Brussels, 3rd December 2013

OCTAAssociation of the Overseas Countries and Territories of

the European Union

Table of content

1.What is OCTA ?

2. Mission and strategic objectives

3. Bureau’s support to OCTA to achieve its

objectives

4. Thematic Networks

5. Knowledge Centre

What is OCTA? OCTA is a non-profit organization registered in Belgium in 2003

and has 22 members, linked to 4 EU Member States, with a trans regional scope:

•Twelve Caribbean OCTs which are : Anguilla (UK), Aruba (NL), Cayman Islands (UK), Bonaire (NL), Curaçao (NL), Saba (NL), Sint-Marteen (NL), Sint-Eustatius (NL), British VI (UK), Montserrat (UK), Turks & Caïcos (UK) and Saint Barthelemy (FR)

•Four OCTs in the Pacific: French Polynesia (FR), New Caledonia (FR), Pitcairn (UK) & Wallis & Futuna

•Six isolated or uninhabited OCTs: Falklands Island (UK), Greenland (DEN),Mayotte (FR), Saint Pierre et Miquelon (FR), TAAF (French Southern and Atlantic Lands, FR)St Helena (UK)

http://www.octassociation.org/

The Objectives of OCTA

• To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and discussion on problems of common interests;

• To work for the mutual benefit of the OCTs and share information on common issues and best practices;

• To issue, where required, recommendations to all OCTs governments and Member States of the EU, on the necessary measures to be undertaken;

• To develop efficient work relations with the institutions of the EU and the ACP Group of States;

• To represent OCTs’ collective interests towards the European Institutions.

• The Ministerial Conference:• highest decision-making body, sets political orientations

and priorities of OCTA. • Meets yearly to adopt admin and political resolutions,

annual roadmap , and to elect Chair and Vice Chair • The Board of Chairman (proposal to be approved): consisting

of the Chair, Vice-Chair and immediate Past Chair of OCTA• The Executive Committee (ExCo)• 8 Members, who are OCTs representatives based in

Europe• Acts as Secretariat of the Ministerial Conference• Meets monthly

OCTA STRUCTURE

OCTA Strategic objectives and Priority Area Strategic Objectives:Working collectively to develop common interests set out in the strategic plan, the roadmap and the political resolutions of OCTA and based on the 3 pillars, the 3 Cs of the OCTA Strategy:

CooperationCapacity building Communication

FINANCINGFINANCING

OCTA Strategic Priority Area Priorities Areas :The key areas in which OCTA works to strengthen the regional, European and intra OCTs cooperation :

Environment and Climate Change

Trade and Regional Integration

Research, Education and Innovation

Renewable energies

Financial services

EU-OCTs-MS Policy Dialogue

The TA team supports OCTA in order to: - Increase policy dialogue and cooperation between OCTs and the EU;

- Increase administrative and technical capacity in the OCTs to manage EU funds; (EDF , EU programmes, as H2020, Erasmus+, Life+, COSME, DCI,…)

- Enhance coordination and communication among OCTs in order to increase information sharing and facilitate cooperation.

The TA team supports the training of OCTs interns, either students or professional.

OCTA Bureau activities

Thematic Networks and Knowledge Center

Means to support OCTA strategy and implementation of the activities:

THEMATIC NETWORKS

KNOWLEDGE CENTER

Thematic Networks

Why develop Networks?

Share knowledge, information & best practices and mobilize expertise, tools and facilities;

Ease the creation of new partnerships;

Build capacity (11th EDF programming, EU Funds and Programmes);

Thematic Networks

Who are the beneficiaries of the Thematic Networks?

Local Focal Points

OCTA WORKING GROUPS & PWP

OCTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

HOSTED ON

OCTA WEBSITE

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

HOSTED ON

OCTA WEBSITE

THEMATIC NETWORKS

Thematic Networks and Knowledge Centre

What is the Thematic Networks interface ?

How do Thematic Networks work?

•Collaborative platform;

•Events and conferences;

•Funding opportunities;

•Feedback on studies and recommendations online;

•New technologies, expertise, methodologies;

•Technical support to SPD & call responses;

•Links between priority thematics,

•Etc.

Thematic Networks

Brussels, 3rd December 2013

THANK YOU