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Cohesion Policy
2007-2013
Brussels, 15 July 2004
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Objectives retained
 The reinforcement of economic and social cohesion is
one of 3 objectives of the Union guaranteed by the
Treaty (article 2)
 Cohesion Policy is the main pillar for promoting the
harmonious development of the whole Community
(Art. 158 of the Treaty).
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The successful outcome of a process
 3 years of rich debate launched by the Second Cohesion
Report in January 2001
 Publication of the Third Cohesion Report, 18 February 2004:
Adoption of the main principles of the reform by the
Commission
 Cohesion Forum, 10 and 11 May: Plebiscite on the
guidelines of the Commission
 Adoption of the draft regulations, 14 July 2004
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The legislative proposals
 The legislative proposals are put in place through 5
regulations:
 A general regulation, which fixes the main objectives and
eligibility rules, for interventions, for programming and for the
management of the funds
 3 regulations, ERDF, ESF and the Cohesion Fund, which
spitulate the arrangements specific to each fund
 A regulation on groupings for European transborder
cooperation, which creates a new cooperation tool available
to regional and local organisations
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The 3 political priorities
The increase in disparities in the context of enlargement leads to
concentration of cohesion policy on 3 priorities:
The convergence of countries (GNI < 90% of the average) and
regions (regional GDP < 75% of the average) and the regions
concerned by the statistical effect, that is 33% of the population of the
Union
Regional competitiveness and employment: reinforce attractiveness
and ensure that socio-economic changes are anticipated in other
regions, without Community zoning
European territorial cooperation: Cross-border, trans-national and
inter-regional
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Re-orientation of Cohesion Policy based on the
priorities of the Union (Lisbon and Göteborg)
Articulation around the 3 pillars of sustainable development:
Competitiveness: innovation, research, education
and Accessibility
Employment and social inclusion
Environment and risk prevention
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The general principles of the reform
1. A more strategic approach based on Union priorities
2. Budgetary and thematic Concentration
3. Decentralised and Territorial approach through
greater responsibility for countries, regions and towns
4. Simplification of management methods
5. Proportionality and efficiency of control and
monitoring
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1. A more strategic approach
Definition of Union priorities in the strategic guidelines
established by the Council
Translation by the Member States of these Community
priorities in a national strategic reference framework decided
by the Commission
 Operational implementation by means of regional and
thematic programmes
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2. Concentration
 Budgetary resources are concentrated on those who need
them most (budgetary concentration):
78,54% in favour of convergence:
•Less-developed regions
•Less-developed countries
•regions concerned by the statistical effect linked to enlargement
(drop in GDP per capita)
17,22% in favour of regional competitiveness and
employment
3,94% for cross-border and trans-national cooperation
Programmes will focus on the Lisbon and Göteborg
priorities (thematic concentration)
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3. A decentralised and territorial approach
Each region may benefit from a programme, which it
implements
Territorial specificities are taken into account:
 Integration of the urban dimension with the possibility of sub-delegation
to the urban authorities
 Attention given to zones with a geographic or natural handicap:
islands, mountains, rural zones with low population density, previous
external border areas may benefit from an increased rate of cofinancing
 Nordic zones: very low population density taken into account in the
financial allocation
 Ultraperipheral regions: covered by a specific allocation compensating
for extra costs
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4. Significant simplification
3 funds in place of 6: ERDF, Cohesion Fund, ESF
A single fund by programme
Integration of projects of the Cohesion Fund in multiannual programming
Identical management rules for the Cohesion Fund and
the Structural Funds
Programming and financial management by priority and no
longer by measure
National eligibility rules for expenditures and no longer
Community rules
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5. More efficient financial management and control,
in the interests of the Community
Clearer share of responsibilities between the Commission and the
Member States (clearer articulation of different control levels)
Generalisation of the rule N+2: efficiency and discipline
Intervention of the Commission in control and monitoring in proportion with
the degree of assurance given by the Member State and the financial
stakes involved
Payments conditioned by the commitment of the Member States on the
reliability of the country’s management and control systems
Clarification of the mechanisms for financial correction in cases of
irregularity
Conditionality of the Cohesion Fund linked to the respect of convergence
programmes (temporary suspension of commitments, but restitution
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possible)