Report on the impact of projects implemented

under Priority Axis 1 Statement 1.2

April 2013
 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

Content

Priority Axis 1: Accessibility, Key Area of Intervention 1: Improvements to land and river transport facilities in
the cross-border area ...........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 General information about the projects implied in the analysis ...............................................................3
1.2 General objectives of the project ...............................................................................................................3
1.3 Consistency with CBC Programme strategy Ro-Bg .....................................................................................4
1.4 Target Groups .............................................................................................................................................5
1.5 Supporting the development of resources, cooperation and cross-border networks based on
information and communication technology ..................................................................................................6
1.6 Expanding community access to information and communications cross-border ....................................7
1.7 Impact Indicators ........................................................................................................................................9
1.8 Conclusions...............................................................................................................................................11

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

Priority 1: Accessibility, Key Area of Intervention 1: Improvements to land

and river border transport facilities in the cross-border area

1.1 General information about the projects implied in the analysis

In this stage there were subject to impact assessment Priority 1 - "Accessibility" KAI 2 - "The
development of information and communication networks services in the border area," all
completed projects until 30/10/2012. Thus, 3 projects came into analysis whose total value
accumulated was of 2,569,512.37 euros. Among the projects in the analysis, two projects were
coordinated by organizations / institutions of the Romanian border region Ro-Bg (1 Olt County and
one in Giurgiu) and the Bulgarian area had one project under coordination (Pleven District). The
analyzed projects totaled of 8 partners (3 partners from Romania and 5 partners in Bulgaria).

1.2 General objectives of the project

Projects entered in the analysis were the following objectives:

Improving cross-border mobility by improving the quality of existing conditions and

developing new facilities for transport in the eligible area and facilitating efficient regular
exchange of information and cross-border relevance;
Lower unemployment and increase labor mobility in the border region Dolj Pleven;
Linking the NGOs and communities in Bulgaria and Romania, through a joint exploration and
development of the tools provided in the border region, Olt-Pleven Veliko Tarnovo.

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

1.3 Consistency with CBC Programme strategy Ro-Bg

The arguments with respect to the consistency with the strategy of cross-border cooperation
Programme, the objectives of the projects analysed are shown in the table below.

No. General objectives proposed Consistency with the programme strategy

crt. under the projects
1. Improving cross-border
mobility by developing the
quality of existing conditions
and the development of new
transportation facilities in the
eligible area as well as by
facilitating the effective and
regular information exchange
and data relevant to the cross-
border area;
Lower unemployment and
increased cross-border labor
2 mobility Dolj Pleven area
Carrying out a study and an information solution that
integrates geospatial data into the stream of daily
information for the institutions who manage the road
infrastructure in the territories, which aim at:
-encouraging a better understanding of the need for
communication, in order to elaborate the assessment
criteria in the management of traffic control;
-reshaping the flow of information, in order to create a
database;
-creating geographic information systems and solutions
to unify and store information on geographical and non-
geographical location in the same database (with the
possibility to access in real time).
The main purpose was to provide equal access for all
groups of people and communities and specific rules
about the labor market. We wanted to encourage the
free movement of job seekers in the border area.

Bringing closer NGOs and
communities in Bulgaria and
Romania, through a joint
exploration and development
3 of the tools provided in the
border region, Olt-Pleven
Veliko Tarnovo
The cross-border region should be treated as a whole,
without distinction of belonging to one of the two
countries.
A network and an information service and
communication in the border area have been created,
and also have been explicitly indicated joint opportunities
in the border region.

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

1.4 Target Groups

The target groups for projects implemented by general objectives are presented in the table below.
No.. General objectives proposed in Target groups
crt. the project
Improving cross-border mobility Local authorities in the County of Giurgiu-Romania and
by developing the quality of Bulgaria-Rousse.
existing conditions and the
development of new The central authorities of the two countries.
transportation facilities in the
1 eligible area as well as by
facilitating the effective and The inhabitants of cross-border area Giurgiu-Ruse, tourists,
regular information exchange business travellers, carriers.
and data relevant to the cross-
border area; Traffic police in the region Giurgiu-Ruse.

