

Programme implementation period: 2007-2013.

Official website of the Programme: http://www.enpi-cbc.eu/

Customs authorities implemented the following projects within the Programme:

• Construction and equipment of the border crossing point "Privalka" on the border of the Republic of Belarus with the Republic of Lithuania: introduction of non-Intrusive inspection technology
• Construction and equipment of the border crossing point "Grigorovshchina" on the border of the Republic of Belarus with the Republic of Latvia: introduction of non-Intrusive inspection technology

Useful links:

The European Commission's Directorate-General for International cooperation and Development

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/who/index_en.htm

Delegation of the European Union to Belarus

http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/belarus/index_en.htm

Joint Managing Authority of cross-border cooperation "Latvia - Lithuania - Belarus" - Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania

Joint Technical Secretariat

Konstitutsies Av., 7,

LT-09308 Vilnius, Lithuania

Tel .: +370 5 261 0477

Fax: +370 5 261 0498

info@enpi-cbc.eu, www.enpi-cbc.eu

The European Union is made up of 28 Member States who have decided to gradually link together their know-how, resources and destinies. The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Belarus and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.