1. European integrated border management

Regular actions

1. European integrated border management

Specific actions

1. European integrated border management

Annex IV actions

1. European integrated border management

Operating support

1. European integrated border management

STS

1. European integrated border management

Emergency assistance

1. European integrated border management

ETIAS regulation Art. 85(2)

1. European integrated border management

ETIAS regulation Art. 85(3)

2. Common visa policy

Regular actions

2. Common visa policy

Specific actions

2. Common visa policy

Annex IV actions

2. Common visa policy

Operating support

2. Common visa policy

Emergency assistance

TA.36(5). Technical assistance - flat rate (Art. 36(5) CPR)

TA.37. Technical assistance - not linked to costs (Art. 37 CPR)

O.1.1

Number of items of equipment purchased for border crossing points

number

3,991

7,849

O.1.1.1

of which number of Automated Border Control gates / self-service systems / e- gates purchased

number

0

0

O.1.2

Number of infrastructure maintained / repaired

number

2

4

O.1.3

Number of hotspot areas supported

number

0

4

O.1.4

Number of facilities for border crossing points constructed / upgraded

number

0

0

O.1.5

Number of aerial vehicles purchased

number

4

42

O.1.5.1

of which number of unmanned aerial vehicles purchased

number

0

25

O.1.6

Number of maritime transport means purchased

number

2

50

O.1.7

Number of land transport means purchased

number

330

1,019

O.1.8

Number of participants supported

number

5,180

13,102

O.1.8.1

of which number of participants in training activities

number

985

11,742

O.1.9

Number of joint liaison officers deployed to third countries

number

0

0

O.1.10

Number of IT functionalities developed / maintained / upgraded

number

0

240

O.1.11

Number of large-scale IT systems developed / maintained / upgraded

number

2

2

O.1.11.1

of which number of large-scale IT systems developed

number

2

2

O.1.12

Number of cooperation projects with third countries

number

0

0

O.1.13

Number of persons who have applied for international protection at border crossing points

number

0

0

R.1.14

Number of items of equipment registered in the Technical Equipment Pool of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency

number

0

number

2021

331

number

Hellenic Coast Guard

R.1.15

Number of items of equipment put at the disposal of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency

number

0

number

2021

79

number

Hellenic Coast Guard

R.1.16

Number of initiated / improved forms of cooperation of national authorities with the Eurosur National Coordination Centre (NCC)

number

0

number

2021

0

number

N/A

R.1.17

Number of border crossings through Automated Border Control gates and e-gates

number

0

share

2021

0

number

N/A

R.1.18

Number of addressed recommendations from Schengen Evaluations and from vulnerability assessments in the area of border management

number

0

number

2021

100

percentage

Hellenic Police, Hellenic Coast Guard

R.1.19

Number of participants who report three months after the training activity that they are using the skills and competences acquired during the training

number

0

share

2021

10,064

number

Ministy of Defence- Ministry of Citizen Protection - Hellenic Coast Guard

R.1.20

Number of persons refused entry by border authorities

number

0

number

2021

0

number

N/A

Intervention field

001.Border checks 

43,000,000.00

Intervention field

002.Border surveillance - air equipment

58,000,000.00

Intervention field

003.Border surveillance - land equipment

72,506,500.00

Intervention field

004.Border surveillance - maritime equipment

141,000,000.00

Intervention field

005.Border surveillance - automated border surveillance systems

165,000,000.00

Intervention field

006.Border surveillance - other measures

91,786,299.76

Intervention field

007.Technical and operational measures within the Schengen area which are related to border control

450,000.00

Intervention field

008.Situational awareness and exchange of information

0.00

Intervention field

009.Risk analysis

750,000.00

Intervention field

010.Processing of data and information

1,875,000.00

Intervention field

011.Hotspot areas

0.00

Intervention field

012.Measures related to the identification and referral of vulnerable persons

0.00

Intervention field

013.Measures related to the identification and referral of persons who are in need of, or wish to apply for, international protection

0.00

Intervention field

014.European Border and Coast Guard development

525,000.00

Intervention field

015.Inter-agency cooperation - national level

0.00

Intervention field

016.Inter-agency cooperation - European Union level

0.00

Intervention field

017.Inter-agency cooperation - with third countries

0.00

Intervention field

018.Joint deployment of immigration liaison officers

0.00

Intervention field

019.Large-scale IT systems  - Eurodac for border management purposes

0.00

Intervention field

020.Large-scale IT systems  -  Entry-exit System (EES)

886,000.00

Intervention field

021.Large-scale IT systems  -  European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) - others

2,250,000.00

Intervention field

022.Large-scale IT systems - European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Article 85(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240

0.00

Intervention field

023.Large-scale IT systems - European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Article 85(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1240

0.00

Intervention field

024.Large-scale IT systems  -  Schengen Information System (SIS)

0.00

Intervention field

025.Large-scale IT systems - Interoperability

37,732,529.25

Intervention field

026.Operating support - Integrated border management

328,014,457.79

Intervention field

027.Operating support - Large-scale IT systems for border management purposes

10,000,000.00

Intervention field

028.Operating support - Special Transit Scheme

0.00

Intervention field

029.Data quality and data subjects’ rights to information, access to, rectification and erasure of,their personal data, and to the retriction of the processing thereof

0.00

Baseline situation/Relevant data (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

With the support of the previous funding instrument, Greece increased the rate of Schengen visas issued in 2017 by more than 8.7% in comparison to 2015 (166,559 more visas) and 2016 (57,313 more visas). In order to maintain the steady increase of visa application numbers, Greece with the use of the BMVI funding instrument will address the challenge of fully digitizing the visa process, by providing personnel training to those assigned to complete relevant processes and by ensuring that the data is swiftly and accurately gathered, recorded and disseminated to the relevant authorities through the use of interconnected IT systems and the national Visa Information System (N-VIS). Regarding personnel capacity for the verification of means of subsistence and fraudulent documents, it should be noted that there was an increase in the refusal rate of visa issuance in comparison to 2016, from 2.8% to 3.5%.

