In order to support Programme beneficiaries to respond to the evolving situation regarding COVID-19, the Managing Authority issued recommendations on measures that may be taken by the beneficiaries to reduce the effects of the crisis on the projects implementation.

In this respect, for the proper implementation of the grant contracts financed by the Black Sea Basin Programme and taking into account the restrictions imposed by the current situation in the participating countries, we remind that the beneficiaries may request:

• extension or suspension of the implementation period, in accordance with the provisions of the grant contract;
• postponement of certain deadlines for activities or organization of online events/meetings;
• the use of electronic signature to approve project documents, as well as the possibility to purchase an electronic signature and to reimburse these expenses from administrative costs, if necessary.

These measures have in view, first of all, the continuation of the implementation of the projects through constant support offered to the beneficiaries and use of the non-reimbursable funds made available.

In addition, measures have been taken to ensure the continuity of the contracting processes of the applications selected during the second call for proposals, by introducing changes in procedures, so as to temporarily allow the exchange of information with applicants exclusively in electronic format.

Depending on the evolution of the current situation and on the decisions taken at the level of the European Commission, the Managing Authority explores the possibility to take other measures to support the beneficiaries, which will be published on the website and social media page of the Programme.