# C_2009132EN.01001001.xml

| 11.6.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 132/10 |
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11.6.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 132/10

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Call for proposals for indirect actions under the multi-annual Community Programme on protecting children using the Internet and other communication technologies (Safer Internet)

Safer Internet

(Text with EEA relevance)

2009/C 132/07

| 1. | In accordance with Decision No 1351 of 16 December 2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting a multi-annual Community Programme on protecting children using the Internet and other communication technologies (1) (Safer Internet), the European Commission hereby invites proposals for actions to be financed under the programme.
  Safer Internet is based on four actions:






  (a) | ensuring public awareness; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

In accordance with Decision No 1351 of 16 December 2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting a multi-annual Community Programme on protecting children using the Internet and other communication technologies (1) (Safer Internet), the European Commission hereby invites proposals for actions to be financed under the programme.

1

Safer Internet is based on four actions:

(a)

ensuring public awareness;

| (b) | fighting against illegal content and tackling harmful conduct online; |
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(b)

fighting against illegal content and tackling harmful conduct online;

| (c) | promoting a safer online environment; |
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(c)

promoting a safer online environment;

| (d) | establishing a knowledge base. |
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(d)

establishing a knowledge base.

The programme is a successor of the Safer Internet plus programme (2005-2008).

| 2. | In conformity with Article 3 of the European Parliament and Council Decision, a Work Programme (2) was drawn up by the European Commission to serve as the basis for implementing the programme in 2009. The Work Programme contains further information about the objectives, priorities, indicative budget and types of actions referred to in this call notice and the eligibility rules for taking part. |
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2.

In conformity with Article 3 of the European Parliament and Council Decision, a Work Programme (2) was drawn up by the European Commission to serve as the basis for implementing the programme in 2009. The Work Programme contains further information about the objectives, priorities, indicative budget and types of actions referred to in this call notice and the eligibility rules for taking part.

2

| 3. | Information on how to prepare and submit proposals and on the evaluation process is given in the Guide for Proposers (3).
  This documentation can be obtained, along with the Work Programme and any other information relating to this call, from the European Commission using the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Information Society and Media Directorate General |
| Safer Internet |
| EUFO 1195 |
| Rue Alcide de Gasperi |
| 2920 Luxembourg |
| LUXEMBOURG |
| E-mail: saferinternet@ec.europa.eu |
| Fax +352 4301-34079 |
| Web: http://ec.europa.eu/saferinternet |

3.

Information on how to prepare and submit proposals and on the evaluation process is given in the Guide for Proposers (3).

3

This documentation can be obtained, along with the Work Programme and any other information relating to this call, from the European Commission using the following address:

European Commission

Information Society and Media Directorate General

Safer Internet

EUFO 1195

Rue Alcide de Gasperi

2920 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

E-mail: saferinternet@ec.europa.eu

Fax +352 4301-34079

Web: http://ec.europa.eu/saferinternet

| 4. | Proposals may be made for the call parts identified below. Applicants wishing to make proposals for more than one call part should make separate proposals for each part. |
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4.

Proposals may be made for the call parts identified below. Applicants wishing to make proposals for more than one call part should make separate proposals for each part.

| 5. | The indicative total budget available for this call under the 2009 budget is 9 333 MEUR of Community contribution. In order to ensure the objective of full coverage of the integrated European network of Safer Internet centres, the budget of the 2009 call for proposals may be reinforced by appropriations from the 2010 budget, subject to the adoption of the 2010 budget by the Budgetary Authority and to the availability of appropriations. Should such reinforcement be decided, it will occur before the deadline of this call.
  Grants to proposals submitted in response to this call will be awarded through grant agreements.
  The evaluation of proposals will give rise to a list of proposals to be funded. This list may be complemented by a reserve list of proposals of sufficient quality, to be funded in case of budget availability. |
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5.

The indicative total budget available for this call under the 2009 budget is 9 333 MEUR of Community contribution. In order to ensure the objective of full coverage of the integrated European network of Safer Internet centres, the budget of the 2009 call for proposals may be reinforced by appropriations from the 2010 budget, subject to the adoption of the 2010 budget by the Budgetary Authority and to the availability of appropriations. Should such reinforcement be decided, it will occur before the deadline of this call.