Specific challenges/needs

The specific challenges that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to address in the following years are mainly the following:

• Delays in procurement
• Lack of legal expertise
• Upcoming personnel retirement
• Frequent personnel mobility in consular authorities
• Lack of experts (Schengen and IT experts)
• Budgetary restraints that limit the national capacity to address the needs
• Political, health and security situations in third countries and the new visa trends
• Advanced methods in identification or document forgery

Continuity and changes compared to the current funding period (including lessons learnt)

MFF 14-20 allowed optimal response and performance of the VIS system. Applicants were served faster and working conditions were improved. In this context, Greece considers that it is vital to keep a robust and up-to-date system (regarding IT hardware and software needs). Therefore, the continuation of actions such as procurement of additional VIS workstations, upgrades of IT software, infrastructures and line bandwidth, coverage of operational telecommunication costs, as well as the cost of relocating consular authorities premises, where needed, to continue supporting VIS interoperability with other systems.

The implementation of a pilot action called “Field Workers” – with the reinforcement of Police Officers and additional specialized MFA employees at Consular Authorities bearing a high workload – increased the visa application rejection rate, while numbers of granted visas remained high (statistics 2019). Such improvement in the quality of control indicated the need to continue this action.

Health precautions for Consular personnel requires expenditure in infrastructure to continue. The new Visa Code commands limited physical presence of visa applicants (once every five years to collect fingerprints). Thus, Greece will fully digitalize the visa process in this programming period.

Finally, relevant experience gained previously by the SR on ESPs operation, will be used to properly implement contracts allowing Consuls and IT officers to perform necessary visits, allowing for constant monitoring and report.

Implementing Measures Annex II, par.(2), (a)

The indicative types of actions: Annex III, par.2, (e)

• Develop IT tools for risk analysis and training. Relevant tools already used by the Netherlands and Austria were pointed out as a best practice by the Schengen evaluation mechanism. Such tools could be shared by those countries or be developed gradually in cooperation with Frontex and national authorities. A Risk Analysis tool will be incorporated in the VIS system similar to the national risk analysis system and its products to assist Consular staff in decision making for granting visa, or not. A Training IT tool, that includes production of video educational material with Q&A, mobile application etc.
• Monitor ESPs by allowing Consuls and IT officers to conduct regular visits. The New Visa Code requires consular monitoring by conducting on site visits at the ESPs and frequently reporting back to central authorities. This is a demanding task, as it requires IT-competent personnel. For this reason, it is necessary to have additional support from IBMF.

Annex II, par.(2), (c) / Annex III, par.2, (e)

Study on the Impact of TMI (Travel Medical Insurance) to the national health system. This study focuses on third-country nationals, holders of Schengen Visas with a TMI by an insurance company up to the amount of € 30,000. The following issues will be examined:

• How does insurance coverage work in practice from an institutional and administrative point of view?
• Are there distortions in the system (from the activation to the compensation by the insurance company)?
• What are the conclusions and proposals for hospitals and Consulates?
• The study includes the creation of questionnaires, skype interviews with Consular authorities, collection of all statistical data related to the study subject, collection of all relevant studies already conducted.

Digitalization of visa files. Greece has high expenditure for archive space, where visa applications files and relevant documents are kept. The new visa code allows digital files. The new applications may be digitally stored mainly by ESPs, however older files need time and adequate funding to be digitized as well.

Procurement of Visa Stickers.

Annex II, par.(2), (e) / Annex III, par.2, (b)

IT systems

• Visa Information System (VIS) IT system modifications and upgrades to implement the revised VIS Regulation and relevant EU legislation, including trainings for authorised personnel (end users etc.) on fundamental rights, such as the prohibition of discrimination, the right to the protection of personal data, including the obligation of authorities to inform third-country nationals about their data subject rights, the respect of human dignity when collecting biometric data, the rights of children, the rights of persons with disability etc.
• Upgrade of NET -VIS for the interconnection of Hellenic Consular authorities in third countries with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NUIs, which includes: monitoring of all SLA indicators, upgrading network management software, network elements and interfaces as well as operation control of services provided over the network. Troubleshooting the network through a fault monitoring system and all repairs and interventions in network equipment.
• Procurement of appropriate software for monitoring the configuration of active equipment per point/node.
• Upgrade N-VIS, including technical support for N-VIS system includes all N-VIS hardware and software in the Foreign Ministry premises in Athens, Thessaloniki and all Consular Authorities.
• Ensure proper functioning of equipment and systems software.
• Preventive & Remedial software (rehabilitation problems, shortages, defects, deviations from specifications and applications software malfunctions, upgrades, supply and install updated versions of software).
• Preventive & Remedial Upgrade Material H /W of Foreign Ministry nodes in Athens and Thessaloniki and all Consular Missions (rehabilitation failures and malfunctions, installation parts, accessories and other necessary materials for maintenance, replacement with spare equipment in case of serious damage and also custom duties, custom fees, transportation and other expenses incurred).
• Further development of the Visa On-Line system.

