Following the Strategy for Asia produced in 1994 the European Commission (EC) designed several programmes to bring nations of the European Union closer together with those in Asia. Cultural, economic and development programmes were established to encourage exchanges and provide opportunities for working together.

The Asia Urbs Programme is a cultural programme supported by both the development and economic funds of the Commission. Its main activity is to fund two-year development projects, or six-month studies, which seek to improve living and environmental conditions for those living in urban areas. As one of its aims is to strengthen 'decentralised cooperation', these projects must be designed and implemented by local governments in Asia together with others in Europe.

For more information on the European Union and its institutions see the websites:

* European Commission: http://europa.eu.int/comm/index_en.htm
* European Union Institutions: http://europa.eu.int/inst-en.htm

Sustainability
The decentralised approach encourages the active participation of local communities which helps to achieve longer-term commitment and sustainability. The Asia Urbs Programme strongly encourages the integration of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic or educational institutions, associations, and business to to be a part of the projects it funds. Each of these groups embraces a different set of skills, experience and outlook - all of which could effectively contribute to an innovative and sustainable development project.

If successful, the projects funded by Asia Urbs should be suitable for replication in other areas. This 'replicability' is also encouraged by the European Commission (EC). As only two years' funding is available through the Programme, the projects should be designed to be sustainable after the funding has finished.

Mutual benefit
Through working together the Asian and European nationals, and those from different sectors of the community, will rapidly learn from each other and benefit from the collaboration. As they share their expertise, experience, knowledge, and facilities and outlook such greater awareness will lead to innovation, ensure the project is successfully reaching its beneficiaries, and that it can be shared with other projects and organisations.

Areas of interest
The projects can be in any area of urban development and should focus clearly on a geographical area. Those addressing two or three urban issues, particularly if they seek to improve the situation for disadvantaged groups of society, are more attractive for funding.

The projects can involve some infrastructural development but this must be balanced by activities to directly improve the welfare of local people. It can include the improvement of management and planning systems, of policy development, of health and marketing schemes, rehabilitation of buildings, water and sanitation systems, etc. The Programme will consider funding disaster prevention activities, education initiatives and care in the community. The Registration Form and guidelines provide more ideas for potential funding areas.

Eligibility
Towns and cities in the 15 members of the European Community and in selected countries of South and South East Asia are eligible to apply to Asia Urbs for funding. They must, however, develop a project team which includes at least two local governments in the EU and one in Asia. (If you are interested in applying to the Programme, please see How to Apply to be sure you are eligible.)

Support
Asia Urbs can provide upto 65% or 500,000 euros (about US$500,000) of the total cost of a project. The project partners must provide the balance of 35% either in cash or in kind.

Process
The Programme follows seven basic steps:

1. Call for Proposals
by European Commission

2. Partner Search
by interested local governments

3. Provision of Guidelines
by Asia Urbs Secretariat

4. Submission of Proposals
by Lead Partner of Project Applicants

5. Screening of Proposals
arranged by Asia Urbs Secretariat

6. Notification and contracts
by Asia Urbs Secretariat and Lead Partners

7. Implementation, monitoring and evaluation
by Project Applicants and Asia Urbs Secretariat

Where to begin
The Asia Urbs Secretariat recommends you begin by viewing