Grants to proposals submitted in response to this call will be awarded through grant agreements.

The evaluation of proposals will give rise to a list of proposals to be funded. This list may be complemented by a reserve list of proposals of sufficient quality, to be funded in case of budget availability.

| 6. | The call for proposals under this Work Programme is open to all legal entities established in the Member States. It is also open to participation of legal entities established in EFTA States which are contracting parties to the EEA Agreement (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).
  It is further open to participation of legal entities established in other countries under the conditions set out in Article 2 of the Programme Decision (4), provided that a bilateral agreement is signed. If proposals submitted by legal entities from these countries are selected for funding, a grant agreement will only be signed once the necessary steps have been taken for the country concerned to join the Programme through signature of a bilateral agreement. Up to date information on which countries are part of the Programme is available on the programme web site at: http://ec.europa.eu/saferinternet
  Legal entities established in non-EU countries other than those referred to above and international organisations may take part in all projects at their own expense.
  Legal entities established in Russia may take part in Action 1.1 (Safer Internet Centres) of this call for proposals under the conditions specified in the Work Programme. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The call for proposals under this Work Programme is open to all legal entities established in the Member States. It is also open to participation of legal entities established in EFTA States which are contracting parties to the EEA Agreement (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).

It is further open to participation of legal entities established in other countries under the conditions set out in Article 2 of the Programme Decision (4), provided that a bilateral agreement is signed. If proposals submitted by legal entities from these countries are selected for funding, a grant agreement will only be signed once the necessary steps have been taken for the country concerned to join the Programme through signature of a bilateral agreement. Up to date information on which countries are part of the Programme is available on the programme web site at: http://ec.europa.eu/saferinternet

4

Legal entities established in non-EU countries other than those referred to above and international organisations may take part in all projects at their own expense.

Legal entities established in Russia may take part in Action 1.1 (Safer Internet Centres) of this call for proposals under the conditions specified in the Work Programme.

Part 1:   Call parts

Part 1:

Action 1 and action 2:   ENSURING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND FIGHTING AGAINST ILLEGAL CONTENT AND HARMFUL CONDUCT ONLINE

Action 1 and action 2:

| 7. | Identifier: 1.1. INTEGRATED NETWORK: SAFER INTERNET CENTRES
  The Programme promotes the set up of Safer Internet Centres all across Europe to co-ordinate activities and bring together a variety of stakeholders to ensure action and facilitate transfer of knowledge.
  All Safer Internet Centres will perform awareness-raising activities among parents, carers, teachers and children in close co-operation with all relevant actors at European, regional and local levels, addressing issues related to content considered unsuitable for children. For instance racism and xenophobia, bullying and harassment, use of peer-to-peer services, broadband video, instant messaging, chat-rooms, social networking sites and access to content and interactive information and communication brought about by the rapid take-up of Internet, mobiles and game consoles by children. The actions take into account related issues of consumer protection, data protection, information, network security issues (viruses/spam).
  In addition, the Safer Internet Centres should also include (a) hotlines where the public can report illegal content and (b) helplines where parents and children can obtain advice on how to deal with harmful contact (grooming), harmful conduct (cyberbullying), harmful content and uncomfortable or scary experiences related to their use of online technologies.
  The tasks of the Safer Internet Centres are set out in further detail in the Work Programme.
  Funding at 50 % of eligible costs (which may be increased to 75 % for public bodies, SMEs and non-profit organisations). |
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7.

Identifier: 1.1. INTEGRATED NETWORK: SAFER INTERNET CENTRES

The Programme promotes the set up of Safer Internet Centres all across Europe to co-ordinate activities and bring together a variety of stakeholders to ensure action and facilitate transfer of knowledge.

Safer Internet Centres all across Europe

All Safer Internet Centres will perform awareness-raising activities among parents, carers, teachers and children in close co-operation with all relevant actors at European, regional and local levels, addressing issues related to content considered unsuitable for children. For instance racism and xenophobia, bullying and harassment, use of peer-to-peer services, broadband video, instant messaging, chat-rooms, social networking sites and access to content and interactive information and communication brought about by the rapid take-up of Internet, mobiles and game consoles by children. The actions take into account related issues of consumer protection, data protection, information, network security issues (viruses/spam).