Desired outcomes and expected results

• More efficient response of Consulates to the increased demands, especially in high-demand seasons, including fast visa processing
• Upgrading Consular service delivery, contributing to proper application of VIS and provision of flexible and innovative Consular services
• Ensuring system integrity and continuity and preventing VIS network failures due to obsolete systems
• Increase in data security (crypto products), improvement of response times for biometric data retrieval and processing
• Increase in network security and access control of the Consular Offices to the VIS and their systems which are interoperable with VIS (EES, etc.)
• Significant reduction of misuse-abuse of visa applications and better protection of the Schengen area from security, public order and epidemiological threats
• Providing on-the-job training to all Consular officials in their country of accreditation and subsequent reduction of personnel needing to move to the MFA HQ for training purposes
• Enhanced capacity of Consular staff, including local staff, related to Schengen visa processing and consular cooperation
• Improving ESPs’ monitoring
• Saving resources by creating AI tools for training and risk analysis
• Decreasing the need for physical presence of visa applicants by developing electronic visa processing tools
• Decreasing budget allocation for renting spaces for archiving visa files and contributing to a more efficient and secure storage mode
• Ensuring and verifying that officers have adequate capacities in the field to address any new challenges regarding Visa application processes
• Preventing irregular migration and helping protect European MS citizens better. The new systems will allow easier third-country nationals travel while it becomes easier for operational officers to efficiently identify over-stayers as well as document and identity fraud.

Operating Support - Annex II, par.(2), (e) / Annex III, par.2, (a)

Facilities / Infrastructure

Upgrade Consular services and refurbish premises to align with security and other Visa Code requirements, subject to location-specific requirements. More specifically:

• The Action focuses on renovation-refurbishment (incl. security services) of Consular premises subject to location-specific requirements in order to align with security requirements, in compliance with the Visa Code and VIS Regulation. Indicatively, subject to a per location evaluation approach: improve accessibility for disabled people, install security doors, bullet-proof windows, security cameras, seating area equipment, room separators, air-conditioning, intercom systems, crowd control equipment, shredders etc. Additional infrastructure will be acquired for the protection of personnel from health hazards.
• In-situ training will be customized subject to each Consulate’s identified training needs and will include its entire serving personnel. Apart from generic issues on visa policy, it will also cover specified topics, depending on the identified training needs of each Consular Authority, such as the identification of false / forged travel documents, data protection and their capacity to respond to the needs of the Schengen evaluation mechanism. The training will be carried out by a team consisting of both personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hellenic Police Officers, with expertise in Schengen and visa policy.
• The above-mentioned actions have already received funding by ISF and the Final Beneficiary is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Staff training

Secondment of expert “field workers”, in addition to the national secondments during high season for the support of the visa administrative process, the reduction of misuse/abuse of visa applications, including “visa-shopping” and the detection of false or falsified documents.

To be more specific:

Increase in visa processers is a major challenge for the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For this purpose, an innovative pilot programme of secondment of visa experts (“field workers”) to Consular Authorities is already being implemented successfully during high season, in order to support the visa administrative process, reduce cases of misuse and abuse of visa applications, including “visa-shopping”, detect false or falsified documents, and swiftly issue Visas to bona fide travellers. According to experience gained so far, “field workers” have significantly assisted the Consulates with their work, especially in recognizing false and falsified documents and ensuring a swift and secure visa process.

Staff reinforcement is allocated according to workload, depending on requests submitted by Embassies/Consulates. The length of temporary secondment depends on the specific requests and workload of each Embassy/Consulate. Specially trained officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Citizen Protection receive additional training and are seconded for a short period of time, in order to support the Consulates during the high season. Additionally, the current visa trends indicate that a significant increase in visa applications is to be expected in certain countries. Furthermore, it should be underlined that the cooperation with External Service Providers and intermediaries has led to an increased number of short stay visas from tourism markets.

The above-mentioned Action has been considered as a good practice to similar actions by EU member states, during Greece’s Schengen assessment, presented under the Romanian Presidency (EU "Visas").

IT systems

• Maintenance and support of VIS system (NET-VIS network and N-VIS system)
• Maintenance and support of the NUIs Data Centers

Indicative list of Beneficiaries

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

O.2.1

Number of projects supporting the digitalisation of visa processing

number

1

1

O.2.2

Number of participants supported

number

0

268

O.2.2.1

of which number of participants in training activities

number

0

240

O.2.3

Number of staff deployed to consulates in third countries

number

0

680

O.2.3.1

of which number of staff deployed for visa processing

number

0

600

O.2.4

Number of IT functionalities developed / maintained / upgraded

number

0

3

O.2.5

Number of large-scale IT systems developed / maintained / upgraded

number

0

1

O.2.5.1

of which number of large-scale IT systems developed

number

0

0

O.2.6

Number of infrastructure maintained / repaired

number

0

20

O.2.7

Number of real estates rented / depreciated

number

0

0

R.2.8

Number of new / upgraded consulates outside the Schengen area

number

0

number

2021

20

number

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

R.2.8.1

of which number of consulates upgraded to enhance client-friendliness for Visa applicants

number

0

number

2021

20

number

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

R.2.9

Number of addressed recommendations from Schengen Evaluations in the area of the common visa policy

number

0

number

2021

0

percentage

N/A

R.2.10

Number of visa applications using digital means

number

0

share

2021

0

number

N/A

R.2.11

Number of initiated / improved forms of cooperation set up among Member States in visa processing

number

0

number

2021

1

number

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

R.2.12

Number of participants who report three months after the training activity that they are using the skills and competences acquired during the training

number

0

share

2021

240

number

Minitry of Foreign Affairs

Intervention field

001.Improving visa application processing

3,000,000.00

Intervention field

002.Enhancing the efficiency, client-friendly environment and security at consulates

