On January 20, 2012, the European Commission has opened this year’s call within the “Intelligent Energy Europe” (IEE) scheme which forms part of the (Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme CIP). Deadline for proposal submission is May 8, 2012. Please note that different deadlines apply to the BUILD UP SKILLS initiative.

IEE funds projects in the following areas

- Fostering energy efficiency and a rational use of energy sources

- Promoting new and renewable energy-sources and energy diversification

- Improving energy efficiency and fostering the use of new and renewable energy sources in transport

Any public or private organisation established in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Croatia or the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia can participate in a project proposal. Proposals must involve in general at least three partners from different countries.

The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) aims at supporting Europe’s competitiveness and innovation capacity, especially in the areas of information- and environmental technology as well as renewable energies. These three topics are reflected in the three CIP specific programmes.

With a total budget of EUR 3.621 billionbetween 2007 and 2013, this programme is targeted to small and medium sized enterprises (SME). However, representatives of the public sector, universities, research institutions and industrial companies may also participate.

Using different funding instruments (such as project grants through annual tenders, bank guarantees, assignment of service contracts), CIP can support e.g. the market introduction of new technologies, products and services as well as networking and training activities or the conduct of studies. In contrast to the 7th Research Framework Programme, the focus of the CIP is not on the promotion of research and development activities.