IPA III PERIOD (2021-2027)

Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA III) provided by the EU to candidate countries will continue also in the IPA III period covering 2021-2027. It is planned that the projects to be supported in the IPA III period will be funded by the European Commission subject to “relevance” and “maturity” criteria. The term relevance refers to the fact that the project proposed by the beneficiary institution should have a topic related to EU harmonization process of Türkiye, complement the shortcomings that the institution needs to overcome within the scope of the EU harmonization process, and be aimed at the transfer of good practices and examples from the EU member states. Project proposals that pass the relevance stage are subject to a maturity assessment. In the maturity assessment, priority is given to the projects which can be tendered quickest as possible and ready to start implementation within the shortest time among the ones proposed by the beneficiary institution. 

In the IPA III period, there are 5 Windows and different Thematic Priorities under these windows.

1. Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights and Democracy;
2. Good Governance, Acquis Alignment, Strategic Communication, and Good Neighbourly Relations;
3. Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity;
4. Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth; and
5. Territorial and Cross-Border Cooperation.

Each institution can prepare and propose IPA projects in Thematic Priorities in line with their mandate and competence. Project proposals can be made with the support of the responsible lead institution in case of relevance to the Thematic Framework (Window) and Priority Areas (Thematic Priority) below.

Under the 5 thematic windows identified, all candidate countries will prepare projects for a given given window and seek approval and the Commission will select the appropriate ones in the scope of IPA. The same financial allocation will not be applicable to each and every thematic window. An indicative budget will be established for each and every window. It is planned that the projects to be supported in the IPA III period will be funded by the European Commission subject to “relevance” and “maturity” criteria.

The IPA III has two thematic priorities under the “Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity” window. The first one covers the strengthening of environmental protection; increasing resilience against the climate change by contributing to the mitigation of negative impacts brought about by the climate change; speeding up transition to a low-carbon and circular economy; and promoting the green agenda. The second overall objective relates to the development of digital economy and society. 

The approach introduced by these overall objectives is applicable to seas as well with the perspective of both mainland and a new and sustainable blue economy. Thus, the programme will contribute to increasing resilience and preventing the emergence and dispersion of any potential health-related crises in the future.

The thematic priorities of Window 3 currently reflects the objectives of the new alignment policy (a smarter, greener, and more connected Europe). The actions to be proposed under this window must be designed on the basis of the assessment, dissemination, and promotion of gender equality, mitigation of inequalities, and offering better services to vulnerable groups.

The financial assistance extended under IPA III amounts to EUR 13.8 billion for 2021-2027 period. Although no special allocation is offered to any candidate country in IPA III period, EUR 4.2 billion part of the Window 3’s (Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity) Environment and Climate Thematic Priority area is allocated to Environment and Climate actions.