1,000,000.00

Intervention field

003.Document security / document advisors

0.00

Intervention field

004.Consular cooperation

0.00

Intervention field

005.Consular coverage

9,000,000.00

Intervention field

006.Large-scale IT systems  - Visa Information System (VIS)

33,000,000.00

Intervention field

007.Other ICT systems for visa application processing purposes

3,000,000.00

Intervention field

008.Operating support - Common visa policy

9,000,000.00

Intervention field

009.Operating support - Large-scale IT systems for visa application processing purposes

0.00

Intervention field

010.Operating support - Special Transit Scheme

0.00

Intervention field

011.Issuance of visas with limited territorial validity

0.00

Intervention field

012.Data quality and data subjects’ rights to information, access to, rectification and erasure of, their personal data, and to the restriction of the processing thereof

0.00

Technical and legal assistance will be provided for the implementation of the new regulations and obligations for Greece derived from them in order the new IT systems and relevant processes to be better implemented, as well as ongoing technical support throughout the programmed actions to be provided. Additionally, the technical assistance addresses the need to adjust to national legislation in terms of security, data protection and fundamental rights.

Such assistance includes the provision of advice, expertise, research, analysis, training or other assistance in connection with, inter alia:

• Reinforcing systems and processes of management and coordination including anti-fraud actions
• Enhancing human resources, administrative organization and operation of entities involved in the implementation of the interventions and actions
• Upgrading the managerial and delivery capacity of the beneficiaries of the fund
• Completing necessary formal procedures in case and data handling in relation to the actions described above
• Analysing the national legislation and reviewing of national laws aimed at ensuring compliance with international legal obligations or implementing E.U. laws and regulations
• Drafting non-legislative texts (such as arbitration rules) based on the documents and procedures of national and international law.

Current technical assistance programmes are undertaken in accordance with the mandate of each respective department, office, agency, fund or programme and within the existing financial resources allocated for such purposes under their respective programme budgets.

Allocation of Technical Assistance and indicative Actions

Information & Communication (allocation: 10%)

• Information Campaigns
• Communication Action Plans
• Public events and visits
• Information campaigns
• Commemorative plaques
• Press releases
• Leaflets, brochures, newsletters, and magazines
• Web site for Migration & Home Affairs Funds (AMIF, BMVI, ISF)
• Participation of the Managing Authority in exhibitions and other commercial events
• Production and distribution of Magazine for Migration & Home Affairs Funds (AMIF, BMVI, ISF)

Preparation, implementation, monitoring and control (allocation 20%)

• External Consultancy for planning, monitoring, verification and evaluation process
• External Consultancy for the on-the-spot controls
• External Consultancy for Financial planning
• Costs for the meetings of the Monitoring Committee for Migration and Home Affairs Funds
• Costs for the on-spot-controls

Evaluation and studies, data collection (allocation 10%)

• External Consultancy for the collection of relevant data, statistics and indicators
• Studies (eg: impact of programmes, SCOs, impact of various events on migration, best practices, establishment of new tools etc)

Capacity building (allocation 60%)

• Fixed-term staff for the Managing Authority and the Intermediate Bodies
• External Consultancy for the Managing Authority and the Intermediate Bodies
• External Consultancy for final beneficiaries to assist in the field of public procurement, planning and smooth project implementation
• Training for the Management and Control System
• External Consultancy to assist the Managing Authority for the Home Affairs Committee and relevant legal or strategic documents of the Home Funds
• Contracting services (e.g., recording of meetings, translation/interpretation, operating costs of the Managing Authority and the Intermediate Bodies, travel costs etc.)
• Contracting supplies for the operation of the Managing Authority and the Intermediate Bodies

Intervention field

001.Information and communication

6,070,654.72

Intervention field

002.Preparation, implementation, monitoring and control

12,141,309.44

Intervention field

003.Evaluation and studies, data collection

6,070,654.72

Intervention field

004.Capacity building

36,423,928.32

Initial allocation

69,121,265.00

83,982,874.00

90,577,059.00

70,132,698.00

58,052,963.00

58,843,976.00

430,710,835.00

Mid-term review

Thematic facility WPI

3,956,481.00

3,956,481.00

Thematic facility WPII

16,966,890.00

16,966,890.00

Thematic facility WPIII

Transfer (in)

104,812,817.00

107,248,962.00

109,241,110.00

111,197,672.00

93,027,191.00

95,320,376.00

620,848,128.00

Transfer (out)

Total

177,890,563.00

208,198,726.00

199,818,169.00

181,330,370.00

151,080,154.00

154,164,352.00

1,072,482,334.00

European integrated border management

Regular actions

Total

596,022,299.76

198,674,099.92

198,674,099.92

794,696,399.68

75.0000000000%

European integrated border management

Specific actions

Total

19,739,029.25

2,193,225.48

2,193,225.48

21,932,254.73

89.9999999681%

European integrated border management

Annex IV actions

Total

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

European integrated border management

Operating support

Total

338,014,457.79

112,671,485.93

112,671,485.93

450,685,943.72

75.0000000000%

European integrated border management

ETIAS regulation Art. 85(2)

Total

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

European integrated border management

ETIAS regulation Art. 85(3)

Total

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Total European integrated border management

