Explore our FAQs to find guidance on accessing the Advisory Tool, preparing your application, and making the most of the support offered.
What type of services are available?
The advisory services that can be requested under this advisory tool are listed in the catalogue of services available for download here. These include:
- Needs and gaps analysis and matching with solutions;
- Synergies and complementarities between various EU support tools;
- Funds and programmes and improving the regional business environment and ORs competitiveness;
- Regional business integration and market access support;
- Strategic advice in line with new strategy;
- Building technical and administrative capacity.
It should be noted that the services provided are in the form of expert days and that no financial support will be provided.
Can I submit an application in my local language?
Yes. The advisory tool will accept applications submitted in French, Portuguese, Spanish and English.
Can my organisation apply to more than one service at once?
Indeed, more than one specific service from the catalogue of services may be requested in your application form. The applicant(s) should provide a description of the challenges(s)/issues(s) and/or opportunity(ies) to be addressed by the services, indicate how they are related, and describe the added value of the advisory service(s) for the development of their action(s).
Will the advisory tool help me in preparing, drafting and submitting project proposals?
You may ask for advisory services related to any policy or topic related to the specific needs of your region. However, the services offered will not include the preparation, drafting, nor submission of action proposals for funding under competitive calls of EU programmes. Please check the Catalogue of services to learn more about the specific services offered.
I am an individual person, can I submit an application?
Applications must be submitted by public and/or private organisations legally based and located in one of the European Union Outermost Regions, not individuals. Learn more about the eligibility criteria here.
Can I present an application in partnership with organisations from other outermost regions?
Yes. Organisations can either submit an individual application or apply as a group of organisations in the same outermost region or a group of several outermost regions. Importantly, in case of joint applications, there should be a clear indication of a Coordinator.
Who can I reach out to in case of questions on the advisory tool?
Regional authorities have designated Single Contact Points (SCPs) to act as the main point of contact communication for their respective region in the context of the advisory tool. Contact the SCP in your region to get more information here. Additionally, a dedicated Helpdesk RUP [dot] Advisory
ecorys [dot] com (RUP[dot]Advisory[at]ecorys[dot]com) has been set up to address queries related to the application process.
Who will be assessing my application? How will it be assessed?
Applications will be assessed in line with the eligibility and award criteria set out in the package for applicants. The assessment will consider whether the applicant is eligible, whether the request is clearly linked to the needs and priorities of an EU outermost region, and whether the proposed advisory support is relevant to regional development plans, strategies or action plans. Applications should clearly describe the problem, need or opportunity to be addressed, the advisory service(s) requested, and the expected added value of the support. Organisational aspects and potential impact may also be taken into account.
Can former beneficiaries of the Advisory Tool apply to new calls?
Former beneficiaries may apply to new calls, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements and submit a request that is clearly justified and aligned with the objectives of the advisory tool. If an organisation has already benefited from support, the new application should explain how the request differs from or builds on the previous advisory service, why additional support is needed, and what added value it would bring to the organisation, region or wider group of stakeholders. As with all applications, the request will be assessed against the applicable eligibility and award criteria.
When are calls for application expected to open?
Calls for applications will be announced through the Advisory Tool for the Outermost Regions webpage and related information channels. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Information for Applicants page regularly and to contact their regional Single Contact Point or the Helpdesk for the latest information on upcoming calls, deadlines and application procedures.
