Enhancing Skills, Developing Innovative Service Solutions and Policy Recommendations for Burnout Prevention, in CE Smart Specialization Sectors

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Date of latest update: 2025-03-13

Description

Description (EN):

BURNOUT PREVENT project will improve entrepreneurial skills, to tackle rising anxiety, burnout syndrome and depression among workforce of the SMEs. It will be the first project in the whole EU comprehensively considering all 3 burnout syndrome aspects: corporate environment, free time and digital stress. Depression and anxiety are now the most prevalent psychological and emotional troubles faced in the workplace, representing more than 20% of all sick-leaves. This results in the negative impact on the productivity and innovativeness, estimated to 202 billion € loss for the Central Europe alone. Smart specialisation sectors are the most vulnerable, due to demanding competitive global environment. Proposed project will strengthen entrepreneurial skills and set up organizational model for burnout syndrome resilience in the SMEs from 3 smart specialisation fields: Industry 4.0, Smart Health and Sustainable Food. It will provide managers and employees new knowledge and skills for implementing burnout preventive measures in the work and outside work environment. Specifically, WP1 will develop burnout prevention training material and 420 stakeholders will be trained. Transnational Burnout syndrome prevention measures testing will be done by SMEs in 7 CE countries resulting in the "Capacity building management model for the organisational redesign" of the working environment. The model will be taken up by 21 SMEs coming from selected Smart Specialisation Fields: Industry 4.0, Smart Health and Sustainable Food. WP2 will improve knowledge of general public for prevention of burnout syndrome and decrease negative consequences of digital overuse. The pilot testing in 7 CE countries will translate into the "Personal guide for prevention and successful overcoming of burnout syndrome" and will be taken up by 70 employees. WP3 will develop CE strategy and policy recommendations for improvement of occupational mental health, which will be taken up by at least 2 national public health institutes. Work package will initiate "CE Digital detox week" and improve knowledge of latest occupational mental health trends. Partnership is composed of 12 partners from 7 CE countries: Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Croatia, Germany and Slovakia. They are coming from 3 different groups: (i) knowledge partners, (ii) business support institutions and (iii) policy-expert partners. Roles and knowledge are complementary: PP2 and PP3 are expert knowledge providers specialized in occupational health and work psychology, both needed for theoretical development of outputs. Partners from 4 to 10 are business support partners who will be responsible for testing of outputs in 3 smart specialisation fields across 7 countries. Partners 11 and 12 are national public health institutes, responsible for development of occupational health policies. Lead partner has strong experiences in management of Interreg projects, as well as it brings relevant knowledge from previous Interreg CE projects, funded under SO1.2. Main beneficiaries of the project are (i) SMEs from 3 Smart specialisation sectors - improving capacities for organisational burnout prevention redesign, (ii) employees - receiving knowledge how to tackle stress and anxiety after work and (iii) policy stakeholders - receiving knowledge for better alignment of occupational health policies with modern era work. Project topic is highly innovative, since it is the first one in the whole EU bringing solutions for prevention of burnout syndrome in SMEs. Timing of project is also perfect, since on the March 23rd 2023, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, pointed out that mental health, including burnout prevention is now more than ever a public health challenge. Project will achieve main change by enhancing knowledge and skills and providing comprehensive solutions to prevent burnout syndrome in SMEs. Consequently, the working environment will be improved, resulting in higher productivity and creativeness of SMEs, in selected Smart Specialization sectors: Industry 4.0, Smart Health and Sustainable Food. The proposed project presents perfect opportunity for CE to become lighthouse example for European Union on how to prevent burnout syndrome. As pointed out by the European Commissioner for health, now it is a perfect opportunity to put occupational mental health at the heart of all our policies, making it an investment for the future generations.

Expected Achievements (EN):

General objective: WP 1 will develop a model for the organisational redesign of working environments in order to enhance workers’ wellbeing, retention of jobs and SMEs productivity. Specific and measurable objectives: (i) Development of burnout prevention training material for burnout prevention and 420 stakeholders trained (ii) Transnational testing of participatory work-related measures by at least 21 SMEs, coming from 7 CE countries (iii) Capacity building management model for the organisational redesign of working environments taken up by at least 21 SMEs in 7 CE countries. WP2 has 2 general objectives: 1.) to improve knowledge of employees of S3 sectors about prevention of burnout syndrome 2.) to decrease negative consequences of digital overuse Specific and measurable objectives: i.) to test the "Personal tutorial for prevention of burnout syndrome" by 280 individuals coming from 7 CE countries ii.) decreased stress levels of citizens (those who will participate in pilot testing) by at least 25% after 3 months of testing. iii.) to prepare lasting Personal guide for reduction of digital stress, used by employees of S3 sectors in their free time General objective: WP 3 will analyse work-related mental health issues and prepare CE strategy for improvement of mental health in workplace. Specific and measurable objectives: (i) CE strategy and policy recommendations for improvement of mental health in workplace will be taken up by at least 2 policy partners by signing letter of interest (ii) Decreasing levels of internet and social media over--use by organizing "Digital detox week" in 7 CE countries (iii) Recognition of latest mental health trends by learning from "Burnout Prevention Seminar", organized as final conference with at least 60 participants.