953,775,786.80

313,538,811.33

313,538,811.33

1,267,314,598.13

75.2595912812%

Common visa policy

Regular actions

Total

49,000,000.00

16,333,333.34

16,333,333.34

65,333,333.34

74.9999999923%

Common visa policy

Annex IV actions

Total

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Common visa policy

Operating support

Total

9,000,000.00

3,000,000.00

3,000,000.00

12,000,000.00

75.0000000000%

Total Common visa policy

58,000,000.00

19,333,333.34

19,333,333.34

77,333,333.34

74.9999999935%

Technical assistance - flat rate (Art. 36(5) CPR)

60,706,547.20

60,706,547.20

100.0000000000%

Grand total

1,072,482,334.00

332,872,144.67

332,872,144.67

1,405,354,478.67

76.3140083358%

BMVI

1. Effective monitoring mechanisms of the public procurement market

Yes

Monitoring mechanisms are in place that cover all public contracts and their procurement under the Funds in line with Union procurement legislation. That requirement includes:

1. Arrangements to ensure compilation of effective and reliable data on public procurement procedures above the Union thresholds in accordance with reporting obligations under Articles 83 and 84 of Directive 2014/24/EU and Articles 99 and 100 of Directive 2014/25/EU.

Yes

• Law 4412/2016 (Articles 45, 277, 340, 341)

• Joint Ministerial Decision 70362_24.06.2021

• Positive Opinion of Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority

Greece has transposed into Greek law the relevant provisions of the Directives and has taken the actions induced by them:

In Article 340 of Law 4412/2016, Articles 83(1-5) of Directive 2014/24/EU and 99(1-5) of Directive 2014/25/EU are intergated, by appointing the Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority (H.S.P.P.A.) as the competent body for monitoring the system, according to its competences. Furthermore, by delegation of the above Article 340, the Common Ministerial Decision no. 70362/24.06.2021 was issued, which determines the details for drafting the monitoring report for the implementation of public procurement rules (Government Gazette B’ 2802/30.06.2021, see also corrections in Government Gazette B’ 3488/30.07.2021).

In Article 45 of Law 4412/2016, Articles 83(6) and 84(2) of Directive 2014/24/EU are incorporated. In article 277 of the same Law, paragraph 6 of Article 99(6) and 100(2) of Directive 2014/25/EU are integrated.

In article 341 of Law 4412/2016, Articles 84(1), 84(3)of Directive 2014/24/EU and 100(1), 100(3) of Directive 2014/25/EU are incorporated.

2. Arrangements to ensure the data cover at least the following elements:

a. Quality and intensity of competition: names of winning bidder, number of initial bidders and contractual value;

b. Information on final price after completion and on participation of SMEs as direct bidders, where national systems provide such information.

Yes

• Joint Ministerial Decision 76928/9-7-2021

The requested data can be retrieved from the following information systems:

a) Central Electronic Public Procurement Registry (KIMDIS);

b) Integrated Information System of the National System of Electronic Public Procurement (OPS ESIDIS) and

c) Monitoring Information System of the National Strategic Reference Framework (OPS NSRF).

For the retrieval of requested data, the competent departments of the Ministry of Development & Investments and the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport as well as the Special Service of the Monitoring Information System of the NSRF cooperate.

The details of the contractors are registered in KIMDIS in the registration tabs of award decisions, contracts and payments.

The number of submitted bids is available in OPS ESIDIS.

The value of the contract without VAT is included in every contract registered in KIMDIS.

The final value of a contract is reflected in the value of the respective award decision and the contract which are registered in KIMDIS.

There is no information available on the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the electronic public procurement systems.

3. Arrangements to ensure monitoring and analysis of the data by the competent national authorities in accordance with article 83 (2) of  directive 2014/24/EU and article 99  (2) of directive 2014/25/EU.

Yes

• Law 4412/2016 (Article 340)

• Law 4013/2011

• Organization chart of Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority

Greece, in order to meet the requirements for monitoring the public procurement system, as set out in Articles 83(2) of Directive 2014/24/EU and 99(2) of Directive 2014/25/EU, has taken the following actions:

• With Article 340 of Law 4412/2016, H.S.P.P.A. was appointed as the competent body for monitoring the system, according to its relevant competencies and responsibilities, as described in its Establishment Act (Law 4013/2016) and its Internal Rules of Operation (Government Gazette A’ 52/01.04.2019).

• With the Common Ministerial Decision no. 70362/24.06.2021, published in Government Gazette B’ 2802/30.06.2021 and corrected in Government Gazette B’ 3488/30.07.2021, the details for the collection and analysis of data were determined.

4. Arrangements to make the results of the analysis available to the public in accordance with article 83 (3) of directive 2014/24/EU and article 99 (3) directive 2014/25/EU.

Yes

• Monitoring Report of the Public Procurement System for 2017 (Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority)

• DG-GROW Country reports

• Hellenic public procurement monitoring report for the period 2018 – 2020

• Monitoring Report of the Public Contract System for the period 2018-2020 (Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority)

• Announcements of Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority

The monitoring report of the public procurement system of article 340 of Law 4412/2016 is published on the website of H.S.P.P.A. as well as on the DG-GROW website, where all respective MS country reports are published:

https://eaadhsy.gr/index.php/category-articles-eaadhsy/347-ek8esh-parakoloy8hshs-toy-systhmatos-twn-dhmosiwn-symvasewn-etoys-2017 and  https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/public-procurement/country-reports_en.

