IPA III Programming

IPA III PERIOD (2021-2027)

Just like previous Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) periods, IPA III, covering the years 2021 – 2027, will be carried out within the framework of the objectives of improving Türkiye's capacity for harmonization  and implementation of the EU acquis and building capacities for economic and social harmony. In the new period where there is no country specific allocation, a total of 14.2 billion Euros of funds were allocated for all beneficiary countries with fair share principle.

Actions in this context are grouped under thematic Windows:

(i) Rule of Law, Fundamental Rights and Democracy.

(ii) Good Governance, Acquis Alignment, Strategic Communication and Good Neighbourly Relations.

(iii) Green Agenda and Sustainable Connectivity.

(iv) Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth.

(v) Territorial and Cross-Border Cooperation.

Reference documents wihich set the legal basis for IPA III Period on the EU side:

- IPA III Regulation No. 2021/1529 was published on 20 September 2021,

- The IPA III Implementing Regulation No. 2021/2236 was published on 16 December 2021.

The IPA III Programming Framework, which is the comprehensive European Commission strategic document on the use of IPA funds during the EU's IPA III period, and Türkiye’s Strategic Response Document, which explains the plan to use IPA III Financial Assistance to contribute to the general and specific targets defined in the IPA III Programming Framework were published at the end of the year 2021.

In order to carry out the IPA III period in accordance with the European Union Regulations, the Financial Framework Partnership Agreement, which transferred the principles regarding the implementation to domestic law, was signed on 17 October 2022 and approved by the Presidential Decree No. 6537 and published in the Official Gazette No. 32042 dated 13 December 2022. The entry into force date of the agreement is determined as 14 December 2022.

On the other hand, Presidential Circular No. 2023/11, which aims to re-organize the structure established by the Presidential Circular No. 2019/20 regarding the administration of European Union funds in Türkiye in line with the requirements of the 2021-2027 period financial assistance, was prepared and published in the Official Gazette No. 32231 dated 24 June 2023.

The Sectoral Agreement establishing the provisions for the management and implementation of Union financial assistance within the scope of IPA Rural Development Program (IPARD III Sectoral Agreement) was published in the Official Gazette following the signing between Our Country and the European Commission, and its entry into force date was determined as 12 April 2023 by exchange of note verbales.

Programming Studies:

In terms of  2021 annual programming process, 208.5 million Euro package consisting of the priority areas of Civil Society, Environment, Energy, Transport, Education-Employment, Health, Competitiveness and Rural Development, within the framework of the above 5 thematic windows was prepared, submitted to the European Commission and ratified with Commission Decision. The Financing Agreement for the said programming year has been signed and the implementation process has been initiated.

In terms of  2022 annual programming process, 221 million Euro package consisting of the priority areas of Fundamental Rights, Good Governance, Environment, Transport, Education-Employment and Rural Development, within the framework of the above 5 thematic windows was prepared, submitted to the European Commission and ratified with Commission Decision. The Financing Agreement for the said programming year has been signed and the implementation process has been initiated.

In terms of  2023 annual programming process, similar to previous years, 244,6 million Euro package consisting of the priority areas of Fundamental Rights, Good Governance, Environment, Transport, Education-Employment and Rural Development, within the framework of the above 5 thematic windows was prepared, submitted to the European Commission and ratified with Commission Decision. It is expected that the Financing Agreement for the said programming year will be signed and the implementation process will be initiated.

In terms of  2024 annual programming process, negotiations with the European Commission is still ongoing within the framework of 5 thematic windows.

The preparation process for multi-annual programming exercises, which covers the years 2025-27, is still ongoing.

The action documents adopted by the Commission can be accessed via the link below:

https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/enlargement-policy/overview-instrument-pre-accession-assistance/turkiye-financial-assistance-under-ipa_en