In addition, the Safer Internet Centres should also include (a) hotlines where the public can report illegal content and (b) helplines where parents and children can obtain advice on how to deal with harmful contact (grooming), harmful conduct (cyberbullying), harmful content and uncomfortable or scary experiences related to their use of online technologies.

The tasks of the Safer Internet Centres are set out in further detail in the Work Programme.

Funding at 50 % of eligible costs (which may be increased to 75 % for public bodies, SMEs and non-profit organisations).

| 8. | Identifier: 1.2. INTEGRATED NETWORK: EUROPEAN CO-ORDINATION OF SAFER INTERNET CENTRES
  To ensure maximum co-operation and effectiveness of awareness-raising, hotlines and helplines actions across Europe, the 2009 call is also open for a network co-ordinator to provide logistical and infrastructural support for the Safer Internet Centres, ensuring European-level visibility, good communication and exchange of experience so that lessons learnt can be applied on an ongoing basis.
  The tasks of the network co-ordinator are set out in further detail in the Work Programme. In view of the different nature of the tasks of awareness activities, hotlines and helplines, specific tasks of each component are foreseen in the Work Programme.
  In addition to the specific tasks of co-ordination of each component, the network co-ordinator will:






  — | provide a single, comprehensive web portal to provide visibility for awareness activities, helplines and hotlines with a collection of relevant information and resources with content such as news services, articles, monthly newsletter, |
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8.

Identifier: 1.2. INTEGRATED NETWORK: EUROPEAN CO-ORDINATION OF SAFER INTERNET CENTRES

To ensure maximum co-operation and effectiveness of awareness-raising, hotlines and helplines actions across Europe, the 2009 call is also open for a network co-ordinator to provide logistical and infrastructural support for the Safer Internet Centres, ensuring European-level visibility, good communication and exchange of experience so that lessons learnt can be applied on an ongoing basis.

network co-ordinator

The tasks of the network co-ordinator are set out in further detail in the Work Programme. In view of the different nature of the tasks of awareness activities, hotlines and helplines, specific tasks of each component are foreseen in the Work Programme.

In addition to the specific tasks of co-ordination of each component, the network co-ordinator will:

—

provide a single, comprehensive web portal to provide visibility for awareness activities, helplines and hotlines with a collection of relevant information and resources with content such as news services, articles, monthly newsletter,

| — | disseminate statistics and information about the awareness, helplines and hotlines activities and the results of the network throughout Europe, |
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—

disseminate statistics and information about the awareness, helplines and hotlines activities and the results of the network throughout Europe,

| — | develop a governance structure for the network, |
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—

develop a governance structure for the network,

| — | provide European coordination of Safer Internet Centres’ youth panels and organise a pan-European meeting of members of the Safer Internet Centres’ panels, |
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—

provide European coordination of Safer Internet Centres’ youth panels and organise a pan-European meeting of members of the Safer Internet Centres’ panels,

| — | coordinate the organisation of regional meetings by Safer Internet Centres. |
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—

coordinate the organisation of regional meetings by Safer Internet Centres.

Overall co-ordination and the specific tasks of co-ordination will be part of a single grant agreement.

A joint proposal may be made by not more than three different organisations.

Funding at 100 % of direct eligible costs (as defined in the model grant agreement), but without indirect costs (overheads).

Action 3:   PROMOTING A SAFER ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

Action 3:

| 9. | Identifier: 3.1. THEMATIC NETWORK: NGO NETWORK FOR CHILD PROTECTION ON THE INTERNET
  The Programme invites proposals to set up a thematic network of European non-government organisations representing children's rights and welfare to develop a concerted approach by sharing experience and best practices, and by developing joint strategies, in order to ensure that the needs of children are taken into account in discussions about the Internet and new media in Europe, as well as in the relevant international fora.
  Funding at 100 % of a reduced set of eligible costs (direct costs of co-ordinating and implementing the network) for thematic networks. |
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9.

Identifier: 3.1. THEMATIC NETWORK: NGO NETWORK FOR CHILD PROTECTION ON THE INTERNET

The Programme invites proposals to set up a thematic network of European non-government organisations representing children's rights and welfare to develop a concerted approach by sharing experience and best practices, and by developing joint strategies, in order to ensure that the needs of children are taken into account in discussions about the Internet and new media in Europe, as well as in the relevant international fora.

thematic network

Funding at 100 % of a reduced set of eligible costs (direct costs of co-ordinating and implementing the network) for thematic networks.