Lower unemployment and Persons interested in career development and the

increased cross-border labor unemployed in the border region Dolj Pleven
mobility Dolj Pleven area
2 Employers in the border area Dolj Pleven
Regional and local authorities

NGOs
Bringing closer NGOs and Chambers of Commerce
communities in Bulgaria and
Romania, through a joint Local authorities (municipalities, regional councils,
exploration and development of prefectures, regional development agencies)
the tools provided in the border
region, Olt-Pleven Veliko Schools, colleges, universities and other educational
3 Tarnovo institutions
Regional Libraries
Cultural organizations and bodies
Local communities

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

1.5 Supporting the development of resources, cooperation and cross-border

networks based on information and communication technology

1.5.1 Improving the quality of cross-border mobility by increasing existing conditions

and developing new facilities of transport in the eligible area and facilitating efficient
regular exchange of information and cross-border relevance

Results obtained in the
framework of indicative
operations
A joint study with respect to
roads and communication
network in the border area
Giurgiu-Russe.
The impact of the results of projects at the level of Ro-Bg cross-
border area
Following the development of this study by the Directorate of
Roads-Giurgiu County, resulted a reduction of 45% of the time
travel between settlements on either side of the border. This
study lays the Foundation of GIS software development which
leads directly to improved cross-border mobility.

A dedicated software application The application contains a map which includes information
(GIS geospatial solution).
The location of the 2 info-kiosks.
A digital map of Giurgiu-Russe
cross-border region as a base of
data which includes alpha-
numeric information, but also
economic and technical data.
Improving the institutional
capacity of local and regional
administrative authorities to
promote development policies
and implementation of projects
aimed at improving transport
networks.
Information and promotion.
regarding the condition of roads, bridges, works which are running,
or information about the road signs on these roads
(http://213.177.9.187/Portal?lang=ro&hta=true).
Locating 2 info-kiosks in Giurgiu and Russe border area, with data
about the state of roads and the sights of the border region
Giurgiu-Russe.
This is the first digital map of Giurgiu-Russe, map which includes
information regarding the condition of roads, bridges, works which
are running, or information about the road signs on the roads.
The digital map is located at:
http://213.177.9.187/Portal?lang=ro&hta=true.
As a result of the implementation of the permanent updating of
the map and digital GIS system that conveys real-time information
about the situation of the roads in the region, it has been
enhanced institutional capacity of local and regional administrative
authorities to promote development policies and implementation
of projects aimed at improving the transport network of the area
Giurgiu-Russe.
The promotion and information mode chosen, on the results
obtained is the online mode, where the number is quite high
compared with other media. Thus. it has been achieved a
significant number of people who have access to the online
environment, about 150. 000 people in Giurgiu County and about
150. 000 people in the Russe district.
More information can be found on the website of Giurgiu County
Council at: http://www. cjgiurgiu. com/portal/gallant/cj/portal.
nsf/AllByUNID/000156CE?OpenDocument
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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

1.6 Expanding community access to information and communications in the

cross-border area

1.6.1 Decreasing unemployment and increasing cross-border labor mobility in Dolj

Pleven region

The results obtained in the indicative Impact of the results of the projects in the border
operation region Ro-Bg
Initiation of cross-border networks of The thematic workshops and symposia with the
labor market participation of specialists in social policy and
education on both sides of the Danube was intended
to expand regional cooperation educational
institutions and cross-border labor market. Interactive
networks aim to develop face to face contact and
manifest a better understanding of the labor market
in the neighboring country.

A total of 102 people participated at these activities to

initiate cross-border networks of labor market.

Creating a portal with information on Availability and detailed data about 100 occupations
labor market and traning sites requires more labor market cross
(agriculture, metallurgy, electronics, social and public
health, tourism, etc.) in the portal www.eujobmap.eu,
It provided a critical mass of information for all user
groups.

The portal has helped to increase the mobility of

workers in the border region by providing
comparability border profiling job / training and
conditions for recognition of foreign diplomas and
training.

Information and promotion More information can be found on the website

www.eujobmap.eu

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

1.6.2 Bringing NGOs and communities closer in Bulgaria and Romania, through a joint
exploration and development of the tools provided in the border region Olt-Pleven,
Veliko Tarnovo

Results obtained in the indicative Impact of the results of the projects in the border
operation region Ro-Bg
Creating a database continuously It has been created a database with information on
updated with information from the NGOs, chambers of commerce, local authorities. The
border area: NGOs, chambers of database is available at
www.shakehandsromaniabulgaria.eu.
commerce, local authorities,
educational institutions, regional
libraries, available for free for all those
who access the website
www.shakehandsromaniabulgaria.eu

Information seminars in different Four seminars were organized in Slatina, Giurgiu,

places in the border region Pleven and Veliko Tarnovo attended by 541 people.