Project outputs: Organisations cooperating across borders(EN)
Burnout syndrome prevention measures testing report(EN)
Capacity building management model for the organisational redesign of working environment(EN)
Transnational testing of digital detox activities(EN)
Personal guide for reduction of digital stress(EN)
CE strategy and policy recommendations for improvement of mental health in workplace (EN)
Website: https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/burnout-prevent/

Thematic information

Health and social services

Priority: (VI-B_CE_1) Cooperating for a smarter central Europe

Priority specific objective: RSO1.4. Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 023 Skills development for smart specialisation, industrial transition, entrepreneurship and adaptability of enterprises to change

Partners (12)

Lead Partner: E-zavod, zavod za celovite razvojne rešitve

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 965338472

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI46683518

Address: Čučkova , 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia

Department address: Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://wwww.ezavod.si

Total budget: EUR 267 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 213 920.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 480.00

Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo

Name: Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo

Department: Division for Occupational and Sports Medicine, Disability Prevention and Psychosocial Risks at Work

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998128255

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR75297532041

Address: Rockefellerova , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Radoslava Cimermana, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://www.hzjz.hr/

Total budget: EUR 135 980.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 108 784.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 196.00

Nemzeti Népegészségügyi és Gyógyszerészeti Központ

Name: Nemzeti Népegészségügyi és Gyógyszerészeti Központ

Department: Department of Occupational Health

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998706957

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU15598787

Address: Albert Flórián utca, 1097 Budapest, Hungary

Department address: Nagyvárad tér, 1097 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://www.nnk.gov.hu/

Total budget: EUR 121 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 97 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 24 360.00

Bwcon GmbH

Name: Bwcon GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE296254455

Address: Seyffertstrasse, 70197 Stuttgart, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://Bwcon.de

Total budget: EUR 170 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 136 080.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 020.00

Agencja Rozwoju Mazowsza S.A.

Name: Agencja Rozwoju Mazowsza S.A.

Department: Urban Policy and Innovativeness Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950311038

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL5213374690

Address: ul. Świętojerska , 00236 Warsaw, Poland

Department address: Poland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.armsa.pl

Total budget: EUR 164 660.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 131 728.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 932.00

Hrvatska gospodarska komora

Name: Hrvatska gospodarska komora

Department: Croatian Chamber of Economy – Zadar County Chamber

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998670970

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR85167032587

Address: Rooseveltov trg, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Špire Brusine, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.hgk.hr

Total budget: EUR 168 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 134 848.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 712.00

GOSPODARSKA ZBORNICA SLOVENIJE – ZBORNICA KMETIJSKIH IN ŽIVILSKIH PODJETIJ

Name: GOSPODARSKA ZBORNICA SLOVENIJE – ZBORNICA KMETIJSKIH IN ŽIVILSKIH PODJETIJ

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999780165

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI73354376

Address: Dimičeva ulica , 1504 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.gzs.si/zkzp

Total budget: EUR 162 490.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 129 992.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 498.00

Camera di Commercio, Industria, Artigianato, Agricoltura Padova

Name: Camera di Commercio, Industria, Artigianato, Agricoltura Padova

Department: Promotion and Territorial Development Projects Unit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 943826588

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT00654100288

Address: Piazza Insurrezione XXVIII aprile ‘45 , 35137 Padova, Italy

Department address: Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.pd.camcom.it

Total budget: EUR 179 530.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 143 624.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 906.00

Budapesti Kereskedelmi és Iparkamara

Name: Budapesti Kereskedelmi és Iparkamara

Department: Department of International Projects

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 913479944

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18067666

Address: Krisztina Krt., H-1016 Budapest, Hungary

Department address: Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://nemzetkoziprojektek.bkik.hu/en/home/

Total budget: EUR 165 070.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 132 056.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 014.00

Slovak Business Agency

Name: Slovak Business Agency

Department: International Projects Department

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999914122

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020869279

Address: Karadžičova, 811 09 Bratislava, Slovakia

Department address: Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.sbagency.sk

Total budget: EUR 171 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 137 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 300.00

Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave

Name: Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave

Department: Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999841566

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020845332

Address: Gondova, 81102 Bratislava, Slovakia

Department address: Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://uniba.sk

Total budget: EUR 181 765.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 145 412.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 353.00

Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Prof. J. Nofera

Name: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Prof. J. Nofera

Department: Clinic of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Hazards

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999835940

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL7240003125 | / | / (EN)

Address: św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus, 91-348 Łódź, Poland

Department address: Poland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.imp.lodz.pl

Total budget: EUR 195 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 156 240.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 060.00

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Enhancing Skills, Developing Innovative Service Solutions and Policy Recommendations for Burnout Prevention, in CE Smart Specialization Sectors

Project acronym: BURNOUT PREVENT

Project ID: CE0200521

Project start date: 2024-07-01

Project end date: 2026-12-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

CE RESPONSIBLE- ALTRUISTIC ENTREPRENEUR, CE Sustainable model to support
social entrepreneurship (EN) | Interreg CE project (2019-2022), coordinated by E-zavod, focused on setting-up
and improving transnational cooperation between social and altruistic
entrepreneurs, on upscaling knowledge and innovation capacities of social
entrepreneurs, development of model of cooperation between private sector and
social entrepreneurs. Projects result and mutual learning about already existing
innovation capacities and cooperation between non-profit and for-profit sector in
the field of tackling different local social and envrionmental challenges. Project
supported 90 pilot collaborations between two mentioned target groups.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with our experience working with the target group of innovative SMEs in CE area.
(EN), CROWD-FUND-PORT- Central Central European Crowdfunding Support in order to raise
knowledge capacities of all relevant stakeholders in CE
(EN) | Interreg CE project (2016-2019) contributed to the improved knowledge, skills and
competences about crowdfunding among of SMEs, to increased level of
entrepreneurial culture, mindset and improved capacities of regions and policy
makers about crowdfunding phenomena. Crowdfunding as innovative digital
tool can be very helpful in the business development and growth of CE innovative SMEs.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with our experience working with the target group of innovative SMEs in CE area.
(EN), EMPOWER -The European Platform to Promote Wellbeing and Health in the workplace (EN) | Horizon 2020 project (2020-2024) is a multidisciplinary research and innovation effort aiming to develop, implement, evaluate and disseminate, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a modular eHealth intervention platform to promote health and well-being, reduce psychological distress, prevent common mental health problems and reduce their impact in the workplace. In collaboration with stakeholders, project will adapt existing effective interventions focused on different components (awareness and stigma, workplace conditions and psychosocial factors, stress, common mental health symptoms, early detection, comorbidity, lifestyle, and return to work) to created a combined online modular platform feasible in various workplace settings by culturally and contextually adapting it.The intervention will be implemented through a randomized controlled trial directed to employees and employers of small and medium sized enterprises and public agencies.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with the topic of presented project, which also deals with preventing common mental health problems and reduce their impact in the workplace. (EN), IMMERSE -Implementing Mobile MEntal health Recording Strategy for Europe (EN) | Horizon 2020 project (2021-2025) brings together an interdisciplinary group of researchers with the aim to advance the transformation of mental health care in Europe into true person-centered care. Partnership strongly believes that treatment should be particularly focused on the needs of each individual seeking help for mental health problems, while these individuals should also have a more active role in their treatment process and decision-making.
Researcher team of PP3 UNIBA clinical psychologists from faculty/department are members of consortium of 4 different countries (Belgium, UK, Germany, Slovakia). They provide their clinical expertise in the psychological mechanisms underlying mental health disorders to contribute to innovations in mental person-centered health care in Europe.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with the topic of presented project, which also deals with mental health problems. (EN), Mental Health Toolkit for Human Resources Managers in the workforce (EN) | Erasmus+ project (In submission): Identification, evaluation, and benchmarking of key factors, tools, and best practices to understand and manage mental health at work. Defining key technical and soft skills which should be incorporated in the training of HR professionals regarding workplace mental health management. Developing training plan and materials for HR professionals.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with the topic of presented proposal, which also deals with workplace mental health management. (EN), RESTART-Resilience and Training for SMEs (EN) | Erasmus+ project (2021-2023) the core of the RESTART is to develop innovative training to equip the European VET ecosystem with demand-driven training content to accompany Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the European workforce in the “resilience journey” of restarting in a post-pandemic socio-economic context.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with experience in working with the target group of innovative SMEs and enhancing skilles of SMEs. (EN), Restart 4.0- Digital Training Toolbox to Foster EU’s Industry 4.0 Revolution (EN) | Erasmus+ project (2017-2019) RESTART aimed to be aligned with the EU policies on Industrial digital transformation focusing on qualifying new professionals able to support the digital transformation of the European companies exploiting the advantages offered by the Industry 4.0 technologies. The competitiveness and innovativeness in the EU economy are heavily dependent on the strategic and efficient use of digital technologies as well as on the knowledge, skills and capabilities of the European labour force and citizens. E-skills play a key role in job creation.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with experience in working with the target group of innovative SMEs in the sector of Industry 4.0 (EN), NS4nZEBs (EN) | Life programme project (2023-2025) The main objective of the project NS4nZEBs is to increase the number of skilled building professionals. This objective will be reached through the development of new and upgrading existing training and qualifications courses for all types of professionals involved in the building value chain. This will lead to an increased application of new energy efficient and RES technologies that will support building capacity, stimulating investments and supporting implementation of policies focused on energy efficiency and small-scale renewables.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with enhancing knowledge capacities of skilled professionals. (EN), I-CON- Improving COmpetences and skills through Food sector InNovation (EN) | Interreg Central Europe (2016 - 2019).The goal of the project was to improve the skills and entrepreneurial competences for advance economic and social innovation in central European regions. Throughout the project, 71 audits and 31 pilots were carried out by partners in different SMEs.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with enhancing knowledge capacities and entrepreneurial competences of SMEs in Food sector. (EN), EntreCompFood- Applying EntreComp to attract young people to the 1st European manufacturing sector: the agri-food industry
(EN) | Horizon 2020 ( 2020–2023).The main objective of the project is to build sound European Collaborative Communities of practice (CoCos) and related learning activities to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship towards students and young entrepreneurs mainly in the agrifood sector.
Synergies with forseen proposal are connected with enhancing knowledge capacities and entrepreneurial competences of SMEs in Food sector. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 084 155.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 667 324.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 667 324.00. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Burnout self-assessment tool for employees (B-SA tool)
Corporate burnout assessment tool (COR-SA tool)
Training material for prevention of burnout in the workplace
Training report
Testing report of burnout prevention measure
Capacity building management model for the organisational redesign of working environments
Transferability seminar report
Catalogue of digital detox activities
Do’s and Don’ts check lists for burnout syndrome prevention
Transnational testing report of digital detox activities
Personal guide for reduction of digital stress
Report from seminars
Comparative Policy Analysis about work-related mental health diseases
CE strategy and policy recommendations for improvement of mental health in workplace
Impact report of the events and burnout prevention actions

