For each Call for Proposals, a specific period for the eligibility of expenditure is defined. More information can be found in annex 4 of the Programme Manual.

The partnership decides when the preparation phase ends and the implementation phase begins. Preparation costs normally involve bid and partnership development before the start of the activities. Obviously any costs incurred prior to the approval of the project are at the risk of the project partners. 

Costs linked to the 2 Seas events are indeed eligible as far as specific budget is foreseen in the Application Form and the project partners can provide their first level controller with supporting evidence in compliance with the Programme requirements (agenda or programme of the events, original tickets and all other original documentary evidence for the travel. Please refer to the Programme Manual for additional information) 

The Programme Manual lists all the costs that can be claimed in the framework of a project implemented within the 2 Seas Programme. Please refer to Section 4 of the Programme Manual. 

Since all beneficiaries receive ERDF grants, the compliance with European, national, regional and internal public procurement rules is an obligation for all beneficiaries involved in an INTERREG project, independently from their legal status or typology.
For amounts below the lowest applicable European and national thresholds, the beneficiary shall refer to its internal public procurement policy.

First Level Controllers must check the compliance with European, national, regional and internal public procurement rules, and shall provide detailed evidence of their control in the control check-lists. In addition, First Level Controllers shall check that all documentation supporting the tendering and awarding of contracts is kept in compliance with the Programme requirements for a clear and transparent audit trail.
For amounts below the lowest applicable procedure, the Programme recommends to request at least 3 offers.

General information on the EU procurement directives and public procurement legislation is provided in annex 8 of the Programme Manual. In case you have specific questions concerning your national legislation, you are invited to contact the competent authority in your Member State (contact details are available in annex 8 of the Programme Manual). 

Project partners are encouraged to organise meetings within the Programme area. Nevertheless meetings can be organised outside the Programme area if foreseen in the Application Form or if the concerned partners have received prior approval from the JTS.