The objective of the FWC is to provide, via individual assignments defined and contracted through Specific Contracts, short-term technical assistance which can be mobilised at very short notice (normally within about 3 weeks). The Specific Contracts are in the field of the compliance with environmental regulations under environmental EC regulations/law (Including EIA, Natura 2000, IPPC, etc.)
Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions (JASPERS) is a technical support facility for twelve EU Member States which joined the EU in 2004 and 2007. It is designed to help them to better prepare projects which will be supported by EU funds.
JASPERS works in close co-operation with the Commission and the National Authorities to assist the latter in producing mature project proposals, which meet EU requirements, as well as to identify potential projects for assistance.
JASPERS acts in cooperation with National Authorities to identify projects for inclusion in a Country Action Plan, which is approved by the JASPERS Steering Committee. JASPERS assistance may be provided to beneficiaries or other entities involved in project preparation, but are always provided in the context of a request from the National Authorities in the Framework of the Country Action Plan.
The assistance to be provided covers all phases of preparatory work, as required, to deliver a project with a view to its being approved by the Commission or by the National Authorities. It covers any stage of project preparation from initial identification up to, but not including, the Commission decision to grant assistance to the project. The assistance also covers the early stages of project implementation, typically through to the award of the first construction contract.
JASPERS assistance provided under the framework agreement normally complements or supplements feasibility studies funded or organised by the beneficiary.