Information and promotion Were disseminated information on successful models,

best practices, joint initiatives:
- Approx. 450 NGOs
- 16 regional councils
- 16 prefectures
- 16 Regional Development Agencies
- 16 Regional Chamber of Commerce
- 16 regional libraries
- Approx. 1930 municipalities
- Approx. 800 learning institutions

More information on the website

www.shakehandsromaniabulgaria.euWhich are
posted and online versions of the newspaper "Shake
Hands"

32,000 copies of the first 4 numbers of the newspaper

"Shake Hands".

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

1.7 Impact Indicators

Impact of projects related to Priority Axis 1 "Accessibility" action 2 "development of networks of

information and communication services in the border area" was quantified in the areas
"Promoting business opportunities and employment" and "transport infrastructure", with results of
other projects related to these areas.

Impact indicator values recorded in the analysis of projects completed by 30.10.2012 are shown in
the table below.

Type of
No.. Crt Impact indicators UM Value
indicator
Appreciation to reduce travel time due to the
1 Qualitative % 45
implementation of ICT
Assessment of growth of economic activity in the area (by
2 reducing the supply or delivery of goods, the access port, Qualitative % 15
tourism development)
Likes to improve social life: faster access to schools,
3 Qualitative Reviews Very good
hospitals, tourist attractions in the Virginia-Pleven.
Number of companies benefiting from infrastructure
4 Quantitative Number 3024
development business
5 Number of services developed on cross-border projects Quantitative Number 4
The number of companies that have turned to these
6 Quantitative Number 330
services developed through cross-border projects
7 Number of potential beneficiaries (individuals / entities)
Quantitative Number 2251180
of cross-border projects developed
8 Assessment of target groups on the current state of
infrastructure development business and cross-border Qualitative Reviews Low
services
9 Satisfaction of beneficiary target groups of development
Qualitative Reviews High
business infrastructure through projects implemented
10 Number of SMEs benefiting from the results of cross-
border projects (industry, services, agriculture, trade, Quantitative Number 2701
etc..)
11 Promoted business facilities in the area in certain areas
Quantitative Number 1
through cross-border projects

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

- Continued -
Type of
No.. Crt Impact indicators UM Value
indicator
Reviews of target groups on ways to increase the
12 number of SMEs benefiting business facilities resulting Qualitative Reviews Good
from projects implemented
Number of promotional materials (brochures, guides, Number
13 Quantitative 165.161
videos, posters, etc..) pieces.
14 Number of events for business opportunities Quantitative Number 131
Number of participants (companies, individuals) to Number
15 Quantitative 17.412
events pers.
Improving the exchange of information on
16 Qualitative Reviews Good
employment opportunities in the border region
17 Number of users of portals / web sites developed Quantitative Number 130.365
Number of persons (natural or legal) using ICT facilities
18 Quantitative Number 98.491
made by projects
Number of partnerships between universities, research
19th Quantitative Number 38
institutes and companies
Employment opportunities arising from the
20 Quantitative Number 121
implementation of projects
The number of websites that take job offers ads in
21 Quantitative Number 1
neighboring country
Satisfaction of target groups on sites/publications
22 Qualitative Reviews High
presenting job offers in neighboring country
Assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of tools
23 developed in projects supporting cross-border Qualitative Reviews Good
exchange of information on employment opportunities
The number of daily visitors of websites with offers of
24 Quantitative Number 5,400
employment from the eligible area
The assessment of target groups on awareness of
25 Qualitative Reviews High
employment opportunities
Number of people participating in the "people to
26th Quantitative Number 11,985
people" actions
27th Number of studies on joint development opportunities Quantitative Number 37
28th Transnational fairs Organized Quantitative Number 7
29th Number of websites / portals developed Quantitative Number 7

