On 13 December 2024, the European Commission published the Annual Work Program concerning the opening for the year 2025 of the EU Regulation 1144/2014, which is meant to co-finance activities for the promotion of sustainable and high-quality EU agri-food products in the internal market and worldwide.
The document set 22 January 2025 as the date for the publication by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) of the two calls for proposals, one for so-called ‘simple’ programmes, with one or more proposing organisations from the same EU country; one for ‘multiple’ programmes, with at least two organisations from at least two Member States or one or more organisations at European level. The adoption of the work programme for 2025 also marks 10 years of EU promotion policy, and in this year the Commission will allocate €132 million for this purpose.
So that you are not unprepared for that date, we explain this important EU regulation below.
WHAT IS EU REGULATION 1144/2014?
It is a EU call that makes funds available to promote European agri-food products, both on the EU and non-EU markets.
WHO CAN OBTAIN THESE EUROPEAN FUNDS?
Companies, consortia, bodies, professional and inter-professional organisations representing organic products or producing and processing chocolate and derived products, bread, doughs, cakes, sweets, biscuits and other bakery products, natural gums and resins, sweet corn, eggs, drinks made from plant extracts, organic products, honey, milk, DOP products, wines with denomination etc.
HOW IS REGULATION 1144/2014 ORGANISED?
The European Commission offers entities the opportunity to participate in two types of programmes.
- SIMPLE PROGRAMMES: the application may be submitted by one or more applicants from the same Member State. In this case, the call is managed at national level.
- MULTI PROGRAMMES: applications may be submitted by at least two applicants established in different European countries. In this case, the call is managed at European level.
Both programmes allow to invest either in the EU internal market or in non-EU countries.
HOW MUCH IS THE EUROPEAN FUNDING AND WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE ELIGIBLE?
Both SIMPLE and MULTI projects are subsidised with non-repayable loans that can cover up to 80 per cent of the expenses incurred.
The expenses covered by the call are related to promotional activities such as participation in trade fairs, point-of-sale promotions, incoming foreign operators, advertising and media, communication and social media, and creation of promotional material.
WHEN WILL THE 2025 NOTICE OF REGULATION 1144/2014 WILL BE PUBLISHED? HOW TO SET UP THE PROJECT?
The 2025 call for proposals will open on 22 January 2025. We will keep you up-to-date on any news communicated.
As these practices are particularly difficult, we recommend expert advice. Over the past few years, we have written and followed up projects under Regulation 1144/2014, which have been approved by the European Commission and achieved significant results. We take care of the project planning and follow the applicants throughout the entire duration of the plan, offering both continuous bureaucratic support and help with the drafting thanks to our numerous business contacts. All this, with management fees that are among the most competitive on the market.
ARE THERE ANY INFORMATION DAYS PLANNED?
Yes, the Commission has scheduled information days in Brussels and online on 29 and 30 January 2025. Potential beneficiaries are invited to attend to obtain information on funding opportunities and the application process.
If you are interested in this project or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are at your disposal.