Following publication of Common Ministerial Decision no. 70362/24.06.2021, co-signed by the Minister of Development and Investments and the Minister of Interior, published in Government Gazette B’ 2802/30.06.2021 and corrected in Government Gazette B’ 3488/30.07.2021, H.S.P.P.A. received the information provided by the liable entities and drafted the Public Procurement Monitoring Report for the period 2018-2020, which was approved by Decision No. 1ES/2022 of the Authority’s Council:

https://eaadhsy.gr/index.php/category-articles-eaadhsy/671-ekthesi-parakolouthisis-tou-systimatos-ton-dimosion-symvaseon-periodou-2018-2020

5. Arrangements to ensure that all information pointing to suspected bid-rigging situations is communicated to the competent national bodies in accordance with Article 83(2) of Directive 2014/24/EU and Article 99(2) of Directive 2014/25/EU.

Yes

• Law 4412/16 (Ar. 340)

• Law 3959/11

• MoU between Hellenic Single Public Procurement Authority (HSPPA) and Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC)

• https://whistle2eaadhsy.disclosers.eu/#/

• https://www.epant.gr/en/whistleblowing.html

• HSPPA Guidelines 20/17 & 9/15

• Corruption Risk Management Guide (National Transprarency Authority)

• Guide for detecting and preventing collusion practices in procurement tenders (HCC)

• Notice on tools to fight collusion in public procurement and on guidance on how to apply the related exclusion ground (2021/C 91/01)

Greece, in order to ensure the proper management of cases of unfair competition or situations that distort or threaten to distort competition, has transposed into Greek Law the relevant provisions of Directives 2014/24/EU & 2014/25/EU. Said provisions were integrated through article 340 of Law 4412/16. Furthermore, HSPPA, as the competent Authority for monitoring the public procurement system cooperates closely for this purpose with the HCC, being the competent Authority for the protection of free and fair competition.

It is pointed out that suspected cases of bid-rigging situations can be detected through:

• The anonymous complaints "whistleblowing" of HSPPA and HCC, submitted directly or through designated platforms.

• Random sampling

In order to raise awareness of contracting authorities/contracting entities for the detection and management of such cases, the following documentation was issued:

• Guidelines 20 and 9 of HSPPA

• The National Transparency Authority's Corruption and Fraud Risk Management Guide

• The HCC Guide: "Detection and prevention of corruptive practices in public procurement procedures" (2014)

3. Effective application and implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights

Yes

Effective mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union ('the Charter') which include:

1. Arrangements to ensure compliance of the programmes supported by the Funds and their implementation with the relevant provisions of the Charter.

Yes

• Law 4914/2022 on ‘Management, control and implementation of development interventions for the 2021-2027 programming period,...’.

• Policy statement on respect for fundamental rights

• Memorandum of Cooperation of HRC/EUCA

• Law 4780/2021 "National Accessibility Authority, National Commission for Human Rights..." 2021-2027 HOME funds

• Establishment of the Fundamental Rights Officer and of the Committee on the compliance with the Fundamental Rights  in the Ministry of Migration

The arrangements for compliance with the Charter cover all stages of the programme’s implementation i.e. partnership principle; management and control systems, roles and trainings of authorities/bodies; calls for proposals/tenders; evaluation, implementation and verifications of operations.

A Task Force for Fundamental Rights Compliance (TFFRC) will be set-up within the Monitoring Committee to monitor the progress of the procedures followed at all stages. A Fundamental Rights Officer within the Ministry of Migration and Asylum will be a point of reference for compliance with the Charter. The National Transparency Authority (NTA) and the Ombudsman will investigate alleged breaches.

The TFFRC will report to the Monitoring Committee at least once a year on complaints and cases of non-compliance. National authorities such as the NTA and the Ombudsman are clearly defined in the handling of complaints. The National Commission for Human Rights will provide support to all actors.

2. Reporting arrangements to the monitoring committee regarding cases of non-compliance of operations supported by the Funds with the Charter and complaints regarding the Charter submitted in accordance with the arrangements made pursuant to Article 69(7).

Yes

• Procedure of “ΔVII_3 Reception and Examination of Complaints” in Chapter LV.VII, Management & Control System

• Law 4443/2016

• Law 4622/2019

The TFFRC will oversee and report to the Monitoring Commitee at least once a  year on complaints and cases of non compliance. National authroities such as the National Transparency Authority and the Ombudsman are clearly defined in the handling of complaints and the National Commission for Human Rights will provide support to all actors involved.

4. Implementation and application of the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD) in accordance with Council Decision 2010/48/EC

Yes

A national framework to ensure implementation of the UNCRPD is in place that includes:

1. Objectives with measurable goals, data collection and monitoring mechanisms.

Yes

• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, legislated by EU: 23/12/10 & by Greece: Law 4074/2012,11/04/12

• "Directorates - Organizational Provisions for the Implementation of the UN Convention on Rights of persons with Disabilities", art. 59 - 74, Law 4488/2017, Nat.Gazette 137 - 13/09/17

• National Action Plan for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (NAP)

• Law 4780/21 "National Accessibility Authority" (Nat. Gazette 30A/28-02-21)

• Digital portal for people with disabilities

• ESAmeA Disability Observatory

• National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)

• Law 4488/17

• 2020: NAP was completed following public consultation; Individual Reference Points were defined in Ministries, Regions, and Municipalities and activated for its monitoring

• The NAP is a road map with a framework of actions especially for the period 2020-23 (however, it contains permanent actions with an implementation horizon until 2029) with 6 pillars and 30 objectives that is updated

• Its implementation is monitored by the Coordinating Mechanism in the Government, the Minister of State and the GS of the Coordination of the Government, using the MIS for the Government: "MAZI". The NAP compiles into a single strategic planning actions of Ministries and competent bodies that are broken down into individual projects with an implementation schedule, monitoring and evaluation indicators and those in charge of implementation

• All bodies involved in the implementation of the NAP consult with the National Confederation of Disabled People and its members. The results of the monitoring and evaluation are made available annually to the public, while consultation actions on the course of the implementation of the NAP are supported.