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

TerritorialAgenda2030 Project will enhance knowledge and skills of SMEs and employees, related to burnout prevention and contribute to Territorial Agenda objective " A Just Europe", especially to priority " Balanced Europe", which is focused on the need to cooperate on responses to global societal challenges and improving working, living and business conditions in all places as well as strengthening socio‑economic prosperity, innovation capacity, positions in global value chains and global competitiveness across Europe.
EUStrategyAlpineRegion Project activities that foster innovation capacities, entrepreneurial and management skills of SMEs are in line the goal of 1st Thematic Policy Area "Economic Growth and Innovation", with priorities: developing innovation and research capacity and transfer into practice and improving and developing support for enterprises.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion Project activities are in line with pillar three, Building Prosperity – smart,social and innovative, with priorities: Develop the Knowledge Society, Support the competitiveness of enterprises and Invest in people and skills.
Other 1. EUROPEAN PACT FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING (EC 2008)
Pact addresess, in the 3rd priority called "Mental helath in workplace seting", the importance of mental health and well-being of the workforce as a key resource for productivity and innovation in the EU.
Emphasizes the challenges related to the pace and nature of work changing, leading to pressures on mental health and well-being. Action is needed to tackle the steady increase in work absenteeism and incapacity, and to utilize the unused potential for improving productivity that is linked to stress and mental disorders.
2.WHO EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION ON MENTAL HEALTH 2021–2025
Framework clearly raises the issue of mental health as a public health priority across society and the economy, mentioning workplace mental health as one target area. Although there has not as yet been a direct regulatory focus on mental health in the workplace, there is certainly a general consensus that it is incumbent on European employers to adequately identify and address known psychosocial risks.
3. SMART SPECIALIZATION STRATEGIES project partner regions addressing the need support to development and growth of S3 sectors: Industry 4.0, Sustainable food and Smart Health, project activities support goals and priorities of national/regional Smart
specialization strategies, related to boosting and enhancing innovativeness and competitiveness of three sectors.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion Adriatic-Ionian strategy is supporting development of skills for SMEs sector. Furthermore, it is focused on the improving the quality and innovation of tourism offer and enhancing the sustainable and responsible tourism capacities. Proposed project will contribute to enhancing entrepreneurial skills.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-03-31

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

100 / 100 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 017 / 1 018 (99.9%)

Notes on the data

Programme's webpage last visited on 2025-03-17.

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Enhancing Skills, Developing Innovative Service Solutions and Policy Recommendations for Burnout Prevention, in CE Smart Specialization Sectors

Description

Thematic information

Partners (12)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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