CFPs: Strengthening the capacities of the Ministry of Interior for conducting Air Operations (North Macedonia)

Deadline: 4-Sep-25

The European Commission (EC) has launched the call for proposals to strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Interior for conducting Air Operations.

Objectives

• The overall objective of this project is strengthening the institutional and administrative capacities of the Ministry of Interior for conducting air operations by implementing EASA and national aviation regulations.
• The specific objective is to improve the Aviation Units Department within the Ministry of Interior for conducting air operations in accordance with international standards, ensuring enhanced safety, efficiency and effectiveness in supporting law enforcement activities.

Components and Results Per Component

• The project is structured in 2 (two) components.
  • The following key results and sub-results are expected to be realized:
    • Component 1: Strengthening the strategic and operative capacities of the Aviation Units Department
    • Mandatory Result 1: EASA regulations1 and national aviation regulations effectively mapped and assessed,
      • Expected sub-results: 1.1 Comprehensive mapping and assessment of existing organizational regulations and practices against EASA regulations and national aviation regulations completed, including identification of discrepancies including the recommendations for areas for improvement;
      • Personnel from the Aviation Units Department trained, ensuring comprehensive understanding and awareness of EASA regulations and national regulations;
      • Detailed gap analysis conducted, and an action plan developed outlining necessary steps and timelines for aligning organizational requirements with EASA/national standards.
    • Component 2: Development of legislative framework and capacity building for Aviation Units Department personnel
    • Mandatory Result 2: Enhanced Operational Manuals and SOPs developed to support effective aviation operations, in line with EASA regulations and national standards and capacity building activities organized
      • Expected Sub-Results:
        • Comprehensive manuals and SOPs that align with EASA regulations and national regulations and reflect best practices for safe operations developed;
        • Compliance Monitoring and Safety Management System developed in order to improve safety across operations;
        • Training sessions and workshops conducted for all personnel working in the Aviation Units Department conducted for the newly developed SOPs and operational manuals;
        • Flight Instructors and Type Rating Instructors certified by an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) to support self-sustainability and regulatory compliance and operational training for all personnel organized.

Funding Information

• The project will be implemented through a Twinning Contract estimated at maximum 250,000 EUR.

Duration

• The overall execution period of the twinning project is 13 months.

Expected Activities

• Component 1: 
  • Activity 1.1: Development of a detailed analysis and assessment of the current situation in the Aviation Units Department
    • In the scope of this activity an analysis of the current operational procedures in place conducted within the police aviation units and areas identified that require improvement or updating. Procedures will be reviewed for their compliance with EASA regulations and national regulations, focusing on operational safety, communication between flight crews, mission preparation, response to in-flight emergencies, flight crew licensing, flight operations, and safety management systems. Necessary revisions will be implemented to standardize procedures across all operational units.
  • Activity 1.2: Training on EASA and national regulations
    • In the scope of this activity, specialized training sessions to the personnel employed within the Aviation Units Department will be delivered to ensure comprehensive understanding and awareness of EASA and national regulations. Trainings will cover key areas such as safety management systems (SMS), airworthiness, flight operations, aircrew requirements, and flight operations. Participants will be evaluated through assessments to confirm their knowledge of regulatory compliance and safety procedures.
  • Activity 1.3: Preparation of Gap Analysis of Current Operational Procedures 
    • In the scope of this activity a GAP Analysis will be prepared for identifying possible gaps between the Aviation Units Department’s current operational procedures and EASA regulations and national aviation regulations in order to ensure compliance with EU standards and best practices.
• Component 2:
  • Activity 2.1: Preparation of Operational Manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 
    • In the scope of this activity, tailored operational manuals and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be prepared for the needs of the Aviation Units Department. These documents will ensure standardization in aircrew duties, aircraft maintenance, emergency response procedures, and flight safety protocols, ensuring international compatibility with EASA and ICAO standards.
  • Activity 2.2: Development of Compliance Monitoring and Safety Management System 
    • In the scope of this activity, a compliance monitoring system and a safety management framework will be designed and put into operation for the Aviation Units Department in order to ensure continuous adherence to EASA regulations and to proactively address noncompliance or safety incidents.
  • Activity 2.3: Capacity Building for the Aviation Units Department personnel 
    • In the scope of this activity, training sessions and workshops will be conducted for all personnel working in the Aviation Units Department in order to familiarize the personnel with the newly developed SOPs and operational manuals, ensuring the practical application of these standards in real-life operations.
  • Activity 2.4: Conducting ATO Specialized Training for Flight Instructor (FI) and Type Rating Instructor (TRI)
    • In the scope of this activity, an ATO Specialized Training for Flight Instructor (FI) and Type Rating Instructor (TRI) will be conducted in order to develop in-house training capabilities and ensure the department’s sustainability in pilot training and qualification.

Geographic Focus

• Republic of North Macedonia

Eligibility Criteria

• Only Public Administrations and Mandated bodies as per Twinning Manual of European Union Member States may apply through European Union Member States.

For more information, visit EC.