2. Arrangements to ensure that accessibility policy, legislation and standards are properly reflected in the preparation and implementation of the programmes.

Yes

• Planning NSRF & other Programmes 2021-2027

• Programme Consultations

• Law 4914/2022 on the "Management, control and implementation of development interventions for the Programming Period 2021-2024”

• Communication guide 2021-2027

• Policy Statement on respect for the UN Convention on Persons with Disabilities

• Law 4780/2021 "National Accessibility Authority"

• Digital portal for Persons with Disabilities (PWD)/legislation

• Working Group for PWD

• PWD: joint action to strengthen the institutional capacity and development of the PWD Observatory

The NAP Coordination Mechanism brought together every legislation on disability issues (6th 2021).

Arrangements to incorporate the principles of non-discrimination and accessibility of the disabled into:

- Programming: partnership, consultation with social partners, circulars with reference to the observance of horizontal principles. Contact with NCHR, Ombudsman, FRA, National Confederation of Disabled People (NCDP)

- Management and Control System (MCS): responsibilities of MA (evaluation and selection of actions), Monitoring Committee (incl. NCDP), implementation of operations, handling of complaints

- Implementation: design of MCS procedures, advisory support from NCDP. Using instructions from NCDP & control points, MAs/IBs to ensure accessibility in particular through:

• Proposal Template: field where the beneficiary fills in how accessibility is ensured (evaluated)

• Evaluation: on/off criterion for accessibility (specified in Annex II)

• Implementation: accessibility review with checklists & checkpoints

• In case of non-compliance: Corrective measures (fiscal correction/recovery)

• Accessibility check by AA in MCS is foreseen

3. Reporting arrangements to the monitoring committee regarding cases of non-compliance of operations supported by the Funds with the UNCRPD and complaints regarding the UNCRPD submitted in accordance with the arrangements made pursuant to Article 69(7).

Yes

https://www.espa.gr/el/Pages/SDE_Diadikasies.aspx the "ΔVIII_3 Reception and Examination of Complaints" in chapter ΛΠ.VIII: Risk management

The National Authority for receiving complaints is the Hellenic AFCOS/National Transparency Authority (NTA). NTA examines incoming complaints and decides on their handling. If it considers that a complaint should be investigated, it refers it to a competent national investigation authority (Ombudsman, judicial authorities, etc.) or to the MA.

The MA examines the case in detail with a checklist. If a violation regarding accessibility of PWD is found, it is handled in the same way as an irregularity, i.e. corrective measures are taken within the MCS and a notification is made to the EU via IMS. National Confederation of Disabled People (NCDP) provides advisory support regarding checkpoints.

The MA informs the Monitoring Committee, at least annually, in case of non-compliances regarding accessibility of PWD identified by the NTA or the authorities of the MCS and in case of complaints against violations regarding the accessibility of PWD with a relevant reference on the case number, its course and the investigation results as well as possible corrective measures in the context of the MCS (depending on the results of the investigation process).

Managing authority

Special Service for the Coordination and Management for Migration and Home Affairs Funds

Theofanis Papadopoulos

Head of Special Service for the Coordination and Management for Migration and Home Affairs Funds

th.papadopoulos@migration.gov.gr

Audit authority

Ministry of Finance/ General Accounting Office/ Financial Audit Committee

Athinais Tourkolia

Head of Financial Audit Committee

a.tourkolia@edel.gr

Body which receives payments from the Commission

Special Service for the Coordination and Management for Migration and Home Affairs Funds

Theofanis Papadopoulos

Head of Special Service for the Coordination and Management for Migration and Home Affairs Funds

th.papadopoulos@migration.gov.gr

Preparation

During the development of the NP, the MA identified and consulted with a wide range of programme stakeholders, to increase efficiency of policy-planning and ensure that the proposed main actions sufficiently cover critical and actual needs in the field. In particular, the MA carried out several meetings –both in person and online– with all de jure monopoly stakeholders, i.e. the following: Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Ministry of Citizen Protection, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In parallel, the MA carried out many meetings, per SO, with relevant actors to collect all lessons learnt from the programming period 2014-2020, examine all proposed actions and decide which ones should be integrated into the NP 2021-2027.

To sum up, the MA received and took into consideration all follow-up contributions from the above stakeholders, including their concerns, comments and proposals. In principle, the goal of the above procedure during the preparation phase of the programme was to incorporate the competent national agencies’ strategic planning into the main actions of each specific objective.

Implementation/Execution

The MA focused on presenting the stakeholders with a more active role in the implementation of actions by organizing one-in-one meetings during the implementation period. Potential stakeholders are:

• Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Ministry of National Defense
• Ministry of Citizen Protection
• Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monitoring and evaluation

During the monitoring and evaluation phase of the programme, according to the management and control system, the MA will collaborate closely with all stakeholders. The MA will implement verification and on-the-spot controls of actions and take corrective measures when necessary. Authorities that implement actions under BMVI (Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Citizen Protection, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc) will participate in the monitoring committee of the Migration and Home Affairs Funds (AMIF, BMVI, ISF) and will therefore contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the programme. Based on the last updated Ministerial Decision, the members of the monitoring committee are allowed to propose successful practices, while bringing their own experiences and operational expertise during the evaluation phase of the programme.

