Commitment freeze for NICHE and NFP programmes
02 Nov 2010
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which commissions Nuffic to manage the NICHE and NFP programmes, has called a commitment freeze for these programmes.
On 14 October 2010 a new Dutch Cabinet took office. This cabinet intends to cut the budget for development cooperation with effect from 2011. The present commitment freeze has been called to give the Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation a chance to consider the various spending cutback scenarios in relation to the two programmes.
For the time being this remains a temporary measure, which will be reviewed as soon as the necessary insight has been gained and a decision has been taken. Nuffic will be informed about any relevant budgetary consequences during this process.
Consequences
The consequences for each programme are as follows:
- Renewed NFP: At this time there is no definite information about the number of fellowships that will be made available for the deadline of 1 February 2011 and for subsequent deadlines in 2011. In view of the cutbacks, the ministry anticipates a significant reduction in the number of available fellowships as from this deadline. Definitive information will be provided as soon as possible.
- NICHE: Identification processes have been halted. Projects that are still being articulated will be put on hold until further instructions are received from the ministry. Projects that have already been tendered will be completed, and those that are successful will result in grant awards.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for decisions as regards funds made available for both NICHE and the NFP. Nuffic is therefore unable to provide any definite information about the availability and/or distribution of the NFP grants and NICHE projects at this time.
Nuffic will of course keep you informed of all relevant developments.
If you have any questions, please use the contact form on our website: www.nuffic.nl/contact.