Philip Morris International is calling for funding proposals within PMI IMPACT, its new global initiative to support third party projects dedicated to fighting illegal trade in its many forms, as well as related crimes such as corruption, organized criminal networks and money laundering.
‘Proposals can come from private, public, or non-governmental organizations, and interested organizations must submit their applications by September 12, 2016,’ the company said.
‘For its first funding round, PMI IMPACT calls for projects that can have an impact on illegal trade and related crimes in the European Union. Organizations based anywhere in the world can apply, and projects can be implemented elsewhere provided they demonstrate an impact within the EU, including an impact on the illegal tobacco trade.
‘Proposals must directly relate to one or more of the PMI IMPACT focus areas: research, education and awareness, and action.
‘The centerpiece of PMI IMPACT is a council of external independent experts whose seven members have impeccable credentials in the fields of law, anti-corruption and law enforcement. The experts will evaluate and approve funding proposals for PMI IMPACT grants.’
Alvise Giustiniani, PMI’s vice president Illicit Trade Strategies and Prevention, said the EU was uniquely positioned to disrupt the operation of criminal networks through its advanced legal framework, its controls, and its co-operation with non-EU countries and international organizations.
“Despite the progress being made, illegal trade targeted at the European market continues to evolve rapidly with more complex routes and actors,” he said.
“PMI IMPACT offers a platform for a wide range of organizations to bring innovative solutions that can tackle the increasingly problematic reality of illegal trade.”
PMI has pledged US$100 million to fund projects within PMI IMPACT during the first three funding rounds.