SUSTAINABILITY OF
PROJECT RESULTS
Sustainability doesn’t end when the project does. Every partner remains responsible for its results, outputs and assets for years after implementation ends — and the Programme monitors this.
Sustainability period
The minimum period during which project results, outputs and assets must be preserved after implementation ends.
5 years
Infrastructure and equipment — counted from the end of implementation, or from the date of provisional acceptance where applicable.
- Continued use for the intended purpose defined in the Application Form.
- Kept in operational condition, with resources for maintenance and replacement.
- EU visibility maintained on delivered supplies and works throughout the period.
3 years
Capacity-building activities and other soft measures — counted from the end of implementation of the project.
- Services and activities established by the project remain operational.
- Records of use and follow-up kept and available on request.
- Same reporting and cooperation duties as for hard measures.
What every project partner must do
Keep using it as intended
Continuous use of results, outputs and assets for the purpose defined in the Application Form.
Maintain operational condition
Infrastructure, equipment and other assets kept in good working order.
Allocate resources
Sufficient financial, technical and human resources for operation, maintenance and replacement.
Keep records
Appropriate documentation demonstrating use and maintenance, available for the whole period.
Inform the Coordinator
Promptly report any circumstance that may affect the sustainability of the project.
Restore or replace
Damaged assets restored, destroyed ones replaced with equivalent quality and functionality.
Formalise ownership changes
On reorganisation or change of legal status, transfer ownership and responsibility to the legal successor.
Cooperate on checks
Support the Coordinator and authorities during sustainability monitoring, verification and audits.
Keep EU visibility
Visibility of the EU contribution on delivered supplies/works maintained throughout the sustainability period.
Coordinator's role after the project ends
Coordinate the partnership
- Monitor each partner's compliance with sustainability obligations.
- Collect and archive documentation demonstrating sustainability of results.
Liaise with authorities
- Coordinate information and evidence requested by the Managing Authority, NIPAC or other competent bodies.
- Coordinate corrective actions where deficiencies are identified.
How a sustainability check unfolds
On-the-spot visit
- Managing Authority/CBC Structure notifies the beneficiary by e-mail, at least 10 days before the visit.
- On site: confirms presence, condition and use of equipment/infrastructure.
- Checks EU visibility requirements and whether services/activities are still operational.
- Interviews staff, takes photos, notes and attendance lists.
Report & follow-up
- Draft report sent within 15 days of the visit — observations, risks, good practice, recommendations.
- Beneficiary gets at least 21 days to clarify or apply corrective measures.
- Final report issued after clarifications/evidence are received.
- If more time is needed for corrective measures, a follow-up check and follow-up final report are issued.
Declaration on Sustainability
Signed by the Coordinator in the first month of implementation; all partners commit to the same obligations via the Partnership Agreement.
Grant Contract & Programme rules
Sustainability obligations are contractual — they apply for the full period regardless of who currently manages the asset.
FFPA Articles 41 & 43
Financial Framework Partnership Agreement between the European Commission and Serbia — legal basis for financial corrections under IPA III.