British Embassy Paris: call for Franco-British projects
The British Embassy in Paris is calling for bids for projects based on "France-United Kingdom: for a strengthened cooperation between our local authorities".
Context
The relationship between the UK and France goes back one thousand years and the deep history between our two countries is reflected in the ties that join us. Today, our partnership spans across the full spectrum of issues, from trade and defence to science and culture.
What makes this all this possible are the strong links between the people from across both our countries. People with shared aims and objectives who, helped by geographical proximity, work successfully together for the shared benefit of our nations and communities. Some of this happens in our capitals but it is important to remember that a lot of it does not. The relationship between the UK and France goes far beyond London and Paris – our regional and local relationships hold just as much importance.
That is why, during the UK-France Summit in 2018, the President of the French Republic and the British Prime Minister, announced first ever UK-France Mayors’ Summit, which was organised in London in March 2019.
This Summit gathered over a hundred regional and local leaders from across France and the UK to reinforce existing cooperation between our towns and villages, cities and regions, and develop new partnerships, such as between Manchester and Montpellier, Newham and Saint Denis and Kent and the Pas de Calais region.
We now want to build on the momentum of the Summit and support communities in the UK and France to continue to pursue and generate innovative and impactful projects together. This is why the British Embassy in France have made available a pot of £15,000 to help support projects undertaken by partnerships involving UK and French local authorities and/or local community groups. Partnerships are now invited to put in bids for this support.
Objectives
Building on the success of the UK-France Mayors’ Summit, we are looking to support projects that fall into the following categories:
- environment and tackling climate change
- promoting innovation and digital and increase territory attractiveness
- promoting culture, heritage and sports at local level
These were the three main themes which emerged from the Summit as being practical and impactful fields for collaboration. Within these themes, projects could be anything from business forums to exchange best practice, to youth sport competitions.
A total amount of £15,000 is available. These funds may be allocated to one single project or to several projects, depending on the nature of the bids received.
We are looking for concrete and innovative project bids from partnerships involving UK and French local authorities and/or local community groups. Bidders should have secured the agreement from a partner in the other country for the project, even if the details are not yet clear. We regret that the British Embassy will not be able to support bids that have not yet secured a partner.
Selection criteria
Who can apply?
The British Embassy in Paris will review all applications from:
- UK local authorities and/or community groups who have already secured the agreement from a French partner to implement the project if the bid is successful
- French local authorities and/or community groups who have already secured the agreement from a UK partner to implement the project if the bid is successful
Whilst the Embassy can offer some light touch support, project management will be the responsibility of the bidder or any local organisation they choose to work with.
Criteria
Project(s) selected must satisfy the following criteria:
- be practical with clear objectives and deliverables
- demonstrate how it will strengthen co-operation locally between the UK and France, both in the immediate and longer-term
- demonstrate the benefit to the local communities on both sides of the Channel
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particular attention will be given to innovative projects which fit under the three emergent themes from the UK-France Mayors’ Summit:
- environment and tackling climate change
- promoting innovation and digital and increase territory attractiveness
- promoting culture, heritage and sports at local level
Funds must be spent by 28 February 2020
Funding
A total sum of £15,000 is now open to local bids. The fund will be attributed to one single project or to several projects, depending on the nature of the bids received.
Timetable
Applications must be submitted online from 1 July to 2 September 2019 to clementine.martin@fco.gov.uk
Bids will be decided by a panel composed of the British Embassy supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Local authorities will be notified of the outcome by 30 September 2019.