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

- Continued -
Type of
No.. Crt Impact indicators UM Value
indicator
30 Number of participants in training labor Quantitative Number 87
31 Covering the eligible awareness campaigns Quantitative % 65%
Number of people benefiting from the activities of
32 Quantitative Number 500
awareness regarding environmental protection
33 Level of information on EU funds Qualitative Reviews Good
Awareness raised on equality between women and
34 Qualitative Reviews Good
men
Assessment of raising awareness of innovation as a
35 Qualitative Reviews Good
driver of business cooperation
36 Number of participants in missions Ro-Bg Quantitative Number 230

1.8 Conclusions

In this stage there were subject to impact assessment Priority 1: Accessibility, KAI 2: development of
networks of information and communication services in the border area, 3 projects whose cumulative total
was of EUR 2,569,512.37 . The counties represented in the project by the beneficiary organizations were in
the Romanian area: Dolj, Giurgiu Olt (with one representative each) and in the Bulgarian area, districts of
Pleven and Russe with 2 representations and Veliko Tarnovo with representation. Within the scope, the
Bulgarian area districts are present in the same proportion with the Romanian counties, three districts
having representatives in the project (Pleven, Russe and Veliko Tarnovo) and 3 in the Romanian counties
(Dolj, Giurgiu and Olt).

The projects were well promoted through specific instruments in this field: public information campaigns in
regional and local media, conferences, people-to-people activities, posters and billboards placed at
maximum visibility, etc..

We also mention that it should be improved the act of updating data applications that provide real-
time traffic information so that recipients can use these tools correctly and completely .

Following studies conducted it can be concluded that current conditions will be improved transport in the
border area, with positive impact on the living standards of people in the region.

Project results should be supported and updating web sites to present latest visitors / target groups.

Development and implementation of a new border strategy in order to improve transport infrastructure will
stimulate investment in new or existing business.

Road networks are less developed and damaged, poorly maintained throughout the area, with poor security
and lead to high risks of accidents.

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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

The limited access to main roads, secondary and tertiary roads affect the services in rural
settlements.
Developing a coordinated integrated transport infrastructure in the region need to consider the
weather on increasing traffic of goods and people, in order to improve efficiency of border
crossings and to create new ones.

A total of 3,000 companies have benefited from the development of the business, while 2701 SMEs directly
benefit from the results of the cross-border projects. The target groups have appreciated the current state of
the business infrastructure and services across borders as one rather low, but the satisfaction of
beneficiaries of development of business infrastructure through projects implemented was high.

The four projects were developed services that have benefited over 300 companies. There were
also conducted 37 studies on joint development opportunities.
There were organized over 130 events for business, attended by over 1700 people.
There were completed 121 of partnerships and appeared over 120 job opportunities after the
implementation. The assessment of target groups on awareness on oprtunitilor employment was
high. The training of the workforce participated 87 people.
There were developed seven websites / portals, whose number of visitors or users exceeded
130,000.
We mentioned some of the events, actions and results that can be made permanent in the
"Promotion of opportunities for business and employment", drawn from the projects in the
analysis:

- Fairs to promote business opportunities in various sectors (agriculture, tourism,

construction, etc.).
- Trade missions and visits to neighboring organized regularly to support partnerships and
sharing best practices;
- Economic Cooperation Development Centre Policy (such as Constanta and Dobrich)
- Border cooperation networks and clusters already created by the project, which can be
extended.

Projects undertaken have helped to improve the potential for developing the exchange of best
practices in business partnerships and contracts, networking border cooperation expanded. For
some projects are continuing and some results are continued after project completion (eg
agriculture promotion fairs in Slatina, constructions in Rousse and tourism in Vratsa will future
editions), but the number could be higher. The most important are the relationships between
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 The impact of PCT Ro-Bg - Priority 1: Accessibility
Key Area of Intervention 2: development of networks and information and communication services in the border area

businesses and people on both sides of the Danube and the relationship between institutions /
organizations in both Romanian and Bulgarian areas that can be a source of ideas for future
cooperation and a basis for other projects.
Some of the events in the projects were continued / taken by some of the partners. However, the
overall sustainability of project results should be strengthened, an example of this is provided by
many websites projects that after completion of the projects often are not updated, they are not
tracked by administrators and sometimes do not work, although in many cases, they continue to be
of interest to visitors / target groups of projects. A continuation of project activities to be
undertaken by the partners, will lead to updating these websites.

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