What are the key challenges and lessons learnt from the implementation of the 2014-2020 Operational Programmes? Have the many issues of concern – and the many advances – been taken into account in the New Regulations proposal for 2021-2027?
For the current period, we will examine whether the best projects are being selected in order to achieve milestones and objectives and deliver results. We look at what best practice is being developed, and why programmes are being amended. The seminar will review programme financial planning and the application of the n+3 automatic decommitment rule. It will discuss which simplified cost options are being developed and used?
We refer extensively to Member State cases and good practice and consider live issues. There will be keynote interventions from senior managers at Austrian and Interreg Managing Authorities, assessing the challenges and lessons learnt for programme implementation. This will include reference to financial planning, targeting and sectors, achieving results and targets, financial control and complying with EU rules.
On the second day we will look at many of the key elements of the new draft regulations. We can split these into three broad sections: 1) Programming, Programme Management and Performance; 2) Programme Finance and Financial Management; 3) Financial Control and Audit. We will see how the proposed regulations attempt to simplify and add flexibility to future rules and operations, and highlight the synergies that the EU is seeking, so as to maximise the impact of funding.
How will it help you?
Besides our guest speakers, you will enjoy comprehensive sessions with Robin Smail and Marco Lopriore, experienced Structural Funds experts who have worked across the EU, and gathered numerous case studies and examples of good practice. You will meet with other national and regional practitioners and have the opportunity to exchange experience and put new ideas into practice.
The seminar provides ample time for question and answer sessions and discussions. There will be practical workshops and exercises on simplified cost options, horizontal priorities, indicators and the Performance Framework, evaluation questions.
Who will benefit most?
This seminar is aimed principally at practitioners from Member State national, regional and local authorities working with ESI Funds, but itis also open to the full range of economic and social partners working with the Funds – including universities, NGOs, employers’ associations, consultants.