Action 4:   ESTABLISHING A KNOWLEDGE BASE

Action 4:

| 10. | Identifier: 4.1. KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT: ONLINE VICTIMISATION OF CHILDREN
  Proposals are invited for a knowledge enhancement project that aims to enhance the knowledge of online-related sexual abuse of children, in particular online grooming (the process by which a person befriends a child with the intention of committing sexual abuse). The expected outcome of this project is increased knowledge of the process which would feed into policy-making, child welfare work, and awareness-raising as well as providing topics for further actions and studies. It would strengthen the protection of children and formulate more effective preventive strategies.
  The project could be aimed at victimisation of children in the online environment: identification of the most vulnerable groups of children targeted for online abuse, the psycho-social impact on children of online victimisation, ranging from accessing potentially harmful material (e.g. sexual and/or violent material) online to being abused.
  The project should identify behavioural differences in use between age groups and gender; the relationship between young people’s sexuality and online grooming; the profiling of online risk-taking behaviour by different groups of children.
  The methodology of the project should involve a qualitative approach involving children who have experienced online abuse.
  Knowledge enhancement projects will be funded at 100 % of direct eligible costs (as defined in the model grant agreement), but without indirect costs (overheads). |
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10.

Identifier: 4.1. KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT: ONLINE VICTIMISATION OF CHILDREN

Proposals are invited for a knowledge enhancement project that aims to enhance the knowledge of online-related sexual abuse of children, in particular online grooming (the process by which a person befriends a child with the intention of committing sexual abuse). The expected outcome of this project is increased knowledge of the process which would feed into policy-making, child welfare work, and awareness-raising as well as providing topics for further actions and studies. It would strengthen the protection of children and formulate more effective preventive strategies.

knowledge enhancement project

The project could be aimed at victimisation of children in the online environment: identification of the most vulnerable groups of children targeted for online abuse, the psycho-social impact on children of online victimisation, ranging from accessing potentially harmful material (e.g. sexual and/or violent material) online to being abused.

The project should identify behavioural differences in use between age groups and gender; the relationship between young people’s sexuality and online grooming; the profiling of online risk-taking behaviour by different groups of children.

The methodology of the project should involve a qualitative approach involving children who have experienced online abuse.

Knowledge enhancement projects will be funded at 100 % of direct eligible costs (as defined in the model grant agreement), but without indirect costs (overheads).

Part 2:   Evaluation criteria

Part 2:

The evaluation of proposals will be based on the principles of transparency and equality of treatment. It will be carried out by the Commission with the assistance of independent experts. Each submission will be assessed on the basis of the evaluation criteria, which are divided in three categories: eligibility criteria, award criteria, selection criteria. Only proposals meeting the requirements of the eligibility criteria shall be evaluated further. The description of these criteria is presented below.

| 11. | Eligibility criteria
  On receipt, all proposals and applications will be subject to an eligibility check, to ensure that they conform to the requirements of the call, and to the submission procedure.
  The following checks will be carried out:






  — | Receipt of proposal by the Commission on or before the deadline date and time established in the call. |
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11.

Eligibility criteria

On receipt, all proposals and applications will be subject to an eligibility check, to ensure that they conform to the requirements of the call, and to the submission procedure.

The following checks will be carried out:

—

Receipt of proposal by the Commission on or before the deadline date and time established in the call.

| — | Proposal completeness. Proposals which are substantially incomplete — that is to say that the forms do not include sufficient information to identify the partners, their legal status and to evaluate the scope of the proposed project — will be excluded. |
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—

Proposal completeness. Proposals which are substantially incomplete — that is to say that the forms do not include sufficient information to identify the partners, their legal status and to evaluate the scope of the proposed project — will be excluded.

In addition, proposers must certify that they are not in one of the situations listed in the Work Programme which would exclude them from participation.

| 12. | Award criteria
  In order to evaluate the relative merit of proposals received, each means to implement the programme (integrated networks, targeted projects and thematic networks) will have its specific set of award criteria, with specific weightings. The description of these award criteria is presented in the Safer Internet 2009 Work Programme. |
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12.