In addition, the Greek Ombudsman, the Chair of the National Committee for Human Rights, representatives from UNCHR and IOM participate to the Monitoring Committee and are involved in all Programme phases. As far as National Data Protection issues are concerned, all the Ministries have their own independent Data Protection Officer (DPO) responsible for monitoring all actions’ implementation. On the latest updated national legislation, the MA has a DPO focal point with the Ministry of Development and Investment.

MA will repeat periodically every year the meetings with all potential stakeholders other than Monitoring Committee Meeting, to take their feedback related to potential problems into implementation process, and on how to reprogram or re-adjust some projects. The meetings will be conducted either bilaterally or with all stakeholders at the same time. In any case, all beneficiaries will have the opportunity to express their proposals in order to improve the quality of the projects and thus the quality of services provided to migrants.

Communication

Authorities that implement actions under BMVI (Ministry of Migration and Asylum, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Citizen Protection, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.) will contribute and participate to every communication and visibility action of the programme.

The communication officer is in the Programming and Evaluation Unit of the Managing Authority and will be the link with the central communication officer from the Ministry of Development and Investment.

The communication strategy will ensure that any and all relevant stakeholders that have an active role in the course of the funding period will receive constant and relevant information, in due time. The stakeholders outlined in the actions’ descriptions include but are not limited to national government officials of the relevant Ministries, General Secretariats, the Hellenic Police, the Hellenic Coast Guard and others. Additionally, the stakeholders that will be included in the internal communication of the programme include the relevant E.U., international, member-states, and third-country officials that are relevant to the actions of the funding instrument, which will be outlined in the individual Action Proposal documents. The purposes of the communication plan are:

Objectives

Communication will focus on achievements and impact of the funded actions, not only on administrative or procedural milestones.

In order to maximize the impact of communication efforts, MA will use all the activities such as:

• Display panels (50)
• Banners (50)
• Promotional items (50)
• Photographs (200)
• Audiovisual productions (15)
• Public events and visits (20)
• Information campaigns (15)
• Commemorative plaques (1.000)
• Press releases (200)
• Leaflets (50), brochures (40), newsletters (100), and magazines (14)
• Participation of the Managing Authority in exhibitions (6) and other commercial events (6)
• Web site for the Migration and Home Affairs Funds (AMIF, BMVI, ISF) (1)

The target audience(s) will be:

• Public bodies
• Universities
• Regional and Local communities in the islands and in the mainland
• Asylum Seekers
• Migrants and Refugees
• Irregular migrants

Communication channels (including social media outreach):

• Web site,
• Creating apps
• Other communication channels

The communication and visibility actions are estimated to cost 5,952,220.55 for the programming period 2021-2027.

The communication officer is in the Programming and Evaluation Unit of the Managing Authority and will be the link with the central communication officer from the Ministry of Development and Investment.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The evaluation will be implemented by using output, outcome and impact indicators.

Output indicators: Facebook Target Value (TS) 30,000 followers, Twitter TS 30,000 users, LinkedIn TA 1,000 users, TS Website 100,000 visits, number of TA helpdesk inquiries 50/month

Outcome indicators: 1,500 engagement / post on social media. Recognition rate, audience recall of campaign/activity, degree of satisfaction/usefulness from event, website conversions (downloads, registrations, bouncing rate, connection duration) and degree of user satisfaction, number of participants per event/conference/seminar, social media followers/impressions/views, website visitors, number of Helpdesk enquiries.

Impact Indicators: Disseminating a positive message about the Program and the EU, degree of trust in national/European authorities.

Evaluation will be caried out of the communication strategy and for activities based on the EU toolkit.

Intended use of Articles 94 and 95 CPR

Yes

No

From the adoption, the programme will make use of reimbursement of the Union contribution based on unit costs, lump sums and flat rates under the priority according to Article 94 CPR

From the adoption, the programme will make use of reimbursement of the Union contribution based on financing not linked to costs according to Article 95 CPR

Procedure reference

Programme version

Status

Accept/Decline date

Comments

C(2022)8993 - 12 Dec 2022 - 1

1.3

Accepted

5 Jul 2023

Procedure reference

Programme version

Status

Accept/Decline date

Comments

C(2022)3163 - 19 May 2022 - 1

1.2

Accepted

Methodological Approach

Supplementary Information

5 Jul 2023

Ares(2023)5089046

Methodological Approach

21 Jul 2023

Παπαδόπουλος, Θεοφάνης

EL BMVI Programme - The changes on 05_07_2023

Supplementary Information

5 Jul 2023

Ares(2023)5089046

EL BMVI Programme - The changes on 05_07_2023

21 Jul 2023

Παπαδόπουλος, Θεοφάνης

Programme snapshot 2021EL65BVPR001 2.0

Snapshot of data before send

21 Jul 2023

Ares(2023)5089046

Programme snapshot 2021EL65BVPR001 2.0 - Machine Translated
Programme_snapshot_2021EL65BVPR001_2.0_en.pdf
Programme_snapshot_2021EL65BVPR001_2.0_el.pdf
BMVI_v2.0_Meth_Appr.pdf
EL BMVI Programme - The changes on 05_07_2023.pdf

21 Jul 2023

Παπαδόπουλος, Θεοφάνης