Award criteria

In order to evaluate the relative merit of proposals received, each means to implement the programme (integrated networks, targeted projects and thematic networks) will have its specific set of award criteria, with specific weightings. The description of these award criteria is presented in the Safer Internet 2009 Work Programme.

| 13. | Selection criteria
  Selection criteria will ensure that the applicants possess the resources to co-finance the project and the professional competencies and qualifications required to complete the work successfully.
  Selection criteria are applied on the basis of the information supplied in the proposal. If this identifies cases of weak financial capacity or professional competence it may necessitate compensating actions such as financial guarantees or other actions. Successful proposals called to negotiations will be the subject of a formal legal and financial validation as a requirement to the issuing of a grant agreement.
  The description of the selection criteria is presented in the Safer Internet 2009 Work Programme. |
| --- | --- |

13.

Selection criteria

Selection criteria will ensure that the applicants possess the resources to co-finance the project and the professional competencies and qualifications required to complete the work successfully.

Selection criteria are applied on the basis of the information supplied in the proposal. If this identifies cases of weak financial capacity or professional competence it may necessitate compensating actions such as financial guarantees or other actions. Successful proposals called to negotiations will be the subject of a formal legal and financial validation as a requirement to the issuing of a grant agreement.

The description of the selection criteria is presented in the Safer Internet 2009 Work Programme.

Part 3:   Administrative details and deadline

Part 3:

| 14. | Proposals must be prepared using the forms in the Guide for proposers, and sent on paper in one (1) original and five (5) copies, accompanied by an electronic copy on CD-Rom, to the Commission at the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate General Information Society & Media |
| Safer Internet |
| Office EUFO 1194 |
| Rue Alcide de Gasperi |
| 2920 Luxembourg |
| LUXEMBOURG |

14.

Proposals must be prepared using the forms in the Guide for proposers, and sent on paper in one (1) original and five (5) copies, accompanied by an electronic copy on CD-Rom, to the Commission at the following address:

European Commission

Directorate General Information Society & Media

Safer Internet

Office EUFO 1194

Rue Alcide de Gasperi

2920 Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG

| 15. | Deadline for receipt of all proposals: 19 November 2009 at 17h00 (Luxembourg local time).
  Proposals arriving later than the deadline, or sent by fax or e-mail will be excluded. |
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15.

Deadline for receipt of all proposals: 19 November 2009 at 17h00 (Luxembourg local time).

19 November 2009 at 17h00 (Luxembourg local time

Proposals arriving later than the deadline, or sent by fax or e-mail will be excluded.

| 16. | Indicative evaluation and selection timetable: the evaluation will take place within two months from the closing date of this call. Applicants will be informed on the results of their application after the evaluation has taken place. The timing of some new projects will take account of existing contracts which, in the case of some Safer Internet Centres, run until end 2010, so as to ensure the most efficient use of funding. |
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16.

Indicative evaluation and selection timetable: the evaluation will take place within two months from the closing date of this call. Applicants will be informed on the results of their application after the evaluation has taken place. The timing of some new projects will take account of existing contracts which, in the case of some Safer Internet Centres, run until end 2010, so as to ensure the most efficient use of funding.

| 17. | In all correspondence relating to this call (e.g. when requesting information or submitting a proposal) please make sure to cite the applicable call part identifier.
  In submitting a proposal, applicants accept the procedures and conditions as described in this call and in the documents to which it refers.
  All proposals received by the European Commission will be treated in strict confidence.
  The European Community pursues an equal opportunities policy and, in this context, women are particularly encouraged to either submit proposals or to be involved in their submission. |
| --- | --- |

17.

In all correspondence relating to this call (e.g. when requesting information or submitting a proposal) please make sure to cite the applicable call part identifier.

In submitting a proposal, applicants accept the procedures and conditions as described in this call and in the documents to which it refers.

All proposals received by the European Commission will be treated in strict confidence.

The European Community pursues an equal opportunities policy and, in this context, women are particularly encouraged to either submit proposals or to be involved in their submission.

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(1)  OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 118.

1

(2)  Commission Decision C(2009) 4023 of 28.5.2009, http://ec.europa.eu/saferinternet

2

(3)  http://ec.europa.eu/saferinternet

3

(4)  Decision No 1351/2008/EC of 16 December 2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council published in OJ L 348 of 24.12.2008 p. 118.

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